Five players who could break out at the World Cup

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 4 min read

The World Cup is the tournament for stars from around the world to make a big name for themselves and this year is set to be no different.

Over the years, many greats have emerged at the tournament and have gone on to achieve great things in their careers, with the World Cup often being the starting point.

From Just Fontaine to James Rodriguez, Toto Schillaci to Thomas Muller, this is the tournament to make a career and a few a excited at the prospect of doing the same in Qatar.

READ: From James to Diouf: The 10 worst World Cup transfers of all time

Here are five players who could breakout in 2022.

Fattawu Issahaku, Ghana

Fatawu Issahaku has made a name for himself at Sporting over the last few months and has already been linked to Manchester United in the past.

The 18-year old midfielder is often regarded as a player who has the potential to be Africa’s next best midfielder and was named as Player of the Tournament at the under-20 Africa Cup of Nations last year – if he keeps this up, big things are not far away for the Ghanaian.

READ: Five players who could get a big World Cup transfer

Zeno Debast, Belgium

Belgium are short on young, talented centre-backs but Zeno Debast could fix that problem and the 19-year-old could get that chance at the World Cup.

Debast started off playing as a midfielder but slowly found his place at the back – his physical stature gives him a huge advantage and he is quite comfortable on the ball as well. Getting a chance to play may be possible given his side’s lack of options at the back.

Jesper Lindstrom, Denmark

Denmark are one of the emerging forces in international football thanks to their various clubs involved in talent development and they have many top talents.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jesper Lindstrom is one and he had a fine first season in Germany, winning the Europa League and his inventive style combined with speed is a desired attribute. Denmark have a real chance to shine here and Lindstrom could be at the heart of it.

Ismael Kone, Canada

Canada qualified for their first World Cup in 36 years thanks to several young talents playing at a high level and Ismael Kone is one of them.

The Montreal youngster, 20, has a knack for big moments having starred in CONCACAF Champions League games and his ability to drive forward is required in this Canada team.

Hugo Guillamont, Spain

Hugo Guillamont was a bit of a surprise call-up for the centre-back position, given that he plays in central midfield for Valencia.

The 22-year-old has done well for club and country in recent times and may get a chance to show that for Spain at the World Cup – his reading of the game is widely appreciated and Luis Enrique has praised his performances in the past.