1. Laszlo Kleinheisler

Image: Reuters

Image: Reuters

The 21-year-old Hungarian midfielder just jumped onto the international scene. He made his international debut, and scored the winning goal in the opening leg of the playoff. It was an away goal too, making it all the more valuable. There are great debuts, and there are dream debuts. Kleinheisler just had a dream debut.

2. Emil Forsberg

The Swedes got a huge game from their star…wait, who is this guy? Forsberg played excellent, scoring a goal and garnering the penalty that Zlatan Ibrahimovic buried. It was Forsberg’s first international goal, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Swedes got the very important 2-1 victory, and Forsberg was the driving force.

3. Matt Besler

After struggling following the World Cup, Besler seems to be back in the good graces of Jurgen Klinsmann. Sure, John Brooks has been injured, but Besler has turned in some solid performances lately, including the most recent World Cup qualifier. Besler wasn’t involved with the goal scored by their minnow opponent, and looks calm on the ball, including helping out Matt Miazga in his debut.

4. Moises Munoz Rodriguez

As Mexico began their qualifying journey, it was Rodriguez between the posts. The 35-year-old played very well, aiding in a 3-0 clean sheet. With the manager turnover, it is a sigh of relief for Mexican fans to get 3 points and a solid victory under their belt. They would rather not be saved by the United States again, rather qualifying on their own. If Rodriguez continues to post clean sheets, they shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

5. Bobby Wood

Wood got the start and made the most of his opportunity. He scored a pretty goal and was very active on both sides of the ball. He was subbed out in the second half, but this performance showed he isn’t only a super sub in friendlies. The young Hawaiian will likely get another chance to impress against Trinidad and Tobago.

6. Alexander Dominguez

If you missed the beginning of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, you would be surprised to find that Ecuador is the only team with maximum points through 3 match days. Sure, there are still 15 matches to go, but the team has come out on fire, with Dominguez acting as a brick wall in goal. He has only conceded 1 goal in 3 games so far. In the football-crazed world of South America, Dominguez can become a national hero if he can help Ecuador qualify for the World Cup.

7. Robbie Brady

The young Irishman was the hero in the fog. He put in an away goal that might be the difference between going to Euro 2016 or staying home. The Irish’s hopes for a major tournament rest on a single match in Dublin. Brady might just be the hero the Ireland needed.

8. Edin Dzeko

Just when Bosnia and Herzegovina looked to be defeated in their opening leg, Dzeko was the provider for the equalizer. The side has really struggled post-World Cup, but Dzeko continues to be the star that he has been hyped to be. They will need him to be at his best if they are going to make it to Euro 2016.

9. Gabor Kiraly

Experience truly cannot be substituted. The 39-year-old came up big in the Euro 2016 playoffs, helping Hungary punch one of the final tickets to France. He wasn’t otherworldly, but he was solid, which is all Hungary needed. A round of applause and tip of the cap to the veteran is well deserved.

10. Cyle Larin

Larin was the goal scorer for Canada in their 1-0 victory to begin World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF. The 20-year-old started with Orlando City in the MLS this season, in which he did very well. But it was for Canada that he really stood out, getting his country a crucial 3 points. Canada isn’t a power in the region, but with some young talent like Larin, they might just have a shot at qualifying.

 

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