Confederations Cup 2017: 10 Players To Watch

7. Chris Wood (New Zealand)

Striker Chris Wood may not catch the eye as much as some of the hyped-up names on this list, but followers of Championship teams aiming for promotion will be keeping a keen eye on the prolific Kiwi.

Leeds United were within a whisker of the play-offs this season, and pretty much all of that was down to Wood's superb haul of 27 goals. With boss Garry Monk having departed the club and the situation at Elland Road shrouded in uncertainty, Leeds fans are probably fearing the worst over their star striker. Monk's new club Middlesbrough are determined to smash the league, so a move up the A19 to rejoin his former coach is a distinct possibility, although Premier League middleweights West Ham and Stoke are also keen on the All White's marksman.

New Zealand go into the ConfedCup as considerable outsiders, and they'll be hoping Wood's on fire if they're to progress. The captain will be the focus of attention in both hemispheres.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.