Ones to watch: Nicolas Tagliafico - Argentina
Age: 25Club: AjaxCaps: 6
A recent arrival to the national team squad, Nicolas Tagliafico made such an impression in his half-campaign with Ajax that he heads to Russia 2018 as a likely starter for Argentina.
Having shone at youth level for Argentina previously, Tagliafico could be forgiven for being concerned at never having made the step up to the senior squad. His debut came late in 2017, but it was just after this—and a January move to Ajax—where his career has really taken off.
Tagliafico debuted in a crunch match against Feyenoord, immediately impressed and kept his place at left-back for the rest of the campaign.
That led to call-ups for Argentina in March and May, and he showed just how much he can bring to the team in starting three successive games before the World Cup squad was named.
Tagliafico is aggressive in the challenge, a non-stop runner down the wing and has an eye to create shooting chances—in his youth he was compared to Argentine legend Javier Zanetti.
Technically he's sound, able to carry the ball great distances if afforded space, and he has the power to cover the entire flank if the wide man ahead of him drifts infield.
He's sure to be a good support act for Argentina's creative attackers, and a strong showing in Russia could see him nail down the left-back position for years to come.