As the summer draws to a close, the English Football League (EFL) is gearing up for another exciting season, and some of its biggest stars have been making waves on the international stage. Meet the EFL Summer Stars who have been shining bright in the world of football.
Marcelino Nunez: The Chilean Midfielder Who Took on the Best
Norwich City’s Marcelino Nunez has had a summer to remember, representing Chile in the Copa America against some of the biggest names in football. The 24-year-old midfielder was part of his nation’s squad in a group with World Cup winners Argentina, Canada, and Peru. Although Chile did not progress out of the group, Nunez’s performances caught the eye, and he will be looking to bring that form back to Carrow Road this season.
Nunez has been a key player for Norwich since signing from Universidad Catolica two years ago, making 81 appearances in the Canaries’ engine room. With a deal that runs until the summer of 2026, expect to see Nunez at the heart of Norwich’s midfield once again this season.
Nunez’s Copa America Experience
Nunez’s Copa America campaign was a baptism by fire, as he faced off against the likes of Lionel Messi, Alexis Mac Allister, and Alphonso Davies. Although Chile’s group stage exit was disappointing, Nunez’s performances were a highlight, and he will be looking to build on that experience in the coming season.
Nunez’s Stats
Nunez’s stats from the Copa America:
- Appearances: 3
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Yellow cards: 1
- Red cards: 0
Giorgi Chakvetadze: The Watford Midfielder Who Took on Ronaldo
Watford’s Giorgi Chakvetadze was part of the Georgia team that made a surprise exit from the group stage of Euro 2024. The 24-year-old midfielder played in all four of Georgia’s matches, including a memorable 2-0 victory over group winners Portugal. Chakvetadze’s performances caught the eye, and he will be looking to bring that form back to Vicarage Road this season.
Chakvetadze made his move to Watford permanent in February after initially joining from Belgian side Gent on loan a year ago. He will be looking to add to the one goal he scored for Watford last season and make a big impact in the coming campaign.
Chakvetadze’s Euro 2024 Experience
Chakvetadze’s Euro 2024 campaign was a highlight of the summer, as he helped Georgia make a surprise exit from the group stage. The midfielder’s performances were a key factor in Georgia’s success, and he will be looking to build on that experience in the coming season.
Chakvetadze’s Stats
Chakvetadze’s stats from Euro 2024:
- Appearances: 4
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 1
- Yellow cards: 1
- Red cards: 0
Haji Wright: The Coventry City Striker Who Lit Up the Copa America
Coventry City’s Haji Wright had a summer to remember, representing the United States in the Copa America. The 26-year-old striker featured in the US’s 1-0 group loss to Uruguay alongside Norwich City’s Josh Sargent. Wright’s performances caught the eye, and he will be looking to bring that form back to the Ricoh Arena this season.
Wright’s season started slowly, but he burst into life come the turn of the year, scoring 12 goals from January onwards to help Coventry finish ninth in the Championship. He also had a big hand in Coventry’s dream FA Cup run, scoring a stoppage-time winner at Premier League side Wolves in the quarter-finals.
Wright’s Copa America Experience
Wright’s Copa America campaign was a highlight of the summer, as he represented the United States in the tournament. Although the US’s group stage exit was disappointing, Wright’s performances were a highlight, and he will be looking to build on that experience in the coming season.
Wright’s Stats
Wright’s stats from the Copa America:
- Appearances: 1
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Yellow cards: 0
- Red cards: 0
These EFL Summer Stars have been making waves on the international stage, and they will be looking to bring that form back to their respective clubs in the coming season. With the new season just around the corner, fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of these talented players to the EFL.