5 Players Outside of Europe to Look Out For
- Sam Waller
- Apr 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 29
by Sam Waller
Ledesma – GK – River Plate: Jeremias Ledesma is an experienced 32-year-old goalkeeper who plays for River Plate in Argentina. For those who have heard of the goalkeeper, it is likely from his time at Cadiz FC in La Liga. Often battling relegation during his time there from 2020-2024 he had been a key figure in keeping Cadiz in Spain's top division. He is known for his shot stopping ability and leadership and has saved over 20% of penalties faced against him.
Ledesma’s journey started with Rosario Central, a team in the premier division of Argentinian football, where he came through their youth system. Having spent 7 seasons there in the first team but struggling to become the regular first-choice goalkeeper, Jermias moved to Spain in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite with some dominant performances to help the team avoid relegation. Apart from keeping the ball out of the net, his distribution and ability to play out from the back also makes him one to watch during the FIFA Club World Cup. Now, back in Argentina with River Plate, his vast experience, shot-stopping saves and European style of distribution with the ball could help River Plate to cause some upsets in the group stage against teams such as Inter Milan.
Al-Dawsari – LW – Al Hilal: A homegrown Al Hilal and Saudi Arabian legend, Salem Al-Dawsari was born in Jeddah and came through the youth academy at Al Hilal at the age of 14. He has since gone on to play nearly 100 times for the Saudi national team, representing them at the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. The 33-year-old has also played nearly 300 games for Al Hilal and is the current captain. He is still thriving amongst the big names who have moved to the Saudi Pro League with the likes of Neymar, Mitrovic, Malcom, Koulabaly and Cancelo all arriving in recent years to Al Hilal. For those who may also recognise this player, that is likely to be from the 2022 World Cup when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina (who went on to win the competition) with Al-Dawsari scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 win in arguably one of the World Cup's biggest upsets. This match was a perfect example of what to expect from him, dribbling past defenders with pace and the ability to deliver in big moments. He's been instrumental for Al Hilal, with important goals in their domestic and international success, dominating the AFC Champions League in recent years.
Al Hilal has a tough group with the likes of Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, but if there’s anyone you want on your team to cause an upset against a European giant, it's this guy. Don’t be surprised to see him cut inside from the left wing and score from a distance to help his team narrowly squeeze through into the round of 16. With a team of experienced international players and strength and flair, the Saudi giants could be a dark horse in this year's Club World Cup.
Laba - ST - Al Ain: Another one to look out for who plays in the UAE Pro League is Togo international Kodjo Laba. From 2013-2019, Laba played in various African leagues before moving to Al Ain, where he has been scoring for fun ever since! He is over 6ft tall and known for his physicality, clinical finishing, and aerial ability. During his time at the Abu Dhabi team, he has nearly scored a goal in every game. He has become the team's talisman and has regularly been the league’s top goal scorer. Although they have not won the AFC Champions League during his time there, he has been an important player and will be seen to bring the team goals at the Club World Cup.
His ability to hold the ball up and bully defenders is going to be put to the test, though, with group games against favourites Manchester City and defensive Italian giants Juventus, both in the same group as Al Ain. However, if you are looking for an under-the-radar striker who may make headlines and loves the physical game, Laba is one to watch.
Zwane – CAM – Mameledi Sundowns: Themba Zwane, another legend amongst the five to watch. Although in the twilight years of his career, Themba is one of South Africa’s all-time best players and most gifted midfielders with over 50 caps for his country and has become known for his elegance on the ball, vision and ability to dictate play. The Mamelodi Sundowns skipper has recently been likened to Messi by fellow South African Thibang Phete, who has played mainly in the Portuguese football leagues. Although Zwane has been out for much of this season through injury, he is now back training with the first team and is expected to be match fit for the tournament. His technical ability, composure under pressure, and ability to score goals make him the Sundowns’ most likely player to catch your eye.
Zwane has played a huge part in the Sundowns’ CAF Champions League success and is a figurehead in establishing the Sundowns as one of Africa’s premier clubs. Even though his pace is starting to slow down, he is still expected to excel at linking midfield with attack, breaking defensive lines with his dribbling and precise passing range. Themba Zwane is a playmaker you should look out for if your team is up against him. The Sundowns have a real chance of going far in this competition with only one European giant in their group (Borussia Dortmund).
Belaïli – LW - Espérance de Tunis: Youcef Belaïli is an Algerian International who has played for a wide range of teams across the Algerian, Qatar and Saudi leagues and the French Ligue 1. He is now back at Esperance de Tunis in Algeria, and this is his third stint with the team. Throughout his career, the 33-year-old has built a reputation for his flair and dribbling ability as well as the odd goal here and there. He has enjoyed success, especially in African club football, where he won the CAF Champions League during his second spell with Esperance.
On an international scale Belaïli has also enjoyed success with Algeria, playing an important role in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory and their 2021 Arab Cup triumph. It would be very surprising to me if Belaïli doesn’t contribute towards at least one goal in the tournament, with his reputation for delivering pinpoint crosses and accurate set pieces. If you are a Chelsea fan, you will want Reece James to be fit when they face Espérance de Tunis in the group stage because Belaïli is another experienced player who may cause some upsets.
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