Top 10 best players to watchout for in March international break

Published at :March 17, 2024 at 10:02 PM

Modified at :March 17, 2024 at 10:02 PM

The biggest names in football will gear up to represent their nations

As the footballing world gears up for another exhilarating round of international fixtures, anticipation runs high for fans eager to witness their favourite players represent their respective nations. The March international break serves as a crucial juncture for teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of upcoming tournaments and qualifiers.

It’s a time when stars from across the globe converge, bringing their unique skills and talents to the fore on the grand stage of international football. From established veterans to rising talents, the roster of players set to grace the field is nothing short of captivating. In this dynamic landscape, certain individuals stand out for their exceptional abilities and potential to leave a lasting impact on the matches to come.

Here, we highlight the ten best players who are poised to steal the spotlight during the March international break:

10. Antoine Griezmann – France

Returning to Atletico Madrid permanently in 2022 has seen the French World Cup winner rediscover his vintage form, with the past twelve months proving particularly fruitful for him. During this period, he has notched up an impressive tally of 26 goals and 16 assists since the beginning of 2023, including a remarkable six goals in the Champions League this season. Of notable mention is his significant contribution in terms of assists, as Griezmann topped the charts for key passes, shot-creating actions, and goal-creating actions in the Spanish top flight last season.

9. Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands

Since he arrived at Liverpool FC in January 2018, Virgil van Dijk has cemented his status as one of the premier defenders in global football, now assuming the role of club and country captain. Van Dijk, a right-footed centre-back known for his physical effectiveness, typically occupies the left side of the central defence, though he’s versatile enough to excel on the right as well. His attributes include notable speed, proficient technique, and a keen eye for scoring opportunities.

8. Rodri – Spain

Rodri serves as the heartbeat of Manchester City and Spain, an indispensable component within their finely tuned system. He embodies versatility, seamlessly transitioning between defensive solidity and attacking flair from his midfield position. With his imposing stature, Rodri fulfils the role of a robust, combative midfielder, while also possessing the finesse and creativity of an attacking playmaker, often venturing forward with purpose. In mid-January 2024, he reached a significant milestone of 50 undefeated games for City, further solidifying his impact.

7. Vinicius Jr – Brazil

It’s a foreboding signal to the footballing world that while Real Madrid has shed some of its ageing core in recent transfer windows, an equally formidable threat has emerged: Vini Jr. At just 23 years old, he has already amassed over 200 appearances for the club across all competitions since 2018, his blistering pace is undeniable, with explosive acceleration capable of leaving defenders frozen in their tracks. What’s most remarkable is how he combines this speed with exceptional footwork and ball control, rivalling some of the best players in the world.

6. Jude Bellingham – England

It’s rare to witness a player making such an immediate impact upon arrival at Real Madrid, especially one as young as Jude Bellingham, who is only 20 years old. In addition to his stellar performances in the Champions League and his contributions for England against Scotland, Germany, and Italy, Bellingham has seamlessly integrated into Real Madrid’s setup, assuming the role of their primary goal scorer. Operating in a false nine position, he made significant impacts with two goals in October’s El Clasico and four goals in the Champions League.

5. Kylian Mbappe – France

Mbappe’s form remains formidable, maintaining his lethal scoring abilities, he concluded the last season with an impressive tally of 41 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, it’s noteworthy that more than half of these goals were scored during the 2023 segment of the campaign. This season, the 2018 World Cup winner continues to deliver, netting 36 times across all competitions for both club and country. The new France captain will look to make an impact for his country in the upcoming fixtures.

4. Erling Haaland – Norway

Erling Haaland has not only showcased the form that places him among the elite players in the world but has also backed it up with remarkable achievements. While there might be debates about his overall footballing qualities, it becomes inconsequential when his scoring ability is virtually unstoppable. In the 2022-23 season, Haaland emerged as the top scorer in both the Premier League and the Champions League, clinching the European Golden Shoe along the way. His prolific scoring played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphant campaign, securing a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.

3. Harry Kane – England

Following his summer move to Bayern Munich, Kane’s form has reached new heights. He has not only scored more goals than appearances but has also provided a significant number of assists, including a remarkable wondergoal against Darmstadt from inside his half. With his current trajectory, Kane seems destined to clinch his first silverware at the Allianz Arena by the end of the season. While 2023 was a standout year for Kane, it appears that 2024 holds even greater promise for the talented striker. England’s all-time leading goal scorer will prove to be an impactful player for Gareth Southgate in this break and the summer to come.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

Despite his move to Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to remain prominently featured in the mainstream spotlight. With an impressive 54 goals, he topped the goal-scoring charts in 2023, edging out his closest competitor, Harry Kane, by two goals. While Ronaldo’s presence has undoubtedly raised the profile of the Saudi Pro League since his arrival, it’s worth noting that the league doesn’t offer the same level of competition as Europe’s top leagues, which contributes to his placement lower on this list. He is the only player ever to make more than 200 appearances for his country.

1. Lionel Messi – Argentina

In March 2023, Lionel Messi returned to Argentina as a celebrated world champion, gracing his home country with his presence in two friendly matches. His first appearance was marked by a memorable milestone as he netted his 99th international goal with a stunning free-kick, contributing to Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Panama. This remarkable achievement also marked his 800th senior career goal across club and country, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Messi’s first goal against Curacao secured his entry into an elite club, as he became only the third player in history to reach the historic milestone of 100 international goals.

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