“Here We Scout” with Fabrizio Romano: Breakout candidates for Sorare Global Cup ’22

It’s an exciting time for football fans! As we head into the world’s biggest sporting event, I’m happy to be back with another “Here We Scout” column, this time focused on Sorare Global Cup 2022 (click here for instructions and to assemble your lineups).

With all the talent to choose from, it’s important to find players who will contribute for a national team that will make a deep run in the tournament, but who won’t blow your team budget. (You need to build an initial roster of 8 players using a budget of 100 points.)

Here’s a look at high-value players to target for Sorare Global Cup 2022:

Theo Hernández | Position: DEF | Team: France | Points: 15

I absolutely have to pick Hernández, my favorite left-back. He’s got tremendous upside and will be a key factor for coach Didier Deschamps’ tactics. More than a fullback, Hernández can both score goals and provide assists for the defending champs. He’s a machine.

Cody Gakpo | FWD | Netherlands | 16

Gakpo is special. The 23-year-old is playing incredible with PSV and, now with Dutch national team, has the chance to shine on the biggest stage. He’s proved he can score goals. With a standout tournament, Gakpo can prepare for a future move to a top club.

Nemanja Radonjić | MID | Serbia | 8

Keep an eye on Radonjić. He might be a surprise, but the 26-year-old is in fine form under Torino coach Ivan Juric in Serie A, and could very well prove key to help Serbia in difficult moments during the competition. If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-upside pick, Nemanja is a good one to consider for your squad.

Joško Gvardiol | DEF | Croatia | 13

Gvardiol, just 20 years old, represents pure leadership. This is what I like in center-backs, and the Croatian is a true leader even though he’s really young. He has experience playing international football and big games, is a regular starter and will be on the move to a top club in 2023 — so this tournament represents a huge opportunity he can’t miss. I really like Josko and I’d sign him immediately!

Kamaldeen Sulemana | FWD | Ghana | 8

There will be a handful of important European clubs monitoring Sulemana when he’s on the big stage. Just 20 years old, he’s fast, can dribble and possesses a range of skills that could prove important for Ghana in this tournament and well beyond. Kamaldeen represents a high-value pick for just 8 points.

Wojciech Szczęsny | GK | Poland | 10

For my goalkeeper, I will go with a budget-friendly option in Poland’s Szczęsny. The Juventus man has been in great form for club, he knows what it takes to play on the international stage and is not afraid of the big moment. I also trust Poland to get out of their group, edging out Mexico, and so this is a player I really like and believe offers good value as you construct your squad.

So there you have it. Good luck with your picks for Sorare Global Cup 2022, here we go!