September brings the first international break of the 2024/25 campaign and, for some, it is a pause in the season to be remembered.
Several stars have earned maiden call ups to their national teams for this month’s fixtures, with each hopeful of international debuts.
Five players set for international debuts this month
Morgan Gibbs-White (England)
Morgan Gibbs-White is one of four uncapped players in Lee Carsley’s first England squad, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder promoted to the senior set-up. A key part of trophy-winning sides at youth level, the 24-year-old now earns a chance to impress this month.
Gibbs-White has been excellent over two seasons with Nottingham Forest and recorded 10 assists in the Premier League in 2023/24, with only two players managing more. He has become the first Nottingham Forest player to earn inclusion in the England senior side since 1997.
“It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now.” 🥹
A first senior @England call-up.
This means everything to Morgan Gibbs-White ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0X1CAUWtHP
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 29, 2024
The creativity of the midfielder has again been on show during the season’s opening weeks and he leads the division for open-play chances created (9), alongside Cole Palmer. With the likes of Palmer, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham absent for England’s games this month, Gibbs-White will hope for an opportunity under a manger who knows what he is capable of.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, and Lille midfielder Angel Gomes are also in line for England debuts.
Michael Olise (France)
Michael Olise’s star is one rapidly on the rise with the winger following a summer transfer to Bayern Munich with a first call-up to the France squad. After excelling at Crystal Palace, Olise made the move to Munich in a £50m deal and now has a chance to stake his place for regular involvement with Les Bleus.
An audition at this summer’s Olympics in Paris was certainly passed, as the 22-year-old scored twice and created five goals during France’s run to the Silver Medal on home soil.
England might just end up kicking themselves at allowing the London-born winger to slip through the net.
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘬𝘪𝘥!” 😍
Michael Olise spent a dream afternoon at Clairefontaine yesterday – his first one with the first team!#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/cjqSiBOTXO
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) September 3, 2024
Pepelu (Spain)
Breaking into the European champion’s squad is no easy feat but Pepelu’s consistent form at Valencia has been recognised.
Luis de la Fuente has included the midfielder in the Spain squad for September’s UEFA Nations fixtures with Serbia and Switzerland.
It is reward for an excellent 2023/24 campaign, in which the 26-year-old ranked among La Liga’s top players for chances created (8th), passes into the final third (8th), progressive passes (4th), tackles won (4th) and interceptions (4th).
Matias Soule (Argentina)
Argentina are blessed with attacking options but have opted to freshen up their forward line this month. Matias Soule is one of four uncapped players in the squad of the world champions, alongside Valentín Castellanos, Ezequiel Fernández, and Giuliano Simeone – son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego.
Soule’s electric brand of football has caught the eye of La Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni, with the 21-year-old scoring 11 league goals during a breakout season on loan at Serie A side Frosinone in 2023/24.
Soulé ↗️ Pellegrini 👌#EvertonRoma pic.twitter.com/subsg1SUtb
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) August 10, 2024
He also led Serie A for chances created and successful take-ons last season, with AS Roma agreeing a £25.2m deal to sign the winger – who has earned comparisons to Angel Di Maria – from parent club Juventus.
Estevao Willian (Brazil)
Chelsea’s spending has been heavily criticised but the capture of Estevao Willian should be seen as a coup.
The 17-year-old will link up with the Blues next summer and will arrive in Europe regarded as one of the most exciting talents in world football. Estevao has been included in the Brazil squad for the first time as the Selecao look to rebuild from a poor Copa America and has earned his inclusion with some dazzling displays for Palmeiras.
Estêvão is the only player to have earned a perfect WhoScored 10.0 rating in the Brasileirão so far this season. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/I0wdgGQRI9
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 3, 2024
So far this season ‘Messinho’ leads the Campeonato Brasileiro for assists (7), and ranks second for goals (8), goal contributions (15), successful dribbles (58), and touches in the opposition’s box (105).
An exceptional talent, a debut this month could be the start of a special career with the five-time world champions.
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