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The growth of club football over the past few decades has been astounding. The amount of money pumped into the sport through sponsorships, investors taking over clubs and TV rights is immense.
That has made top club competitions like the UEFA Champions League an ideal stage for top players to showcase their skills. However, if you ask any professional player how they feel about wearing their nation's colours, they will term it as one of their most special moments.
Representing one's country still remains one of football's top honours. That is especially true for youngsters newly entering the professional football world. National team managers across the globe are constantly on the lookout for improvements to their teams.
Young players are highly rated for their energy levels. If such a player is afforded a decent run of games, they can make or break their careers depending on how they handle the occasion.
In the past, we have seen players fade away under the weight of expectations. However, some youngsters thrust onto the international stage have the quality to stay and progress in the long haul. It's almost like they are destined to have a run at the top level.
On that note, here's a look at five such youngsters who are on the cusp of representing their countries in the ongoing international break.
#5 Lukas Nmecha - Germany
A Manchester City academy product, Lukas Nmecha represented the Cityzens for over a decade in their youth ranks. He was a prolific goalscorer, netting 50 times in all competitions at youth level for City.
During that spell, he went on loan to Preston North End, Wolfsburg and Middlesbrough. It was during his final loan spell with Anderlecht where Nmecha made a huge impact, bagging 18 goals in 37 appearances.
Wolfsburg were quick to take notice of what they had seemingly missed out on earlier. They signed him from his parent club Manchester City this summer on a permanent deal.
So far this season, Nmecha has scored six goals in 15 appearances for Wolfsburg. Two of those strikes have come in the UEFA Champions League. The striker has also been an integral part of Germany's U21 side.
His call-up to the German senior squad is no surprise. Coach Hansi Flick has hinted that the Wolfsburg frontman may even start, as Die Mannschaft have almost qualified for next year's FIFA World Cup.
Another thing to note is Timo Werner's absence due to injury, putting Lukas Nmecha on course to make his first start for his nation. Does he deserve a start? Definitely. Will he perform on the big stage for his country? Only time will tell.
#4 Aaron Ramsdale - England
Arsenal's new No. 1 and an early contender for signing of the season, Aaron Ramsdale has been spectacular, to say the least.
His presence on the pitch is electric, and his passion for the game is evident through his numerous punches in the air after making a save. The way he tracks down shots and extends his body to make saves give anyone watching him goosebumps. Such has been the summer signing's impact that Ramsdale has the best save success rate across England's top four divisions.
Considering that England goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Sam Johnstone also play in the division, Ramsdale's exploits make him deserving of an appearance for the Three Lions.
He has kept seven clean sheets in 11 games for The Gunners since making his first-team debut. Considering his ball-playing ability and passing range, Ramsdale should help manager Gareth Southgate build a formidable foundation at the back.
'Rammers' will hope to follow in the footsteps of his hero, former Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman, and play for his country.
#3 Thiago Almada - Argentina
Since making his debut for Velez Sarsfield in 2019, Thiago Almada has made 95 appearances across competitions. The Argentine wunderkind has scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists. That is quite impressive considering that he turned 20 only a few months ago.
One may question why he hasn't been around the Argentina national team before. However, with the world-class talents the Albiceleste possess in attack, it is no surprise Almada has had to bide his time.
The young forward has scored four goals and dished out as many assists for Velez this season. His call-up to the national side is well-deserved, and Argentine football fans will be eager to see their starboy in their national stripes.
#2 Gabriel Magalhaes - Brazil
How Arsenal managed to sign Gabriel for under £30 million without other big clubs taking notice will be a mystery for the ages. The Brazilian centre-back dominated Ligue 1 for Lille in the 2019-20 season, before the Gunners snapped him up that summer. He topped most of the defensive stats, like tackles, clearances and passes, in the league that season.
Gabriel has now received his first senior call-up. His performances in Arsenal's defence this season are a testament to his immense quality. He has averaged 1.3 clearances, 1.4 blocks and an impressive 4.3 blocks per game for The Gunners. He is an aerial threat in attacking set-pieces as well, which he demonstrated by scoring in the Premier League this season.
Whether he will start remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the player has a strong competitive streak and does not accept defeat. Whether Brazil coach Tite sees the spark in him and picks him in their starting XI remains to be seen, though.
#1 Emile Smith Rowe - England
Arsenal's latest wunderkind alongside Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe will be one to watch out for during this international break. Smith Rowe, like his club teammate Gabriel, has earned his first call-up to his national side.
There are injury and health concerns for James Ward-Prowse and Declan Rice, respectively. However, one would be remiss to think that the Hale End graduate's red-hot goalscoring form for Arsenal isn't the reason he has been picked for The Three Lions. Here is a video of Smith Rowe sharing his reaction on learning about his maiden England call-up:
The 21-year-old has scored five goals and dished out two assists in 13 games for The Gunners this season. England manager Gareth Southgate will hope Smith Rowe can carry that form into a depleted but heavily talented English midfield.
Smith Rowe's ability to dribble past players while maintaining his balance is something that could benefit England in attack. Southgate will hope that the youngster replicates his club form with the national side.
