5 youngsters who could make their debut during the current international break

Will Emile Smith Rowe make his dream come true with an appearance for England?
Will Emile Smith Rowe make his dream come true with an appearance for England?

#3 Thiago Almada - Argentina

Almada in action during Flamengo vs Velez Sarsfield in the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores
Almada in action during Flamengo vs Velez Sarsfield in the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores

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

Gabriel Magalhaes gesturing towards the referee during the Arsenal vs Watford Premier League game
Gabriel Magalhaes gesturing towards the referee during the Arsenal vs Watford Premier League game

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

Emile Smith Rowe has sizzled for Arsenal this season.
Emile Smith Rowe has sizzled for Arsenal this season.

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.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now