Igor Jesus and Nico Paz lead the list of international debutants

The new domestic season is only a few months old, but everything has suddenly come to a standstill for the second international break of the season.

Stars have flown around the globe to play UEFA Nations League games, World Cup qualifiers in South America and Asia, and Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round matches.

As a new international cycle begins, coaches want to reward players who are in top form in their first appearances. Here we take a look at some of the players to watch out for who have earned a place in the senior team for the first time.

Igor Jesus, 23, center forward, Botafogo (Brazil)

Igor Junior, the only uncapped name in coach Dorival Júnior's squad, has fallen somewhat under the radar having spent the last four seasons playing in the United Arab Emirates for Shabab Al Ahli. However, in June the burly center forward returned to his home country with Botafogo. Since then, Igor Junior has scored five goals and while he may not be the long-term solution to Brazil's difficult situation, he brings enthusiasm, commitment and an interesting mix of dynamic movement and finishing ability.

In addition to the traditional skills of a centre-forward – good link-up play, an imposing physique and a reliable heading game – he also has enough pace to prove difficult to deal with in transition.

On Thursday, he started Brazil's World Cup qualifying victory in Chile, scoring the equalizer in first-half injury time on his debut.

Nico Paz, 20, attacking midfielder, Como (Argentina)

After struggling to secure a place in Real Madrid's first team, Paz signed for Serie A club Como for €6 million in the summer. Although Paz was reportedly hired for his potential rather than his immediate influence, he has wasted no time in making a name for himself in Italy. The 20-year-old was Como's man of the match in the 3-1 defeat against Napoli on Friday and one of the top performers in coach Cesc Fàbregas' team.

Blessed with impressive technique, brilliant dribbling skills and a powerful left-footed shot, his creativity has seen him score six goals in as many games.

Born in Tenerife to 14-time Argentina international Pablo Paz, Nico could have chosen to represent Spain. However, he chose the South Americans to improve his chances of international representation, with his first cap now imminent. At Real Madrid he is best remembered for scoring the winning goal against Napoli in the Champions League last season, and Los Blancos has cleverly retained an option (estimated in the order of the 6 million euros paid by Como) that can even be exercised if his development continues at the same pace.

He did not play in Thursday's 1-1 draw in Venezuela.

Malick Fofana, 19, winger, Lyon (Belgium)

After an impressive start to the season, Fofana is making the jump from the U21 team to his first appearance in the senior national team for the high-profile UEFA Nations League games against Italy and France.

Signed for €19.5 million (from Gent) in the summer of 2023, Fofana has taken some time to establish his talent in France, but his trend is positive. Fofana scored a late winner against Toulouse in September before scoring a brace against Rangers in the Europa League earlier this month.

The 19-year-old, who was only part of last season, looks more confident this season. He appears increasingly confident in one-on-one attacks and increasingly likes to test the opposing goalkeeper from a distance by penetrating the infield with his right foot from his usual position on the left wing.

Kwasi Poku, 21, striker, RWDM (Canada)

Canada coach Jesse Marsch has surprisingly called up Belgium-based winger and all-round striker Poku for the friendly against Panama.

Before moving to the Belgian second division in the summer, Poku only played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League at senior level. However, the fast, unpredictable attacker has started his new European adventure well, scoring three goals in six games. Marsch pointed to Poku's flexibility – he can play any role up front – to justify his inclusion.

Jamie Leweling, 23, attacking midfielder, VfB Stuttgart (Germany)

While Julian Nagelsmann's decision to sign three unused goalkeepers is the No. 1 topic of conversation in the current German squad, the Stuttgart winger's first call-up is an interesting choice. Selected partly in the absence of the injured Jamal Musiala, Leweling has come forward after being an influential squad player last season while on loan from Union Berlin (he started 17 league games, of which he won as many had substituted).

Stuttgart were happy enough with his performances to make the move permanent, and the physically strong, fast winger has responded with an excellent start to the new season. One of six Stuttgart players in the squad, Lewelling, who has impressed with Germany's Under-21 team, is not only a constant attacking threat with his consistent ability to break through lines and run at defenders, but he has also received deserved praise for his defensive work.

Caleb Okoli, 23, central defender, Leicester City (Italy)

In a bid to revamp the squad that failed to make an impression at the European Championships, Luciano Spalletti has introduced no fewer than five new names for the games against Israel and Belgium. Among them is the promising Leicester centre-back, who has started in five of seven Premier League leagues after moving from Atalanta (he was loaned out to Frosinone last season).

At this point in his development, what sets Okoli apart is that he is a very solid defender. He is excellent in the air and combined with outstanding speed, first-class physical attributes and a sharp focus, Okoli is difficult to beat in one-on-one duels on defense or in sprint duels. While passing from the back is still an area for improvement, his ability to play anywhere in a back three or in a central two makes him tactically flexible.

On Thursday he was unused as a substitute against Belgium.

Niccolò Pisilli, 20, central midfielder, AS Roma (Italy)

Another surprising inclusion from Spalletti: Pisilli made just three appearances in Serie A before his first senior appearance for Roma, and can take another step in his pace.

Pisilli, a prolific goalscorer for Roma's youth teams, was signed by Daniele De Rossi earlier this season and his successor, Ivan Juric, has continued to believe in the young player.

Tactically, the 20-year-old appears to be the ideal number 8, he is adept at getting into the penalty area and his knowledge of the game allows him to easily choose clever positions between the opposition lines. A member of the Italian team that won the U19 European Championships last year, Pisilli is also dynamic and has a reliable first touch and passing skills, and he is always looking for attacking opportunities when he gets the ball.

He came on as a substitute in the 80th minute of the 2-2 draw against Belgium on Thursday, making his debut.

Obed Vargas, 19, central midfielder, Seattle Sounders FC (Mexico)

The Seattle Sounders star, one of the most promising MLS midfielders in recent seasons, recently moved to Mexico despite being born in Alaska and playing for the U.S. at U20 and U23 levels.

With Vargas hopefully allowed to wear the green jersey for the first time with the senior team, Mexico will add a clean, intelligent midfielder who can play both the defender and number 8 positions. The teenager, who turned 19 in August, stands out with excellent tactical awareness, a diverse passing range and growing leadership qualities. Despite his age, Vargas is approaching his 70th MLS game and to watch him play, you'd think he was already well into his 20s. Dynamic, disciplined and with his aggressive style, he eagerly gets rid of opponents (60% success rate on tackles) while also putting in an impressive defensive performance.

Renato Veiga, 21, defensive midfielder/left-back/centre-back, Chelsea (Portugal)

Veiga, one of the more reserved signings of Chelsea's transfer boom, moved to the west London club from FC Basel for €14 million in July.

Competing for a place amid Enzo Maresca's plethora of options, the Portuguese has arguably played more than he could have imagined since his arrival. He was also quite impressive, playing at left-back, playing three full games in the Europa League (including scoring a goal against Servette) and playing in his preferred defensive midfield position in the Premier League against Bournemouth.

There is no doubt that his flexibility makes him a highly valued asset to any coach, just as his composure on the ball and tactical discipline make him a trusted performer.

Joaquin Lavega, 19, striker, River Plate Montevideo (Uruguay)

Earlier this year, Marcelo Bielsa stunned the Uruguayan public by calling up 24-year-old Walter Dominguez from amateur football to the senior national team (he even ended up playing 12 minutes in a friendly against Costa Rica), this time making a splash by naming him seven players who have not yet played an international match for another shock.

One of them is the in-form striker Lavega from River Plate Montevideo. The 19-year-old has scored ten league goals at club level in his record-breaking season and it is no surprise that Bielsa enjoys his energetic, hard-working style of play.

Although Lavega is an all-round attacker, he prefers to start his movement from a wide left position to allow incisive runs between the opposition left-back and the (left) center back. With his tremendous pace, typically Uruguayan intensity, determination and unpredictable movements – aided by his low center of gravity – the striker is also an active presser.