The World Cup is finally here, and even with the Italian national team out of the equation, a large host of Serie A stars will grace the field in Qatar, include some of the league’s finest stars. But while the rest of the globe is all-too-familiar with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Theo Hernandez and Romelu Lukaku, the worldwide tournament has always provided a unique platform for some of the less celebrated players to make a a name for themselves on the biggest stage of all. So let’s take a closer look at ten Serie A players who can become breakout stars at the 2022 World Cup.
10- Ivan Ilic (Serbia/Verona)
The Red Star youth product spent some time at Manchester City’s academy, but never got a crack at Pep Guardiola’s first team.
Nevertheless, the young Serbian landed in Verona in pursuit of playing time, and has made great improvement under the tutelage of Ivan Juric and Igor Tudor during the two previous campaigns, cementing himself as one of the best rising midfielders in Italy.
This season, the 21-year-old has been dealing with injuries which limited his number of appearances. The reason why he lands at the bottom of the list is the uncertainty surrounding his chances of featuring in a prominent role for the Serbian national team.
9- Michel Aebischer (Switzerland/Bologna)
After winning four domestic league titles with BSC Young Boys, Michel Aebischer arrived to Bologna in 2022. The Emilian club can be a perfect stepping stone for any player looking to attract the attention of bigger fish.
While his early days in Serie A have been a mixed bag, perhaps a solid World Cup campaign with Switzerland would do the trick.
8- Abdelhamid Sabiri (Morocco/Sampdoria)
After featuring for Germany’s U-21 side in the past, Abdelhamid Sabiri has recently opted to play for Morocco, making his debut in September.
When he first joined Sampdoria last January, the attacking midfielder was a complete unknown having only featured for Serie B side Ascoli prior to the transfer.
Yet, the Moroccan’s contribution proved to be vital for the Blucerchiati in their quest to avoid relegation last season. This time around, the 25-year-old’s prowess might not be enough to save the disastrous Ligurians, but perhaps he can attract some suitors with some vibrant displays for the Atlas Lions.
7- Jakub Kiwior (Poland/Spezia)
Since joining Spezia in 2021, Jakub Kiwior has been growing from strength to strength, consolidating his position as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in the Italian peninsula.
The 22-year-old has already attracted the interest of bigger clubs, including the likes of Juventus and Milan. But if he manages to deliver solid performances at the World Cup, the centre-back will no longer be a hidden gem in Serie A, but a top talent with a host of European suitors.
6- Boulaye Dia (Senegal/Salernitana)
The injury of Sadio Mané is one of the most heartbreaking stories in the leadup for Qatar 2022. Surely no other Senegalese player can replace the national hero and his extraordinary talent, nor the morale impact he conveys on and off the pitch.
But as they say, show must go on, and the misfortunates of the Bayern Munich man will offer a unique opportunity of a national teammate to rise to the occasion.
So could it be Boulaye Dia’s ticket to stardom?
The Salernitana striker has been on an exhilarating form since the start of the season, contributing to the team’s cause with six goals and two assists.
5- Kim Min-jae (South Korea/Napoli)
Kim Min-jae surely isn’t a complete unknown. Many have heard of the Asian “Monster” and his exploits between Fenerbahce and Napoli.
But one would argue that his current status doesn’t do him enough justice, as the 26-year-old is arguably one of the finest defenders in Serie A at the moment, so perhaps a solid World Cup campaign will finally place him in his deserving spot.
4- Nicola Zalewski (Poland/Roma)
Following Leonardo Spinazzola’s devastating injury in Euro 2020, Roma signed Matias Vina as a direct replacement for the Italian wingback. But by the middle of the previous campaign, Nicola Zalweski was the one starting on the left lane after easily usurping the Uruguayan.
The 20-year-old remains a key member in José Mourinho’s squad, and if Poland give him enough space to showcase his talent, he will surely shine in Doha.
3- Joakim Maehle (Denmark/Atalanta)
From one left wingback to another. But unlike Zalewski, Joakim Maehle has established himself within his national team, and will definitely start for Denmark.
The Scandinavians have a knack for producing shockers on the international stage, cementing themselves as perennial Dark Horses.
So if they replicate their heroics from some of the previous international tournaments, a host of Danish stars will become Bona Fide stars, and surely the Atalanta man won’t be left out.
2- Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Serbia/Torino)
Milinkovic-Savic is a well-recognized name on the international stage, mainly thanks Sergej’s exploits at Lazio. However, the star midfielder won’t be the lone member of the family on the plane to Qatar, as he’ll be accompanied by his younger brother, Vanja.
Unlike Sergej, the goalkeeper wasn’t an instant hit in Calcio, however, he gradually managed to make a name for himself, and has recently become the first choice for both club and country.
In every World Cup edition, at least a handful of custodians rise to stardom on the back of spectacular performances between the sticks.
So will it be Vanja’s time?
1- Gleison Bremer (Brazil/Juventus)
Admittedly, a player who won the award for the best Serie A defender of the season before making a €41 million switch to Juventus can be hardly described as an unsung hero. But even Brazil manager Tite conceded his mistake by long overlooking the former Torino man.
Bremer is simply a beast of a man, but outside Serie A, he remains either unknown, underrated or disregarded, but it could all change is he starts for the Selecao at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old deserves to be recognized amongst the elite, and it’s about time for the world to acknowledge his prowess.
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