Twice winners of the World Cup, Uruguay enter the tournament in Qatar with just one semi-final appearance since 1970.
No more than a dark horse in World Cup winner odds, La Celeste need some good fortune and exceptional individual performances if they are to go on a deep run in this winter’s tournament.
This squad might not be as stacked as some of their CONMEBOL foes, but Uruguay have plenty of high-profile talent with experience at the top of the international game and the highest stakes of club football.
These five players are vital for the Uruguayans if they are to upset football betting odds this winter.
Darwin Núñez
It has been an up and down start to his time on Merseyside, but Darwin Núñez has shown flashes of why Liverpool splashed so much cash on him. His shot numbers are outrageous. Some finishes have been great, others less so.
Regardless of his efficiency in front of goal, Núñez is a nightmare for opposing defenders, a physical specimen who can play bully ball when required and exhibit exceptional technical ability.
The finishing is what could be the difference between a decent World Cup and a great one for Uruguay, though.
Federico Valverde
Owner of the highest market value among Uruguayan players, Federico Valverde has blossomed over the last year or so and will be an integral player for La Celeste this winter.
Whether in a midfield three or playing in a pivot with Rodrigo Bentancur, Valverde brings a skillset which is vital for this Uruguay team.
At points, the middle of the park has been a weak point for the two-time world champions. There’s no such concern in Qatar with Valverde joined by Matias Vecino and Bentancur.
Luis Suárez
Returning to his homeland with Nacional, Luis Suárez flourished, scoring eight and assisting three in 14 league matches. The former Liverpool forward isn’t the player he once was, but how much does he have left to offer in Qatar this winter?
World Cups are small samples, a relative lottery compared to the grind of club football.
Suárez will have more than ample opportunity to make his mark on the tournament, and it could just take a moment of trademark brilliance for the Salto native to swing Uruguay’s fortunes.
Sebastián Coates
If Uruguay are to exceed our World Cup result predictions, they need their defence to be rock-solid throughout.
Sebastián Coates is a big part of their defensive effort, having evolved into one of Europe’s more reliable defenders after a calamitous spell at Liverpool earlier in his career.
The matchups with Cristiano Ronaldo and Heung-min Son are a challenge for the entire Uruguay back line, and Coates will be at the centre of those encounters.
José Giménez
Expected to start with Coates in a back four, José Giménez is playing in his third World Cup, and has delivered in tournament football before, having been named to the Copa America Team of the Tournament in 2019.
Giménez is hard as nails, a no-nonsense defender who thrives in physical battles.
Uruguay’s attack can carry them in the group, but their defence will need to be faultless to overcome more talented opposition in the knockouts.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
