Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo announced himself to a global audience at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals in the group stage and confirming what PSV fans already knew — that he was a left-sided forward with the intelligence to cut inside and the technique to finish. Liverpool signed him immediately after that tournament, and while his first full season was inconsistent, he has grown into a reliable contributor. Comfortable on either flank or as a second striker, his versatility is valuable for the Netherlands. At 27 and in his prime, this World Cup represents the moment to establish himself as one of Europe's elite forwards.