The 2022 World Cup is nearing its conclusion, and it’s safe to say fans around the world have been treated to some era-defining matches throughout the past month.
As has been the case with a multitude of stars down the years, the prestige of a World Cup can elevate one’s profile to previously unforeseen heights, and in some cases, bear no resemblance to their club form.
Household names such as Mesut Ozil and James Rodriguez, who both secured huge transfers to Real Madrid as a result of their performances in 2010 and 2014 respectively, spring to mind when looking back at notable breakthrough campaigns.
With just two games remaining in Qatar, we are taking a look at which players have seen their stock increase as a result of the World Cup, and which domestic clubs are perhaps best suited or in line make a move in the near future.
Enzo Fernandez – Argentina
Rather incredibly, 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez had never started a game for Argentina prior to the tournament, but his performances in Qatar have confirmed why the likes of Liverpool and PSG have been long-term admirers.
The Argentine is typically tenacious, and his eye-catching performances for Benfica since making the switch from his native River Plate forced Lionel Scaloni’s hand when naming his 26-man squad for these finals.
Deployed largely as a deep lying midfielder, he is blessed with world-class vision and a toolbox full of various passing ranges, but perhaps his most desirable quality is his ability to surge through the middle of the pitch with ease.
https://twitter.com/scofcomps/status/1601344390512881664
Notable moments include a stunning curling effort against Mexico on matchday two to grab his first international goal, as well as a stand-out performance in the semi-final with Croatia where he topped the passing and tackling charts.
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are crying out for a player such as the mould of Fernandez, but having moved to Benfica only six months ago, coupled with a £108m buyout clause, this transfer link looks to be on the back-burner for the time being.
Azzedine Ounahi – Morocco
Morocco have been the defining success story at this year’s World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-final stage.
This is in no small part to a spirited, well-organised and supremely talented cohort of players, and 22-year-old Azzedine Ounahi has caught the attention of spectators around the world.
Certainly not a household name to most prior to the tournament, the Angers midfielder has formed a blossoming partnership with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who also must be commended as one of the best players at the tournament and will certainly be on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.
However, for a player who plys his trade at Ligue 1’s rock-bottom club, Ounahi has well and truly emerged from the darkness. Perhaps slightly unorthodox, his lanky, slight, six-foot frame is reminiscent of Spain’s Sergio Busquets, but Ounahi possesses far more pace and an unrelenting desire for the ball.
Although Amrabat has been Morocco’s engine in midfield, Ounahi covered a staggering 14.7km against Spain in the Round of 16, and his ability to move through the gears with ease makes him a hugely desirable asset in the modern game.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour recently urged his former side to make a move for him in the January window, while Barcelona are also said to be keen on acquiring his services.
Cody Gakpo – Netherlands
Undoubtedly one of the most sought after strikers in world football prior to the World Cup, Cody Gakpo’s stock will have increased leaps and bounds after a mightily impressive showing for the Netherlands.
Before leaving his post as manager, Louis van Gaal said “Cody has everything it takes to become a star.”
No statement has ever been truer – an imposing six-foot-four frame, ambidextrous feet and a natural ability to find the net, Gakpo is a modern striker personified.
Cody Gakpo says he would consider a move to Manchester United 👀🔴 pic.twitter.com/OMSF1q5ZoU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 8, 2022
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch admitted his side were in advanced negotiations for his services last summer, but 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 appearances for PSV, as well as three in five for his side at the World Cup will have pushed him out of reach, bar the elite.
Manchester United have been heavily touted as potential suitors, but an inflated price tag is to be expected if their interest is serious.
Jude Bellingham – England
If it wasn’t evident before, Jude Bellingham’s performances in Qatar have confirmed the seemingly boundless potential he holds.
The 19-year-old was playing for his boyhood club Birmingham City in the Championship just over two years ago, but his meteoric rise has seen him establish himself as one of the finest midfielders on the planet.
Now a nailed-on inclusion amongst Gareth Southgate’s 11, he begun his first World Cup campaign in style by looping a majestic headed effort to open the scoring in the 6-2 win over Iran. In the process, he became England’s second-youngest goalscorer at a World Cup after Michael Owen 24 years ago.
It is easy to forget he is still a teenager, and a telling sign of his maturity came when he rushed over to Harry Kane to console him following his late penalty miss against France.
Watch @BellinghamJude here, absolutely magnificent, hard to believe he is just 19. Legend pic.twitter.com/hHoSVj6mcv
— Giles Paley-Phillips (@eliistender10) December 12, 2022
With one of the highest market values in the world, long-term admirers Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid will have to pay over the odds to pry him away from Borussia Dortmund following a dazzling World Cup.
Josko Gvardiol – Croatia
Chelsea fans may be more familiar than most with Josko Gvardiol after the Blues had a £60million approach turned down in the summer.
Should they have been successful, it may well have turned out to be a bargain if his World Cup display is any indication of his future stock.
Arguably Croatia’s stand-out player on their route to a second successive semi-final, the Leipzig centre-back is pacey, powerful and plays well-beyond his years. Croatia have been quite content to sit back and invite pressure, meaning Gvardiol has been heavily involved in shutting out some talented forward lines – he ranks in the top 10 for tackles won, successful blocks and interceptions.
At just 20-years-old, he looks to be one of the most promising defenders in the world and has been compared to the likes of Virgil van Dijk as a ‘Rolls Royce’.
It would certainly be no surprise to see a whole host of Europe’s top clubs enter the race to sign him – Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City have reportedly joined Chelsea in the pursuit for his services.
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