The gladiator fight that is the World Cup is a sort of proving ground for players looking to make that next leap in their career. The crowd of 1.1 billion that turns its eyes to the coliseum of this sport ensures the pressure is on. No matter how astute and advanced scouting is and has become these days, a player who rises in the moment can flourish in the riches of the transfer market—especially one that’s just weeks away from taking center stage. Even one who has failed to truly stand out at the club level—or one that simply doesn’t play for a club that garners much global attention—can elevate his profile with the whole world watching.
With the 2022 World Cup down to its final four teams and matches, here’s a look at some of the breakout performers in Qatar whose stock has risen just in time for the winter transfer window, which opens for the top leagues across Europe at the start of the new year.
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