Five potential debutant defenders to watch in this international break

When awaiting the latest squads to be announced, the first thing that fans of international football tend to look out for are potential debutants, and this break has been no different. Indeed, while there aren’t too many players from the worlds top national sides in line to gain a first cap, there are a handful of young defenders that could see action in the coming days, and we’ve looked at five to keep an eye on here…

Alessio Romagnoli (Italy) vs Spain/Macedonia

In line to make his Azzurri debut this week due to the suspension of Giorgio Chiellini, competing for a starting berth in Giampiero’s back three against Spain with the likes of Davide Astori and Angelo Ogbonna, most feel that Romagnoli's time has come. The centre-back has been a mainstay in the Milan backline since arriving from Roma - via a loan spell with Sampdoria - last summer and must surely be considered as the future for Italy’s defence, with Andrea Barzagli in particular likely to call it a day after the World Cup in Russia.

The 21-year old has been named in a number of squads to now but is still to make his first appearance for the senior side, so a match with la Roja would certainly be a baptism of fire. Strong on the ball and offering decent pace, Romagnoli is ready to make the step into the side having secured solid defensive figures this season, including 2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 7 clearances per game so far.

Presnel Kimpembe (France) vs Bulgaria/Netherlands

Having only emerged in the first team at PSG last season 21-year old Presnel Kimpembe has been something of a regular fixture under new manager Unai Emery at the start of this. Stepping into the shoes of David Luiz, the youngster is the most used centre-back by the French champions in the league so far, starting six matches and doing enough in that time to convince Didier Deschamps that he warranted a call-up to les Bleus’ senior squad.

Kimpembe has proven to be very composed and comfortable with the possession based game at the Parc des Princes, completing a superb 92.9% of his passes this season, whilst also completing 5 dribbles to bring the ball out from the back. His impressive anticipation has also been on display, with an average of 2.5 interceptions per game leading the way for his side, and while he is unlikely to feature against Bulgaria or the Netherlands, Kimpembe is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Rick Karsdorp (Netherlands) vs Belarus/France

Having made the right-back berth at high flying Feyenoord his own since the start of last season, 21-year old Karsdorp could be in line for an international debut with the Oranje in this break. He has enjoyed a fine start to the current campaign, in which Gio van Bronckhorst’s side have won every game in the league thus far, securing a solid WhoScored.com rating of 7.37.

It’s the attacking outlet and creativity that the youngster offers from wide that will be the biggest asset to his country, already having registered two assists this season. Having wracked up a remarkable 10 from full-back in the Eredivisie last time out - only one player managed more in Holland’s top-flight - Karsdorp’s main strength is abundantly clear, particularly given modest averages of 1.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game this season.

Davinson Sanchez (Colombia) vs Paraguay/Uruguay

Elsewhere in the Eredivisie 20-year old Davinson Sanchez is making a real name for himself at Ajax and as such will be hoping to feature for the first time for Colombia in their double header with Paraguay and Uruguay. Sealing a summer switch from his homeland and Atletico Nacional, the strong centre-back has quickly established himself in the Ajax side, starting seven times to secure an excellent WhoScored.com rating of 7.45.

He too has proven to be very comfortable at playing the ball out from the back, as is customary in Dutch football, completing 90.2% of his passes in the league. Sanchez has also already weighed in with two headed goals, offering a real threat from set pieces, and surely represents the future of the Colombia back four alongside Jeison Murillo. Indeed, without Christian Zapata and the retired Mario Yepes, the aforementioned Inter man is the only centre-back in Jose Pekerman’s squad with more than ten caps.

Michael Keane (England) vs Malta/Slovenia

Called up as a replacement to Glen Johnson - whose inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s first England squad was frankly bizarre - many felt Michael Keane warranted recognition in the first place. The 23-year old has enjoyed a strong start to life back in the Premier League with Burnley and, like Sanchez, has already showcased his threat from corners, scoring in the win against Watford and hitting the bar as the Clarets fell to a last gasp defeat to Arsenal.

Keane has in fact scored six goals since the start of last season, behind only the strike partnership of Vokes and Gray at Burnley, and it’s his aerial prowess at either end that would perhaps make him a good fit for England against sides likely to employ long ball tactics. Only compatriot and fellow squad member Phil Jagielka has made more headed clearances (44) than Keane in England's top-flight this season (43), and it’s players like the Toffees captain that the former United defender will be looking to replace in the years to come.

Which of these defenders are you hoping to see in action during the international break? Let us know in the comments below