SENEGAL

The former Rennes and Watford winger has been terrorising defences in Europe’s top leagues for a number of years. Now an FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace, scoring twice in last year’s semi-final against Aston Villa, the 28-year-old is at the peak of his powers. Originally from Saint-Louis, Sarr is another to have come through the Génération Foot academy in Dakar, where an education is a vital provision but football is still king. “It is a good environment where you are surrounded by competent coaches and very nice people. You wake up in the morning and all you have to do is play football,” he told Sky Sports in 2022. This is his third World Cup having started all seven games in the two previous tournaments.

At just 18, Mbaye is the latest starlet everyone in Senegal has their eye on. The youngest player in Paris St-Germain’s history is the symbol of a new generation of French-born players who are choosing to represent Senegal. The skillful forward represented France at various youth levels but switched allegiance to the country of his father last year, when he also became Senegal’s youngest goalscorer. He played an important role – usually from the bench – at Afcon last January, scoring in the Last 16 against Sudan. “I will never regret choosing to play for Senegal because it was a decision from the heart,” he said. Used sparingly by Luis Enrique this season but scored in PSG’s win over Lens that secured the Ligue 1 title.