MY ACCOUNT
The Club World Cup kicks off today as champions from around the globe collide in Abu Dhabi.
Premier League representatives Chelsea are not in action until next week but with the competition featuring a few hot prospects and some familiar faces, there is plenty to look out for.
LiveScore pick out the Ones To Watch as the tournament kicks off with Al Jazira against Pirae this afternoon.
Vincent Janssen — Monterrey
Vincent Janssen, 27, is a familiar face to Tottenham fans after signing from AZ Alkmaar in 2016.
But after the Dutch international struggled to adapt, he was loaned to Fenerbahce the following year before being sold to Monterrey in 2019 for £8million including add-ons, less than half of what Spurs paid for him.
During his time at Tottenham, he made 31 Premier League appearances, scoring and assisting twice.
The hitman has 22 strikes in 78 games for his new outfit but has found the net just once in 13 matches so far this season and will need to find his scoring boots if he is to shine.
Danilo — Palmeiras
Danilo has a bright future after establishing himself as a first-team regular at Palmeiras.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder helped the Brazilian outfit to the Copa Libertadores title last year to earn their spot in Abu Dhabi.
Arsenal, Lille and Monaco have all been linked with moves for the playmaker, who has already racked up 86 senior appearances in his homeland.
But Palmeiras were determined to keep hold of their midfield rock and resisted any January bids.
If he stars at the Club World Cup, expect plenty of European clubs to enter the race for his signature this summer.
Matheus Pereira — Al Hilal
After working his way through Sporting’s youth ranks, Matheus Pereira came to England in August 2019 with Championship side West Brom.
The 25-year-old arrived on loan with a view to a permanent move and helped the Baggies bounce back into the Premier League before managing a respectable 11 goals and six assists in 33 top-flight games.
But his influence could not keep his side up and boss Valerien Ismael accused him of “not being committed” before sanctioning a move to Al Hilal.
Livewire forward Pereira is yet to score for the Saudi club but has seven assists in 14 games.
Andre Carrillo — Al Hilal
Andre Carrillo joined Watford on a season-long loan in 2017 with the option for a permanent transfer but struggled for goals and did not complete a long-term switch.
The Peruvian forward, 30, lacked sting for the Hornets and managed just four goal contributions in 30 matches compared to his 55 in 162 appearances for parent club Sporting.
He was loaned to Al Hilal the following season and has since made the move permanent.
With 23 goals in 124 matches, he forms a potent partnership with Pereira.
Odion Ighalo — Al Hilal
Odion Ighalo enjoyed a successful maiden Premier League season with Watford after inspiring their promotion charge following his arrival in 2014.
But he exited for China after failing to keep his form going before ultimately landing a dream move to Manchester United.
Ighalo’s dedication was appreciated by the Old Trafford faithful but the Nigerian moved to Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab after his loan ended.
After scoring 13 times in 19 games this season, he joined Al Hilal in January and will expect to hit the net regularly in a potent front three.
Gabriel Veron — Palmeiras
Gabriel Veron was recruited by Palmeiras in 2017 and proved his talents in the Under-17s World Cup in 2019 — winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after inspiring Brazil to victory.
United are hot on the trail of the 19-year-old but could face competition if he stars in the upcoming tournament.
Alongside Danilo, Veron will have scouts from all over Europe watching his every touch as they look to unearth the next Brazilian gem.
Gabriel Jesus has already thrived after swapping the Sao Paulo outfit for Manchester, could Veron make the same impact?
