The first international break of the year is upon us.
A much-welcomed reprieve from domestic duties for some. For others, it’ll be the chance to earn international recognition. The World Cup is right around the corner. Managers will have their ideal squads locked in.
Players covered in this article:
Even so, with looming friendlies, some have deserved the opportunity to land a first senior cap for their country. Here, we run through 10 hoping to make their first international appearance in the coming days.
James Garner – England
Everton star James Garner celebrated his England call up with a fine showing against Chelsea at the weekend. Garner registered an assist in the 3-0 triumph over the Blues. The Toffees star has shone under David Moyes. Only Joao Palhinha (96) has made more tackles than the 25-year-old (93) in the Premier League this season. A spot in the England squad was richly deserved.
Igor Thiago – Brazil
Igor Thiago is enjoying a superb Brentford campaign. Only Erling Haaland (22) has scored more goals than the Bees bruiser (19) in the Premier League this season. After an injury-hit debut year in London, Thiago is making up for lost time. His goalscoring exploits haven’t gone unnoticed either. Indeed, he’s made Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the March internationals.
Maxence Lacroix – France
Maxence Lacroix is in the France squad by chance. William Saliba withdrew from Didier Deschamps’ selection owing to an ankle issue despite playing the full 90 minutes in the EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City. It’s well earned for Lacroix regardless. The Frenchman is part of a Crystal Palace side that boasts the joint-third best defensive record in the Premier League.
Victor Munoz – Spain
Victor Munoz has impressed for Osasuna this season. The young Spaniard has five goals and two assists to his name having joined from Real Madrid last summer. Renowned for his driving ability, Munoz ranks joint-third for successful take ons (63) in La Liga this season. And he’ll hope to have the chance to showcase this quality in looming meetings with Serbia and Egypt.
Lennart Karl – Germany
While Julian Nagelsmann was perhaps reluctant to call teenager Lennart Karl up to the Germany squad too early, the Bayern Munich star warrants a first bite of the international cherry. In a fine breakout season, Karl adjusted seamlessly to the rigours of domestic and European football. For a team of Bayern’s stature, that’s some going.
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Marco Palestra – Italy
Cagliari are flirting with relegation. Despite their predicament, Marco Palestra has done enough to warrant an Italy call up. The 21-year-old, who has been linked with Tottenham, has scored once and provided four assists in Serie A this season. Crucially, he’s maximised the freedom down the flank. 52 completed take ons is more than any other defender and the third most overall.
Mateus Fernandes – Portugal
One of West Ham’s most consistent players this season. The Hammers did well to lure midfielder Mateus Fernandes to the London Stadium following Southampton’s relegation. And his performances have caught the eye of Roberto Martinez. Despite his loyalty to his favoured personnel, Martinez called Fernandes up to the Portugal squad for upcoming games against Mexico and USA.
Kees Smit – Netherlands
Having been courted by Newcastle in January, Kees Smit’s stock is expected to soar before long. The Dutch midfielder, who has been likened to Spanish star Pedri, is one of the jewels in the AZ crown. The 20-year-old is creating 1.5 chances and making 1.6 tackles per 90 this season. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has previously talked Smit up. We’ll soon see why.
Mika Godts – Belgium
Remaining with the Eredivisie, Ajax have a player on their hands. Mika Godts has shone for the Dutch giants this season, scoring 14 times and providing nine assists. The 20-year-old has completed more take ons (68) than any other player in the Dutch top tier this term. We don’t want to jinx Godts, but… the long-term successor for Eden Hazard?
Harvey Vale – Republic of Ireland
Having come through the ranks at Chelsea, Harvey Vale left the Blues permanently last February. The 22-year-old has gone to make a name for himself with QPR. While the west London side are mired in mid-table, Vale has still impressed. And his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Republic of Ireland made waves. The youngster is in the Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifier against Czechia later this week. Could he prove the hero for the Boys in Green?
