Top 10 footballers to watch out for October international break
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are back for international duty
The 2024-25 football season is currently underway but it will be put on hold for the international break. This is the second international break of the season and it will feature some important games of world football. In Europe, we’ll see teams battle it out for the crown of the UEFA Nations League. South America and Asia will continue their World Cup qualifiers and feature big teams like Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The continent of Africa will see countries go head to head for AFCON qualification and North American teams will also play some friendlies.
This is a perfect opportunity for managers to start building a blueprint for the 2026 World Cup as there aren’t many international breaks left before then. Footballers will be lacing up their boots to feel the honor of representing their respective countries once again and here are our top 10 players to watch out for October international break.
10. Julian Alvarez
Since his move from Manchester City this summer, the Argentine has failed to find his footing at Atletico Madrid. He has only scored three goals for Los Colchoneros so far this season and it will be interesting to see how Lionel Scaloni will utilise him in the presence of an in-form Lautaro Martinez.
9. Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons is the present and future of the Dutch national team. Forged in the legendary La Masia, the 21-year-old has impressed the entire world with his technical ability. He is an excellent dribbler and excels when given the role of an attacking midfielder.
8. Christopher Nkunku
The Chelsea forward is named in France’s 23-man squad for the UEFA Nations League by Didier Deschamps. With Kylian Mbappe missing out due to injury and Griezmann’s retirement, Nkuku will have a great opportunity to win his place in the national team. He has already scored seven goals in 11 matches for Chelsea this season and he will look to replicate the same form for his national team.
7. Raphinha
The Barcelona attacker is making his return to the Seleção after not being picked for the international break in September. He is in blistering form as he has already registered six goals and six assists to his name in 11 appearances this season. In the absence of Vinicius Jr, Raphinha will be given the responsibility of leading the line for the Brazilian national team.
6. Nico Paz
Nico Paz has been named in Argentina’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers. The formal Real Madrid player is set to make his senior debut for La Albiceleste. It is a great opportunity for the youngster to demonstrate his quality and announce himself on the international stage.
5. Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona winger is on Spain’s squad for their nation’s league encounters against Denmark and Serbia. After the historic Euros 2024 campaign, the 17-year-old has been one of the first names on the squad list of La Roja. His partnership with Nico Williams has been very exciting and we can’t wait for these two to get back together.
Also Read: Top 13 highest international scorers of all time
4. Cole Palmar
Cole Palmar is arguably the best player in the English Premier League right now. He played a rotational role under Gareth Southgate but that should change under Lee Carsley. The Englishman has been massively underused for his national team and deserves more opportunities to showcase his incredible talent.
3. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has been one of the best strikers of the 21st century. He was finally showing signs of slowing down during the 2023-24 football season. His goal-scoring output dropped massively but this season is a whole different story. He is currently on 84 international goals and will be eying that historic 100-goal mark.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Everyone was skeptical about Ronaldo’s future in the national team after the 2024 Euros but Roberto Martinez has shown his faith in the superstar. Ronaldo scored two goals for Portugal last month and will be given the responsibility of finding the back of the net yet again.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi will wear the iconic white and blue of Argentina for the first time since the final of the 2024 Copa America. The Argentine has been plagued with injuries but we are hoping that he has regained his full fitness. Fans will be hoping to see his magic on the international stage once again as Argentina will take on Venezuela and Bolivia in their World Cup qualifiers.
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