{"id":1371558,"date":"2025-01-03T17:00:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T17:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1371558"},"modified":"2025-01-03T17:23:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T17:23:18","slug":"players-became-world-class-2024","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/players-became-world-class-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Eight players who became world-class in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

No subject gets football supporters more heated than discussing who qualifies as ‘world-class’ and what that definition even means.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Due to the subjective nature of such a term, there are many differing opinions. However, there is a consensus on who deserves to be called ‘world-class,’ but this honour is not permanent\u2014it can be taken away.<\/p>\n

In the past year, players like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane have strengthened their claim to this title, while some new faces have emerged. The question now is whether they can maintain this level consistently over the years like football’s all-time greats.<\/p>\n

[dugoutvideo id=”eyJrZXkiOiIiLCJwIjoic3F1YXdrYSIsInBsIjoiZjBEVXZyWkwifQ==” partner=”squawka”]<\/p>\n

Cole Palmer<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There were signs that Cole Palmer could be a standout player at Manchester City, as the academy graduate made numerous impressive cameos from the bench. Despite the departure of Riyad Mahrez, regular playing time under Pep Guardiola wasn’t guaranteed, leading Palmer to seek opportunities elsewhere. Although City went on to win their fourth consecutive Premier League title, Chelsea acquired a gem in Palmer, who quickly became one of their most important players despite his young age.<\/p>\n

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At Stamford Bridge, Palmer broke several records and was one of only nine players across Europe\u2019s top five leagues in 2024 to register at least 10 goals and 10 assists. In fact, only Harry Kane (29), Robert Lewandowski (27), and Erling Haaland (27) scored more goals than his total of 26. His exceptional performances earned him a spot on the England national team. However, with Gareth Southgate having a wealth of options, Palmer was often deployed as a substitute. He made his presence felt by equalising for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final.<\/p>\n

Raphinha<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Some eyebrows were raised when Raphinha left the relegated Leeds United to join Barcelona, especially considering that other European super clubs were also interested in him.<\/p>\n

The dynamic Brazilian winger often seemed on the verge of reaching the next level, and his impressive underlying statistics convinced the Catalan giants to make the move, which has turned out to be one of their best transfer decisions in recent years.<\/p>\n

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Raphinha has now been directly involved in more goals than any other player in the Champions League this season:<\/p>\n

\u25ce 6 games
\u25c9 6 goals
\u25c9 2 assists <\/p>\n

He becomes the 5th different player with 25 goal involvements across Europe's top five leagues and UEFA competitions this\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/dRr7UuHwhI<\/a><\/p>\n

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n