Five key players to watch from UEFA “minnows”
International football often shines the spotlight on the heavyweights, but the smaller teams in UEFA–”minnows”, as they are sometimes called–also have players capable of stealing the show. These nations may not grab the headlines as often, but their squads feature talent that can rival the best in the world. From creative playmakers to rock-solid defenders and clinical finishers, these players are the driving forces behind their teams’ ambitions to punch above their weight on the global stage.
This week’s fixtures provide the perfect opportunity to watch some hidden gems in action. Whether they’re rising stars hoping to catch the attention of bigger clubs or seasoned veterans looking to lead their country to an upset victory, these players are worth keeping an eye on. Here are five key players to watch from some of the smaller international teams competing this week.
Five Key players to watch, UEFA Nations League “minnows”
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia, Napoli, Left-Winger
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s rise to fame was a rapid one. The former Rubin Kazan winger transferred from the Russian League team to Georgian side Dinamo Batumi for €6m in March 2022. A few months later in July he moved to Napoli for €13.3m in a move which went massively under the radar.
Kvaratskhelia went from an unheard-of name to a household name which echoed across the streets of Naples. The Georgian winger formed a formidable partnership with Victor Osimhen instantly. He was later nicknamed “Kvaradona” by Napoli fans after club legend Diego Maradona as he helped them win their first Scudetto in 33 years.
For country, Kvaratskhelia is the main man too. He leads them on the pitch and is the main outlet creating something out of nothing throughout games. Kvaratskhelia is the definition of relentless.
Kenan Yıldız – Türkiye, Juventus, Left-Winger
Another Serie A star is Juventus’ Yıldız. Yıldız actually made his debut for Türkiye before he had even made his first senior appearance for Juventus, showing just how highly rated he is in Türkiye.
This season, Yıldız has improved drastically due to being given a new role at Juventus under new manager Thiago Motta. A completely new system has been implemented t the club and it suits someone of Yıldız’s intelligence and technical abilities. Giving Yıldız the infamous #10 shirt in the summer might’ve seemed premature to most fans, but Yıldız is deserving of the hype.
Orri Óskarsson – Iceland, Real Sociedad, Striker
Óskarsson joined Real Sociedad in the summer for €20m from FC København. Before signing for Sociedad, both Sporting and Manchester City had looked at the Icelandic forward as potential backup to Gyökeres and Haaland respectively.
The 20-year-old striker has everything you want in a modern day forward. Tall, powerful, good body usage, two-footed finishing, aerially strong, runs the channels, runs in behind defense and he’s got quality link-up play particularly by flicking the ball onto runners.
Kristjan Asllani – Albania, Inter Milan, Defensive-Midfielder
Despite being only 22, Asllani has already made 67 appearances for Inter and 27 for Empoli’s senior team. He’s a player with so much maturity and leadership. Already for Albania, Asllani has played 28 games scoring 3 goals and has shown so much leadership. Asllani has all the traits of a future captain for Albania.
As a deep-lying playmaker, Asllani’s passing is top quality. He’s tenacious off the ball and a ball-striking threat from distance and on free-kicks.
Heorhiy Sudakov – Ukraine, Shakhtar Donetsk, Attacking-Midfielder
Ukraine have a few technical players but one of the best is Sudakov. For the future, it’ll be him they look to in order to win games. Sudakov has the intelligence to control games and be the main creator in the team. He’s completely two footed and thrives receiving the ball in the pockets.
These UEFA “minnows” will be swimming over the final two days of Nations League action Monday and Tuesday.
