It just wouldn’t be a World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and N’Golo Kante. But did you know these rather lesser-known Premier League stars could also have a seat on the plane and a ticket to Qatar in their back pockets?
Robin Koch – Leeds United & Germany
Injuries might have blighted Koch’s first two seasons at Elland Road but, when fit, the former Freiburg man remains a key member of the Germany squad. His tactical flexibility – Koch can play in defence or midfield – makes him an invaluable asset in tournament football too.
Koch was called up by Germany boss Hansi Flick for the March international break.
Christian Norgaard – Brentford & Denmark
Christian Eriksen’s recent revival has warmed hearts all across the globe. But Eriksen is not the only Brentford star who will be donning the red and white of Denmark in Qatar.
Norgaard, one of the most underrated defensive midfielders in England, should be joining his new West London neighbour on the flight to Asia.
- READ MORE: Fulham’s XI if they kept their top stars
Leandro Trossard – Brighton & Belgium
Roberto Martinez might have some of the finest attackers in Europe at his disposal but don’t be surprised if Trossard gets the nod alongside Kevin de Bruyne and co later this year.
The Brighton forward scored one and produced two assists in Belgium’s 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso this week.
Tim Krul – Norwich City & Netherlands
Arguably the defining moment of Tim Krul’s career came at a World Cup. Is there a more infamous substitution in the tournament’s history than the one Louis van Gaal made in the 120th minute of the Netherlands’ quarter-final victory over Costa Rica in 2014?
Even at 33, the overworked Norwich glovesman is a key part of the national set up and made four appearances for the Dutch in 2021.
Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal & Brazil
Handed a first ever Selecao call-up on the back of some scintillating performances under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s so-called ‘Talent of the Century’ was a couple of inches away from marking his Brazil debut with a Ronaldinho-esque wondergoal a few days ago.
Continue playing like this and he may be one of the first names on Tite’s team-sheet in Qatar.
Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa & Brazil
The former Manchester City youngster might have suffered Copa America heartbreak last year but he made up for it a couple of weeks later as Brazil took home gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Luiz has nine caps for the record World Cup winners and is a regular in Tite’s squad.
Alexis MacAllister – Brighton & Argentina
MacAllister might be in and out of Graham Potter’s starting XI at Brighton but Albiceleste boss Lionel Scaloni has certainly taken a liking to him. The former Boca Juniors playmaker earned his first caps in three years recently.
Nampalys Mendy – Leicester City & Senegal
Often a forgotten man at the King Power Stadium, the seldom-seen Mendy enjoys an altogether different role for his national team.
He was included in the Team of the Tournament as a Sadio Mane-inspired Senegal won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in February.
Daniel Amartey – Leicester City & Ghana
Amartey has enjoyed a run of first-team games this season, albeit largely because of the injuries to Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana.
He hardly ever misses a game for Ghana, however. Amartey had the third-most caps of anyone in Otto Addo’s most recent squad. With 39, he was behind only Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew.
Romain Saiss – Wolves & Morocco
Saiss is the unsung hero of this Wolverhampton Wanderers side. Ever-reliable and ever-willing, Bruno Lage will surely be looking to extend his contract before Saiss becomes a free-agent in July.
The versatile defender has 60 caps for his country.
Hwang Hee Chan – Wolves & South Korea
He’s overshadowed perhaps by another Premier League forward at international level. Seung-Min Son is to South Korea, after all, what Lionel Messi is to Argentina. But don’t be surprised if Hwang steps out of his team-mate’s lengthy shadow in Qatar.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
