The Nations League continues this Sunday. Desh Parthab takes a look at some of the players to keep an eye on including Rejuvenated Olivier Giroud and Croatia’s Luka Modric.
There was a 6 goal thriller between Turkey and Luxembourg in the previous round of international fixtures.
Indeed, the Turks came back 3 times in that one to salvage a point, but more importantly, remain undefeated in the Nations League.
Elsewhere, Netherlands brushed aside Poland 2 nil, Croatia and France picked up wins against Denmark and Austria respectively and Italy ran out 1 nil winners against England, relegating Southgate’s men to League B of the Nations League.
Whilst The Three Lions will be jetting off to Qatar in November, they are yet to score a goal from open play in the Nations League and are winless in 5.
There is a blockbuster fixture in the final round of matches, which sees Netherlands host Belgium, with Group A4 top spot on the line.
Cody Gakpo
Despite being just 23 years of age, Cody Gakpo is currently in his 5ht season at PSV Eindhoven.
The midfielder has delivered 10+ league goal involvements in each of the previous 4 seasons. Currently, Gakpo (G8 A6) is the only player in the Eredivisie to achieve that feat, having made just 7 league appearances this season.
The Dutch international has returned 2 goals across his previous 3 appearances for Holland, from 6 shots.
Furthermore, he created 9 chances during that period, with 2 of them being classified as big chances.
Cody Gakpo vs Poland
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) September 22, 2022
1 goal
38 passes
92% pass accuracy
2 shots
1 key pass
2/2 successful dribbles
2 tackles won
1 interception
2 clearances
9/14 duels won
Excellent performance. What a season he is having! 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/xG4bmKRyrM
Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud has delivered 3 goals and an assist across his previous 3 appearances, across all competitions.
The AC Milan hitman became France’s oldest ever goal scorer last time out, when he netted against Austria. The 36-year-old is now just 2 goals away from equalling France’s all-time leading scorer record, Thierry Henry (51).
Giroud will surely have the backing of his teammates to break the record, when France come up against a Denmark team who have kept just a single clean sheet in their Nations League fixtures.
Olivier Giroud is now only 2 goals away from Thierry Henry for France. pic.twitter.com/lUU1AdvPVp
— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) September 25, 2022
Croatia come up against Austria
Following a 3 nil humbling by Austria on opening day, Croatia went undefeated in their ensuing 4 fixtures and currently occupy top spot in Group A1.
Luka Modric, as always, has been pivotal in that resurrection. Across his previous 3 outings in Croatian colours, the midfielder has attempted 4 shots, netting once.
Furthermore, he did create 4 chances, was fouled 5 times and registered 6 interceptions.
Croatia come up against an Austria side who have conceded 2 goals in 3 of their previous 4 Nations League outings.
Luka Modric this season:
— TC (@totalcristiano) September 23, 2022
• Standing ovation at home vs Denmark
• Standing ovation away vs Celtic
• Standing ovation at home vs Betis
• Standing ovation away vs Almeria
• Standing ovation away vs Celta Vigo
Greatness. pic.twitter.com/CtocC8gpls
Turkey (17) are currently the top scorers ahead of the final round of fixtures in the Nations League.
Enes Unal has bagged a goal and an assist across his previous 3 appearances, across all competitions. During that period, the forward has attempted 10 shots where he has missed 3 big chances and hit the woodwork once.
Unal comes up against a Faroe Island team who were rocked 4 nil in the reverse fixture against the Nordic nation.
Scotland have netted 11 goals in their Nations League fixtures thus far and are the current top scorers in Group B1. Che Adams has had a part in that.
Across his previous 3 appearances for country, the forward has attempted 8 shots, finding the back of the net once.
Despite this, he could have added to his tally as seen by his 1 big chance missed and another effort which hit the woodwork.
Furthermore, he did bag an assist from his 2 big chances created. Scotland’s remaining fixture is against Ukraine and with top spot of the group up for grabs, I expect Adams to get in on the act.
Scotland fans singing “England get battered everywhere they go” tonight pic.twitter.com/ZdMtR0bJdV
— Fitba Culture 🏴 (@fitbaculture) September 24, 2022
