Eleven of the world’s best uncapped players: Christopher Nkunku, Deniz Undav, Jarrod Bowen...
- Graeme Bailey
- 21 March 2022
It may sometimes seem that international call-ups are handed out like confetti but for some talented players their first international cap is still proving elusive.
The latest set of international squads are being announced and it promises to be a big week for some.
However, there are some talented players who are yet to represent their country.
Planet Sport takes a look at 11 of the world's best players who have still to win a cap.
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig) - France
The RB Leipzig midfielder has been brilliant this season and the 24-year-old is seen as one of the hottest properties in Europe heading into the summer.
He looks set for a big-money move, with his former club Paris Saint-Germain in the hunt for his signature.
It is massively surprising that he hasn't been capped thus far, but he has been called into Didier Deschamps' latest squad for the friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa so it's unlikely he will feature on this list going forward.
James Tavernier (Rangers) - England
The Rangers captain has been brilliant for the Scottish champions in recent years.
The 30-year-old is one of the most creative full-backs in Europe but he has not been called up by England.
That is more down to Gareth Southgate's embarrassment of riches in his position than his lack of quality. The Three Lions are the most well-stocked country in world football at right back, with Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Kieran Trippier to call on and emerging talents including Tino Livramento, Tariq Lamptey and Max Aarons.
Sergio Gomez (Anderlecht) - Spain
The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund left-back has kick-started his career in Belgium.
The 21-year-old has been brilliant for Anderlecht and has five goals and an incredible 11 assists to his name this season.
Tipped for a call-up, a full cap is not too far away.
Deniz Undav (Union) Germany/Turkey
The top-scorer in the Belgian top flight, he has played a major part in Union's surge to the summit.
The 25-year-old has already been snapped up by Brighton & Hove Albion and is set to get his chance in the Premier League next season.
International football is something that has eluded him thus far but he is an option for both Germany and Turkey.
Marcos Senesi (Feyenoord) - Argentina
One of the best defenders in Holland and slowly building a reputation for himself.
Linked with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Newcastle United in recent months, the 24-year-old is on the radar for Argentina.
Many in Argentina are predicting he is a good bet to make the World Cup with his home nation.
Aaron Hickey (Bologna) - Scotland
The young Scottish full-back is starring in Serie A with Bologna.
The 19-year-old, linked with a string of top Premier League clubs including Manchester United, is looking set for a big move.
Currently uncapped, he has been called up by Steve Clarke for this month's friendly double-header and his first cap does not look too far away.
Arthur Cabral (Fiorentina) - Brazil
Signed by Fiorentina in January to replace Dusan Vlahovic, the 23-year-old had already scored 27 goals in 31 appearances for Basel this season.
Cabral has played in Europe since 2019 and was called up by Brazil in late 2021, but remains without a senior appearance.
Joshua Zirkzee (Anderlecht) - Holland/Nigeria
The Bayern Munich loanee is enjoying a hugely productive spell in Belgium.
One of Europe's most highly-rated young forwards, many are wondering why he has not yet been capped by Holland.
Despite being Dutch-born, Zirkzee is also eligible for Nigeria. The Super Eagles' chances of landing him look slim, however, as he has previously spoken of his dream to play for the Oranje.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) - England
The former Hull City forward has emerged as one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
Snapped up by West Ham in 2020, Bowen has plenty of fans, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The 25-year-old is yet to be capped, with an untimely injury surely the only reason he wasn't in Gareth Southgate's latest squad.
Anthony Elanga (Manchester United) - Sweden/England
One of the best prospects to emerge from United's famed academy in recent years.
The young Swede is being tipped to become a huge star, but at 19 he is yet to land his first cap.
England had chances to cap him, but he has now been called up by Sweden and is close to breaking his international duck.
Max Kilman (Wolves) - England
Not named in the most recent squad, it came as a real shock to many that the Wolves star was not in.
Kilman has virtually come from nowhere to become a revelation for Wolves this season.
The former Futsal international has work to do, but don't rule him out winning a place in the Three Lions squad before too long.
