The World Cup is very close to our door steps, and having known the team groupings and the fixtures, it becomes imperative to take a closer look at each team going into the World Cup. As an added incentive in following our publications, we also provide betting odds such as Canada World Cup odds.
Every team going to the World Cup has one or two players that have a greater influence or are seen as having the capability of winning the game for their team. This could be based on their experience, talents or even the club they base in. These players are known as 'influential' players.
However, there are also some players who though might be young and possess talents, may not have enough experience or exposure to be headliners in their teams. Hence they can only be tagged as 'promising' players.
Each team going into the World Cup has a bit of two categories. Though some have more of one, the less known footballing nations will most likely have more 'promising players'.
The World Cup is the dream of every football player, and mere making an appearance would mean the world to any player. This boosts the morale of footballers and ensures that they give their all in the Mundial.
The Canadian National team is better known for their female football rather than the Men's. However, the Canadian Men's team will be making just their second appearance at the World Cup. The team is blessed with a very young team that is full of pace and energy. Players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are based in top European leagues and clubs, while a bulk of the team operate in North America.
This article aims to point out and discuss promising players to look out for in the Canadian National team going into the World Cup in Qatar.
Here are some of the promising Canadian players to watch out at the World Cup
- Milan Borjan: The Red Star Belgrade Goalkeeper is seen as one of the best goalkeepers in North America, and has had a wonderful time in Europe with his clubside. He will look to build his reputation as one of Europe's finest and safest hands when he alongside his teammates head to Qatar later this year.
- Samuel Adekugbe: The Hatayaspor defender has experienced a great rise in his stock in the Turkish Super League. He has quickly moved from a fringe and squad player to becoming an important player in the team. The 27 year old no doubt seem bound to join his other teammates in Qatar. However, his starting berth is not assured, but given his work ethic and professionalism, he is sure to give his all when he is called upon.
- Richie Laryea: The young midfielder who is currently on the books of Nottingham Forest is deemed a constant fixture in the Canadian squad by the manager, John Herdman. However, he has been a journeyman of recent and has been sent out on loan by his parent club, he will need this to secure a starting berth at the tournament.
- Stephen Estaquio: The Porto midfielder has been lacking sufficient game time at the club, and was only able to amass a total of 300 minutes in just 11 appearances when he was sent on loan from his then parent club Ferreira. He however secured a big move to the Portuguese giants and is tipped to be used in a variety of positions for the club. This though might inconvenience the 25 year old, it will ensure that he gets more game time.
- Atiba Hutchison: The veteran midfielder is certainly at the tail end of his football career and in conventional cases should not be seen as 'promising'.
However, he has not been able to really make his mark for the national team, and this Mundial could present the perfect opportunity for the 39 year old, who has just extended his current deal by a year with Besiktas.
- Tajon Buchanan: The 23 year old Club Brugge midfielder has been a revelation for the Canadian national team since his days at New England Revolution. Though he has been played out of position in his current club, his attacking talent somehow finds visibility and torments opposition defenders. He can rest assured that he will play in his primary position for Canada, and his full talents will be seen in Qatar.
- Cyle Larin: The Club Brugge forward has been starved of game time this season at the Belgian giants. His position is now threatened by the emergence of his fellow countryman, Tajor Buchanan. Though game time is scarce currently for the forward, he might just make the roster for the tournament.
- Ike Ugbo: The former Chelsea striker is finally showing some of the promise that saw him move from England to Belgian giants, Genk. However, a loan from Genk to Ligue 1 should be enough to ensure the young forward books a spot on the team, as he will earn more minutes away from Genk. His performances and goals were crucial in keeping the French club up last season.
There are many more promising players that could be invited to the national team before the World Cup, but these are some of the promising players that could be invited for the Mundial.
However, these are some of names that have showed promise maybe not consistently, but they have the ability to be influential for Canada come November in Qatar