January 12 – A number of players worldwide seized the opportunity to showcase their talents on the largest stage at the World Cup. These once-less-known players are now well-known and frequently the subjects of attention as seen with the latest online casino games.
Qatar’s breakout players are now attracting attention in time for the opening of the winter transfer market for Europe’s top leagues in the new year.
We examine some rising stars who performed well at the finals in Qatar who look ripe for a January club move.
Goncalo Ramos, Portugal and Benfica
The attacker showed he could replace Cristiano Ronaldo on the international scene by seizing his opportunity when he was selected over Portugal’s captain for the 6–1 victory over Switzerland in the round of 16.
It is now clear why so many Premier League clubs attempted to sign him this summer. Since Darwin Nunez’s departure, Benfica has been led by 21-year-old Ramos. He has scored eight goals in 18 appearances, and the Portuguese giants have advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals.
He poses a significant threat for any Portugal team because of his speed, intelligence, and finishing ability. Cristiano Ronaldo may be the best player, but Ramos’ role is increasingly significant.
Ramos earned the nickname “Pistoleiro” because he celebrated goals by carrying a rifle. His hat trick on his debut propelled him to the top of the footballing world and only enhanced his transfer value.
Jude Bellingham, England
You could easily forget that Bellingham is only 19 years old since the mature vibe he exudes makes him appear older than he is.
Consider how he comforted Harry Kane after he missed a penalty against France by wrapping his arm around the captain. Will he ever don the captain’s armband for the Three Lions?
Bellingham’s natural feel for the game at such a young age is already generating comparisons to some of England’s all-time greats. He is the focal point of everything the Three Lions attempt, whether tracking back to help double-team tricky wingers, initiating a counterattack, or making a late run into the box to cross the ball.
A recent transfer valuation put the Dortmund player at over €200 million, the highest in world football.
Dominik Livakovic (Goalkeeper), Croatia
Dominik Livakovic was assigned the number one jersey for the 2022 World Cup after sitting on the bench for Croatia’s run to the last four years prior. He was one of the most renowned goalkeepers in Qatar.
Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez defeated Livakovic closely for the Golden Glove trophy. Before the game proceeded to penalties, Livakovic made 11 saves against Brazil, the most by a Croatian goalie in a single World Cup match.
Livakovic has always played for Dinamo Zagreb, although his contract expires in 2024, and there are whispers he may join Bayern Munich. During the summer, Manchester United, Leicester City, and Nottingham Forest reportedly declined the opportunity to purchase the goalkeeper for between £5 million and £10 million. They may be regretting that now.
Luka Sučić, Croatia
Red Bull Salzburg, the club that has produced Erling Haaland, Sadio Mané, and Dayot Upamecano in recent years, is making yet another superstar.
Luka Sui is a lively and inventive midfielder who did perform well in Croatia’s group matches against Canada, Belgium, and Morocco. The 20-year-old is powerful when he has possession of the ball and agile when he does not, making him ideal for breaking through the lines during tight games.
Cody Gakpo, Netherlands
The Dutch forward scored in all three group games for his country. He brought his blazing play for PSV Eindhoven to the highest stage. He became the first big move of the post Qatar transfer window with Liverpool snapping him up.
The 23-year-old is athletically built and stands 6 feet, 4 inches tall. This season, he has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 games for PSV Eindhoven, which has impressed many on the international scene.
Gakpo’s header late in the second half of the first match between the Netherlands and Senegal broke the deadlock and resulted in a 2-0 victory. In a 1-1 draw with Ecuador, he put the Netherlands in front with a powerful left-footed strike. In Oranje’s 2-0 win over Qatar, he assisted the team with a tidy finish.
Gakpo did not score again, but he still contributed to Louis van Gaal’s squad losing on penalties to Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Before the World Cup, rumours circulated that the PSV forward would join Manchester United. His choice of Liverpool where he joins national teammate Virgil van Dyjke met with criticism from some quarters that he was joining a team on the wane and struggling to maintain its competitive position at the top of the English pyramid.
Gakpo could be the player to make the difference on that respect.
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