The USMNT starting 11 vs Netherlands has been confirmed with Christian Pulisic returning to the lineup after being forced off with a pelvic contusion against Iran last time out. Josh Sargent, however, still hasn't fully recovered from his ankle injury (he's unavailable for selection) and the starting striker claim goes to Jesús Ferreira (his first appearance).
One of the most exciting aspects of every World Cup is seeing new young players step up and make their mark on the biggest stage. This year’s edition has been thoroughly unpredictable and as a result, there has been no shortage of new players becoming household names.
January’s transfer window could be filled with stars from this tournament moving to bigger clubs. Now that the group stage is done, let’s take a look at ten players whose market value has skyrocketed during the World Cup.
DOHA - Christian Pulisic was hailed by his teammates on Tuesday after his first-half strike sent the United States through to the World Cup knockout rounds, with the effort landing him in hospital with a pelvic contusion.
The Chelsea forward burst into the area and bundled the ball over the line in the 38th minute of Tuesday's Group B decider against Iran. But he could not even celebrate the goal as he had injured himself following a collision with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The magical nights of Cody Gakpo just keep getting better and better. His consistency has evoked memories of another World Cup hero who has been the benchmark for World Cup performance since 2014. James Rodríguez’s magical tournament saw him score six goals in five games including one in each of his group stage matches.
Gakpo has followed suit for the Netherlands, scoring at the same rate in Qatar this year. Rodríguez’s month-long spell in Brazil changed his life ahead of his move to Real Madrid, could we see the same happen with Gakpo in 2022?
It has been announced via a club press release that the Juventus board of directors has resigned immediately, including long-time club president Andrea Agnelli. Amid investigations into the Turin-based club’s finances, it was deemed necessary that the entire board “forego their office” to aid with the investigations. Juventus has endured a torturous season in 2022, and it seems to only be getting worse.
When Ghana, the youngest team at the World Cup, eventually meets the USMNT, the second-youngest, in the World Cup semifinals, it's clear that the juvenile inconsistencies of both will allow one team to shine in the opening 45 before the other side comes storming back in the second half.
Cody Gakpo is making quite the name for himself on the world’s biggest stage thanks to a pair of great goals in Holland’s first two matches. He’s continued his incredible club form with the national team and the 23-year-old is showing no signs of stopping.
That didn't take long ⚡️
Cody Gakpo gets things started for the Netherlands pic.twitter.com/rV8MmgCgQo
When you think about the youngest player to have participated in a World Cup, there is a big chance that the name of Pelé will pop up in your head. And the guess is reasonable. The Brazilian wonder debuted in Sweden 1958 at 17 years and 234 days. However, in the all-time ranking, Pelé is fifth and far from the record holder, Norman Whiteside.
Weston McKennie is one of soccer's most unique talents. Even on the world's biggest stage, the 24-year-old American stands out in the middle of the pitch with his all-action style, covering every blade of grass, arriving first to every contested ball and occasionally looking like a one-man midfield out there.
But Weston would be the first to admit that his meteoric rise to playing for Italy's biggest club and representing his country on the world’s stage is grounded in the help, commitment and sacrifice of teammates, family, friends, and coaches.
The Philadelphia Union agreed to transfer homegrown midfielder Paxten Aaronson on Thursday to German side Eintracht Frankfurt of Bundesliga for a multimillion-dollar transfer fee.
The Union will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fees for Aaronson, who will join Frankfurt in January.
Paxten Aaronson has completed his transfer from the Philadelphia Union to Eintracht Frankfurt. The deal is worth $4m + add-ons + a big sell-on%. No loan back.