Rodrigo Zalazar

Creative spark for Uruguay

Zalazar has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad and could play an important role in attacking midfield under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament in outstanding form after one of the most impressive seasons of his career with Braga.

Analysis: Zalazar contributed an exceptional 16 goals and five assists across 28 appearances this season with Braga, establishing himself as one of the most productive attacking midfielders in the Portuguese league and arriving at the World Cup with the momentum and confidence of a player performing at the peak of his powers. His arrival in the squad takes on added significance given the injury concerns surrounding several members of Uruguay's attacking midfield options, and his goal-scoring output this season makes him one of the more dangerous and underrated options available to coach Marcelo Bielsa heading into the tournament. His technical quality and delivery from dead-ball situations could also see him take on a share of set-piece responsibilities for Uruguay, adding another dimension to his already considerable influence on the team's attacking play this summer.