Rising Stars in International Football: Young Players to Watch
3 min readAs the international break takes center stage, it provides a unique opportunity for young football talents to shine on the world stage. These rising stars are leaving their mark on the international scene, and they are worth keeping a close eye on over the coming week.
**Ezequiel Farias: Argentina’s Rising Star**
Ezequiel Farias, a young talent from Inter Miami, is set to join Lionel Messi as he represents Argentina in the defense of their World Cup title against Paraguay and Peru. Farias, a €5 million signing from Colon, has quickly made an impression in Major League Soccer. With his remarkable acceleration, directness, and ability to take on opponents, Farias is a unique attacking No. 8. He possesses the skills to draw fouls, evade pressure, and break lines with his determined runs.
**Loic Lukeba: France’s Emerging Defender**
Loic Lukeba, a dominant defender for the under-21 national side, has earned his place in the RB Leipzig squad after a €34 million move from Lyon. Quick, mobile, and an excellent ball distributor, Lukeba’s early interceptions and calm approach make him a promising talent. He’s the left-footed center-back that could become a permanent fixture in future Les Bleus squads.
**Bart Vermeeren: Belgium’s Midfield Dynamo**
Bart Vermeeren, heavily influential in Antwerp’s title-winning season, has earned his first senior callup for Belgium. His style of play has garnered attention from major European clubs. Vermeeren often operates with more freedom to roam in a double pivot, displaying energy and a desire to get on the ball. He combines finesse, playmaking skills, and discipline in recovering and pressing.
**Nusa: Norway’s Exciting Winger**
Nusa, the winger from Brugge, is creating excitement in Norway with his array of trickery, quick footwork, and body feints. This skillful teenager has already made an impact by finding the net in his senior debut and impressing with his flair against Georgia. Although he may start from the bench this time due to a minor injury, Nusa’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and he’s attracting interest from major European clubs.
**Levi Colwill: England’s Left-Footed Defender**
Levi Colwill, one of the standout performers from England’s European Under-21 Championship-winning side, has earned his chance to shine for the senior squad. As the only left-footed defender in the England team, he may find himself in a left-back role, despite his preference for the left center-back position. Colwill is known for his ability to play out from the back, physicality, and commitment. His future looks promising, and he is likely to be a fixture in the national team.
**Silva: Benfica’s Impressive Defender**
Silva, the promising defender from Benfica, has been continuously linked with European powerhouses, including Manchester United. Despite a clumsy handball incident in the Champions League, Silva’s game has reached another level. He’s an efficient and consistent defender with improved distribution skills.
**Nikola Samardzic: The Versatile Midfielder**
Nikola Samardzic, a versatile box-to-box midfielder, was close to joining Inter a few months ago. His versatility and ability to energetically drive forward in possession make him a sought-after talent. He consistently finds himself in favorable goal-scoring positions in the final third, which is a rare quality in creative midfielders.
**Achraf El Khannouss: Morocco’s Playmaker**
Achraf El Khannouss, who opted to represent Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, is closely followed by clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal. Known for his exceptional technical ability, vision, and decision-making, El Khannouss is an elegant playmaker who effortlessly delivers precise passes and displays remarkable maturity on the field.
These young talents are making their mark in international football, and their performances in the upcoming fixtures are sure to draw the attention of scouts and fans alike. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to impress on the global stage.