Guillermo Varela

Right-back starter for Uruguay

Varela has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad and is expected to start at right-back under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament after a season with Flamengo.

Analysis: Varela contributed three assists across 14 appearances this season with Flamengo, providing attacking output from the right-back position despite limited involvement in the starting lineup at club level. His ability to get forward, deliver crosses into dangerous areas and combine with the wide attackers in front of him gives Uruguay an additional attacking option on the right flank, and his experience in high-pressure matches with one of South America's biggest clubs prepares him well for the intensity of a World Cup. For Uruguay, Varela provides the right-back position with an attacking-minded and technically capable option whose delivery and overlapping runs give the Celestes a dynamic presence on that side of the pitch throughout the tournament.