September 2024 International Break: 10 Possible Player Debuts to Watch
The September international break has begun, with matches kicking off this past Monday (Fiji vs Solomon Islands in the Tri-Nations Cup). Nearly every nation is in action, and as a result, we’ve seen many squad selections, including players being called up for the first time.
So, which new faces could make a big impact? We’ve combed through over 150 squads and identified 10 new call-ups who could debut—and make their mark—for their nations this month. Here’s who you should keep an eye on:
Ahmad Ngouyamsa (23, Chad):
Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Ngouyamsa made his debut for Cameroon in a friendly against Japan in October 2020. However, he appears to have switched allegiance to Chad, offering a major boost to their backline. Ngouyamsa is a regular starter at right-back for Rodez in France’s Ligue 2, having made 33 appearances in the 2023-24 season (per Transfermarkt).
With only one other European-based defender (Ebenezer Ngardial, Murcia II, Spain) in the Chad squad, securing Ngouyamsa, who plays regularly in the competitive Ligue 2, is a significant coup. He is expected to start for Chad on Saturday.
Update: Ngouyamsa started at right centerback in a back five and played the full 90’, earning a 0-0 draw against Sierra Leone and a 7.4 rating (highest of any player on the team) on Flashscore.
Mario Dorgeles (20, Côte d’Ivoire):
Dorgeles joined FC Nordsjælland (Denmark) in August 2022 from the Right to Dream Academy. Since then, he has logged over 60 appearances, many as a substitute, though he’s started every Superliga match this season, already recording an assist in seven matches. Premier League clubs reportedly expressed interest in him over the summer.
This attention likely caught the eye of Côte d’Ivoire’s coaching staff, who have moved Dorgeles up from the U23 team. As a versatile midfielder with a strong left foot, he could prove valuable, although he might make his first appearance off the bench.
Albert Grønbæk (23, Denmark):
Following the retirement of Thomas Delaney and a disappointing EURO 2024 campaign, Denmark needed to reshuffle their squad. Enter Albert Grønbæk. After transferring to Rennes for €15 million from Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, Grønbæk has started all three Ligue 1 matches this season.
Grønbæk made his full senior debut for Denmark in a 2-0 Nations League win over Switzerland yesterday, earning a respectable 7.0 rating on Sofascore. Typically an attacking midfielder, he can also operate on the right. With a strong record of scoring and making runs into the box, he’s a player to watch.
Niko Sigur (20, Canada):
Canada’s rise continues, and Niko Sigur is the latest addition to their national team. Born in British Columbia to Croatian parents, Sigur initially opted to play for Croatia’s U21 team. However, over a year later, he has committed to Canada—a major win for the future of the Canadian midfield.
Sigur plays for Hajduk Split in Croatia, where he is a technically skilled midfielder capable of operating in multiple positions. He has expressed excitement about representing Canada, and head coach Jesse Marsch has echoed this sentiment.
Isaiah Jones (25, Guyana):
Jones made his home debut yesterday in the CONCACAF Nations League against Suriname, impressing despite Guyana’s 3-1 loss. Before halftime, he won a penalty after a skillful dribble into the box, showing why he is a key addition to Guyana.
Born in London but with Guyanese heritage, Jones has long aimed to represent Guyana. Playing for Middlesbrough in the English Championship, where he recorded eight goals and four assists last season, he’s an exciting prospect for the national team.
Hugo Gambor (21, Central African Republic):
Hugo Gambor made his official debut for CAR in yesterday’s AFCON Qualifier against Lesotho. Normally a center-back for Gent in Belgium, Gambor played right-back in his debut and looked comfortable in the role.
Although it took a year to get him into the squad after being called up in August 2023, his addition bolsters a CAR team already solid in attack and midfield with the likes of Mafouta, Solet, and Kondogbia. He is expected to play a crucial role in defense going forward.
MacKenzie Hunt (22, UAE):
The UAE surprised many by calling up four new players for the third round of World Cup Qualifying, including MacKenzie Hunt. Although born in England, Hunt qualifies to play for the UAE due to his seven-year residency in the country during his youth.
Hunt came on late in yesterday’s 3-1 shock win over Qatar and provided an assist for the third goal. After being released by Everton this summer, he signed with Fleetwood Town, and his international future looks bright.
Ahmed Elmsmari (18, Libya):
Libya’s national team is gaining momentum, and Ahmed Elmsmari could be a key addition. Currently part of FC Barcelona’s U18 squad, the young center-forward didn’t feature in Libya’s 1-1 AFCON Qualifier against Rwanda but might play against Benin on Tuesday.
Previously with Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid’s youth setups, Elmsmari is one to watch for the future.
Estêvão (17, Brazil):
Brazil’s football production line continues with Estêvão, who has earned his first senior call-up to the national team. Playing for Palmeiras, the reigning champions of Brazil’s Serie A, Estêvão has drawn comparisons to Neymar and Messi for his exciting play. He’s a thrilling winger who has already committed to join Chelsea next summer.
Brazil face Ecuador tonight and currently sit sixth in the South America World Cup Qualification table. Estêvão could feature alongside fellow Palmeiras product Endrick, offering Brazil exciting attacking options.
Beyatt Lekoueiry (19, Mauritania):
There’s been a lot of hype around this kid for years. Considered one of Mauritania’s brightest prospects, Beyatt Lekoueiry first gained attention at the 2020 U20 Arab Cup at age 15. He made his debut at the 2021 AFCON, though he hasn’t appeared for the national team since.
Domestically, he was brought up through FC Nouadhibou – his local club – and then went on loan to AS Douanes, ending up as one of the best players in the league.
Lekoueiry moved to Croatia’s NK Istra 1961 this summer and made an immediate impact with an assist in his first match. A second striker/winger, his ability to beat a player one-on-one, coupled with his dribbling skills and vision make him a dangerous player. Mauritania faces Botswana on Saturday in AFCON Qualifying.
Honorable Mentions
Felix Horn Myhre (Norway; SK Brann)
Gilberto Batista (Guinea-Bissau; Moreirense)
Warmed Omari (Comoros; Lyon)
Hugo Cuenca (Paraguay; AC Milan)
Philippe Boueye (Niger; FC Prishtina)
Sory Ibrahim Diarra (Mali; Haugesund)
Noah Cadiou (Guadeloupe; Rodez)
Eren Dinkçi (Turkey; Freiburg)
Arkell Jude-Boyd (Saint Lucia; Cheltenham Town)
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