A LOOK AT 27 OF THE MOST PROMISING PLAYERS FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022
Many great players in history have contributed to the popularity of the FIFA world cup, such as Pele in the past, and Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylie Mbappe and many others today. Seeing as the official 2022 World Cup is inching closer, it makes sense to take a look at some of the top teams in their respective regions that are making a strong showing. It is, however, the talented players who contribute to the embodied winning mindset that makes a great team. What is the consensus among the players in the Fifa World Cup as the best? Take a look at the following list to discover which players will provide a spectacular display during the games.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
The French professional footballer Kylian Mbappé Lottin plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain as well as the France national team. The dribbling ability of Mbappé, exceptional speed, and ability to finish have earned him a reputation as one of the best players in the world. According to most experts, the 23-year-old French forward is the best player on earth. He scored four goals and provided an assist in 2014 when his country won the World Cup in Russia. According to his performance during 2021-22, he is likely to surpass the number of victories he had in 2018. The ruthlessness demonstrated by Mbappé last season was evident in his 38 goals and 26 assists for PSG. In 2022, he will undoubtedly be one of the best players to watch at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
As a forward, Lionel Andrés Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team. The mercurial Argentine has demonstrated his talents in a deeper role at PSG in recent years, underlining the myth that Messi's powers are waning. In what will be his last appearance at the World Cup, he will attempt to add a World Cup to his glittering list of individual and team accolades.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
As a midfielder for the Premier League club Manchester City and the Belgian national team, Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian professional footballer. As one of the best players of his generation and in the world, he is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The term "complete footballer" is often used by pundits to describe him. Kevin De Bruyne is in contention to win the Premier League Player of the Year award for the third consecutive year, if the 2022-23 odds are correct. The fact that the Belgian has such a high level of ability should tell you everything you need to know about him. With Manchester City, KDB has won four Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, and one FA Cup, as well as a number of goals and assists. During his 307 appearances for the English giant, he has recorded 86 goals and 121 assists. At the 2018 World Cup, he scored one goal and provided two assists, leading his country to a third-place finish. It is clear that he will strive to improve upon last year's performance. The goal for De Bruyne will be to finally assist Belgium in removing their 'nearly men' tag in Qatar, where a star-studded line-up has consistently underperformed. Nonetheless, the Manchester City player is determined to prove he is the world's number-one midfielder.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo plays forward for Premier League club Manchester United and is the captain of the Portugal national team. In terms of Ronaldo's outstanding career, he is the top scorer in aloof football, the winner of the Fifa World Cup, and multiple Premier League titles are only the tip of the iceberg. Ronaldo remains a high-level football player despite being an old player. As a result, he continues to be regarded by many as the greatest player of all time. Ronaldo may have one more shot at greatness in 2022, as he will be able to use his arsenal of skills and devotion to win for his home country, Portugal, again.
Vinicius Jr. (Brazil)
A Brazilian international footballer, Vinicius José Paixao de Oliveira Junior is one of the most prominent wingers in La Liga and the national team of Brazil. He is popularly known under the nickname Vini Junior or Vini Jr. Today, Vini Jr is one of the most sought-after players in the world of soccer. With his performance for both Real Madrid and Brazil during the last two years, Vinicius Jr. has established himself as an exceptional player. As one of the most dangerous partnerships in Spanish football, he shone with Karim Benzema at Madrid, and his world-class potential could see him become one of Qatar's most prominent figures by 2022.
Takefusa Kubo (Japan)
The Japanese professional footballer Takefusa Kubo plays as a winger for Real Sociedad and the Japan national team. Despite only being 21 years old, Takefusa Kubo has already made quite a name for himself in La Liga - first with Barcelona and then at Real Madrid. Although Real Sociedad holds a 50% stake in him and can bring him back to the Spanish capital until the year 2025, the Japanese midfielder has proven consistently that he is one of the best midfielders in Asia. A pivotal player for the Blue Samurai, he could be the key to their success.
Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands)
The Netherlands national football team and Premier League club Liverpool are represented by Virgil van Dijk, a Dutch professional footballer. He is known for his strength, leadership, and aerial ability, making him one of the best defenders in the world. Known for his brilliant ability to read a game, his lethal aerial presence, and his deceptive speed, the Dutchman possesses a wide range of qualities. A Premier League and Champions League winner, the Liverpool star is known for his prowess. Van Dijk has never represented his country at a World Cup, despite playing a consistent role as Liverpool's defensive rock. In recent years, the Dutch have become stronger at the back and in midfield, and likewise, with Premier League rival Kevin De Bruyne, Van Dijk will be seeking to establish himself as one of the best players in the world at his position.
Neymar (Brazil)
Known as Neymar, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team. Known for his prolific goal-scoring and playmaking skills, he is considered one of the best players in the world. Qatar 2022 will be no different as the mercurial Brazilian continues to carry the hopes of his country on the biggest stage. Whenever Neymar wears the Selecao shirt, a nation expects him to lead them to their first world title since 2002. As a result of injuries, Neymar has been unable to reach the heights he might have expected with PSG in recent years, but he remains the focal point of the 2021 Copa America beaten finalists' attack.
Pedri (Spain)
"Pedri" is the nickname given to Pedro González López, who is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Barcelona and for the Spanish national team. The La Roja midfielder Pedri is another product of the Spanish production line that has previously produced Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi. Pedri, however, is considered to have the potential to one day surpass his Barcelona predecessors. He will be looking to build on his outstanding showing at Euro 2020 in order to achieve even greater success.
Karim Benzema (France)
The French footballer Karim Mostafa Benzema plays as a striker for Real Madrid and captains the France national team. Benzema is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time for his creativity and prolific scoring ability. A mixed response to Deschamps' decision to recall Benzema for Euro 2020 was experienced in France, as Les Bleus failed to advance beyond the round of sixteen. As a result, the veteran forward has been reminded of his big-game abilities in 2021/22, including in the Champions League, and he remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the game.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
He is a Croatian professional footballer and captains the Croatia national team. His primary position is that of a central midfielder, but he is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder. After the World Cup, Modric is likely to follow Ronaldo, Messi, and Benzema in calling time on his international career. However, despite his advanced years, the 37-year-old midfielder remains a match for anyone in world football despite his advancing years, and he will be determined to lead Croatia to victory in Qatar.
Alphonso Davies (Canada)
The Canadian professional soccer player Alphonso Boyle Davies plays as a left-back or winger for the Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team. Due to his pace, dribbling, and creativity, he is considered one of the finest full-backs in the world. It is the first time that Canada has qualified for the World Cup since 1986 and it did so without the assistance of its talisman for the final push. As the Bayern Munich player expressed his emotions on social media, it was evident how much it meant to him that Canada would be able to qualify for the Qatar World Cup. He is determined to shine on the biggest stage of them all, regardless of the outcome of the match.
Christian Pulisic (USA)
The American professional soccer player Christian Mate Pulisic plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for the Premier League club Chelsea and the United States national team. In recognition of his high level of play and his nationality, he has been nicknamed "Captain America" by fans and other players. To achieve success in the tournament, the USMNT will need to rely on their talisman Pulisic to guide them. In Gregg Berhalter's talented roster, the Chelsea playmaker has been one of the most impressive players of their qualifying campaign. He will hope to bring with him his experience from big games at the club level onto the world stage.
Son Heung-min (South Korea)
South Korean footballer Son Heung-min plays as a forward for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the South Korea national team. As a Tottenham player, Son has repeatedly demonstrated that he is capable of individual brilliance, scoring some of the most spectacular goals in the league. With more than 30 international goals to his name, he is just as ruthless at the international level, and he will be one of the standout strikers in the Middle East.
Harry Kane (England)
An English professional footballer, Harry Edward Kane MBE represents Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and captains the England national team. Known for his prolific goalscoring record and ability to link play, Kane is recognized as one of the best strikers in the world. As Gareth Southgate's side attempts to build on their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, Kane will be a crucial player. In the second half of the 2021-22 Premier League season, Kane returned to his best form, and he has started the new campaign in a manner that suggests he can perform at the highest level once again.
Édouard Mendy (Senegal)
As a goalkeeper for the Premier League club Chelsea and the Senegal national team, Edouard Osoque Mendy is a professional footballer. In 2011, Mendy signed professional terms with Cherbourg of the third division, after playing in the Le Havre academy. Chelsea's Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs last year were largely attributed to Mendy. His contribution to Senegal's success at the African Cup of Nations followed a few months later. In addition to being named both the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season and Africa Cup of Nations' Best Goalkeeper, few would argue that Mendy is not one of the most prominent players at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Weston Mckennie (USA)
American soccer player Weston James Earl McKennie plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Juventus and the United States national team. McKennie is a versatile midfielder who is capable of playing in a variety of positions, primarily in the box-to-box position or in a deep defensive role. It was not that long ago that the United States was regarded as a minor soccer nation. It is not an easy task to select only one American player from my list of the top players to watch at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A number of household names should be mentioned, including Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, and Sergio De St. Weston McKennie, however, holds the key to his country's success later this year. Juventus' box-to-box midfielder invariably covers every blade of grass while combining tough tackles and clever movement with creative passes and long-range shots. The Stars and Stripes could benefit from his expertise in Qatar.
Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
A German professional footballer, Joshua Walter Kimmich represents the German national team and the Bundesliga club Bayern Munich as a defensive midfielder or right-back. His playstyle, versatility, aggression, and playmaking abilities are well known. There are a number of players in the World Cup who should be monitored, including Joshua Kimmich. It is clear from his versatility that Bayern Munich star Michael Bastian is more than capable of playing in almost any position, making him a dream player for any manager. His international career has already resulted in 67 caps and seven Bundesliga titles.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays for the Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the national team of Morocco. While he is primarily a right-back, he can also play as an attacking full-back on occasion. Hakimi was a member of Real Madrid's youth academy. In light of the fact that he has already played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and PSG, it is easy to forget that he is still a young player. In the 2019-20 Bundesliga, the marauding right-back was named Team of the Year before making it into the 2020-21 Serie A Team of the Year. He scored four goals and provided six assists during last season's Ligue 1 championship. It is noteworthy that Hakimi has also earned 51 caps for the national team. He is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest African players ever. Thus, he had to be included in the list of the top World Cup players in Qatar.
Christian Eriksen (Denmark)
Danish professional footballer Christian Dannemann Eriksen is a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester United and the Danish national team. There is no doubt that Eriksen is renowned for the quality of his vision, his technique, his passing, and his free kicks. Everyone feared the worst when Christian Eriksen suffered an on-field cardiac arrest during the last European Championship. As a result of his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), he is prepared to become a star at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In light of what transpired at Euro 2020, it is easy to forget what Eriksen has accomplished throughout his career. During his career, he has won top-flight titles in the Netherlands and Italy, as well as reaching the Champions League final with Tottenham Hotspur. Eriksen has also established a stellar international record. With 38 goals and 26 assists in 115 appearances for Denmark, the midfield maestro has demonstrated his abilities.
Phil Foden (England)
Philip Walter Foden holds the position of a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the England national team. Among the best young players in the world, he is considered to be one of the best. The player made his international debut against Iceland on 5 September 2020, in a 1–0 away victory in the UEFA Nations League. In a match against Iceland in the UEFA Nations League on 18 November 2020, Foden scored his first and second goals for England. In Fifa 2022, Phil Foden has a rating of 85. The potential of this player is 92, and his position is left wing.
Ruben Dias (Portugal)
Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Premier League club Manchester City and the Portugal national team. Considered one of the best defenders in the world, he is known for his defensive prowess, leadership, and aerial ability. His overall rating in FIFA 22 is 88 with a potential of 91. Rúben Dias has got a 2-star skill moves rating. He prefers to shoot with his right foot. His work rates are Medium / High.
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)
During the Scaloni era, Argentina's primary goal threat was its ability to score goals. As a result of Martinez's outstanding performances with Racing, he moved to Italy to lead the line for Inter Milan, which won the Serie A for 2020-21 as a result of his goals. During that season, Martinez scored 25 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions. With his partnership with Romelu Lukaku now firmly established, Martinez should be at his peak when Qatar 2022 arrives. Along with his offensive abilities, El Toro ("The Bull") plays a crucial role in Scaloni's system as a hard-running first line of defense, freeing Messi from defensive responsibilities in order to conserve his energy. The Argentina striker, who missed out on a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, is now ready to shine in Qatar and provide Argentina with the cutting edge it lacked in the three finals it lost before ending its trophy drought last year against Brazil at the Maracana.
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Awarded African Footballer of the Year for a second time, Sadio Mane was part of the Liverpool team that reached the final of the Uefa Champions League in May. The Sedhiou native is capable of explosive bursts of pace at critical moments during crucial matches, thanks to his top speed of 34.84 km per hour. The incisive and energetic way he plays, both on and off the ball, causes defenses significant problems. The adeptness with which Mane positions himself makes him an exceptionally dangerous goal threat, regardless of whether he is facing the goal or facing it, whether he receives the ball deep – where he can attempt one of his signature low shots into the corner of the net – or is attempting to finish off a cross into the box with clinical precision.
Thomas Müller (Germany)
Thomas Muller remains a pillar of the German national team. Rather than Hummels and Boateng, the affable Bavarian regained his place in the squad after Low wielded the axe. Regardless of the team, he can play anywhere in the forward line or midfield. With an impressive trophy collection and extensive international experience, he's exactly what Flick needs. Radio Muller, as he is affectionately called, also serves as a team comedian on the bus and in the dressing room. Muller has already set his sights on long-time teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger (121) with 116 appearances and 44 goals. Despite his relatively advanced age, Muller managed eight goals and 21 assists in 32 Bundesliga matches in 2021/22. After just four World Cup qualifying matches, he has six goals (three goals and three assists). Muller will also attempt to lift the trophy for a second time, after lifting it in 2014.
Federico Valverde (Uruguay)
Few Uruguay players are in better form than Valverde, a highly versatile midfielder who at the age of 24 is making waves for Real Madrid and is as irreplaceable for the club as he is for his country. Valverde is a tireless performer with a high work rate and has added an offensive dimension to his game by being able to play different positions throughout a match. His fourth goal of the season came in the latest Madrid derby, as his side won 2-1. Valverde is the third striker, fourth midfielder, and the fifth defender every coach dreams of having. He also offers vision, an eye for goal, and a gift for reading the game, in addition to his Uruguayan grit. A quiet individual who does not shout or scream, Valverde leads by example on and off the field. Despite the fact that his name does not often appear when discussing the greatest players in the world of today, he should be considered among them and will be crucial to the national team's prospects in Qatar.
Gareth Bale (Wales)
The undisputed talisman of Wales, Bale remains the captain, all-time record goalscorer, and so much more. A five-time Uefa Champions League winner and three-time Fifa Club World Cup champion, he tends to save his best and most influential performances when he wears a red shirt. The flag that famously declared his affections and priorities were seen everywhere, and Bale has never hidden the extra energy he finds when playing for Wales. A country's star player is no less special than its country itself. With crucial goals, driving runs, and spectacular set pieces, Bale demonstrated his continued importance to the Welsh cause during qualifying. In describing the Los Angeles FC attacker as his nation's greatest athlete, former Wales star Dean Saunders spoke for a nation. Wales plans to enjoy this all-time great for as long as possible, given all that and his advancing years. It is the perfect stage for Bale to showcase and savor his talents.
By Rashmi Goel