The 2022 World Cup is just around the corner, it will kick off on November 21 in Qatar. After the classification, in June the 32 selected that will participate in the competition were announced.
As always, there’s a mix of potential luxury spectators, heavy favourites, and teams that are just a shadow of the past. However, in this contingent of nations, there are many talented stars that we can appreciate. Here is the best player from each team in a new World Cup.
1. Son Heung-min – South Korea
Few players on this list are as far ahead of their teammates as Son Heung-min.
The Spurs player is a world-class striker, as he has repeatedly shown in recent seasons.
2. Federico Valverde – Uruguay
Darwin Nunez is on the rise, but Federico Valverde’s experience at the highest level gives him the edge.
Pajarito’s performances during Real Madrid’s run to the 2022 Champions League final caught the public’s attention.
For this reason, he leads the Celeste podium today.
3. Inaki Williams – Ghana
Iñaki Williams ‘ choice to play for Ghana ahead of the 2022 World Cup was a huge boost for the Black Stars.
The rest of the team around him is not the strongest, so he will have to produce differently.
4. Andre Onana – Cameroon
He may be a bit rusty due to his recent suspension, but Andre Onana is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
He hopes to quickly adjust to his new surroundings at Inter before flying to Qatar.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Portugal has many veterans, but none more important than Cristiano Ronaldo.
His career speaks for itself.
6. Yann Sommer – Switzerland
As with Serbia, Switzerland has several players who could claim this crown.
Yann Sommer, one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga for several years, is in the spotlight.
7. Filip Kostic – Serbia
This is a three-way duel between Dusan Tadic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Filip Kostic.
In the end, we settled on Kostic, who has the most sensitive left foot in football.
8. Neymar – Brazil
Vinicius Junior threatens to take his place, but Neymar is still the best player in his country ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Today he needs to stay in shape to shine, which he ultimately failed to achieve.
9. Luka Modric – Croatia
The timeless Luka Modric shows few signs of slowing down, but this will surely be his last major tournament.
Modric helped Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and won a Ballon d’Or for his efforts.
10. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco
Although Hakim Ziyech returned to play for his country, Morocco’s best player is still Achraf Hakimi.
High profile at Real Madrid, Hakimi was a figure first at Inter and now at PSG.
11. Alphonso Davies – Canada
Canada’s long wait for a World Cup will end in November thanks – in part – to Alphonso Davies.
The Bayern Munich left-back will be essential, in both phases of the pitch, for his team.
12. Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
This selection will not surprise you.
Kevin De Bruyne is probably the best midfielder in the world, and he has been for some time.
13. Daichi Kamada – Japan
Japan could be the outsider who will go far in this World Cup. Although he lacks depth in this team, there is a lot of talent in the starting eleven, especially Daichi Kamada.
The attacking midfielder leads a team of technical and hard-working players who will cause problems.
14. Joshua Kimmich – Germany
There is no exceptional player in the German team, they are strong in all areas.
However, Joshua Kimmich has the potential to make a difference in the World Cup as he can control the pace of a match.
15. Keylor Navas – Costa Rica
The best Costa Rican goalkeeper in history, who will probably play in his last World Cup, hopes to honor his country in November.
He will have a lot to do in the matches against Spain and Germany in the group stage.
16. Pedri – Spain
Some might say that it is too soon for Pedri to be considered the best player in his country. We think the opposite.
The teenager plays with the maturity of a 30-year veteran and always shakes things up in midfield.
17. Wahbi Khazri – Tunisia
Hannibal Mejbri could soon take his crown, but for now, Wahbi Khazri is Tunisia’s attacking talisman.
The striker developed his entire career in France, except for an unfortunate stage at Sunderland.
18. Christian Eriksen – Denmark
Christian Eriksen showed remarkable determination to get back to his best after suffering cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
He was brilliant for Brentford in the second half of the 2021/22 season and was not selected on this list due to sentiment.
19. Mathew Ryan – Australia
Andrew Redmayne’s penalty shootout may have stolen the limelight in the World Cup decider against Peru, but Mathew Ryan is still Australia’s number-one goalkeeper.
He is also the most experienced archer at the highest level.
20. Kylian Mbappe – France
Florentino Pérez may hate him, but France loves him.
After a disappointing Euro 2020, Mbappé wants to catch up in the World Cup with the Blues, who will continue to be among the favorites.
21. Robert Lewandowski – Poland
Few Polish players in history have left a legacy in the game like Robert Lewandowski, and it is far from over.
The only thing missing from his career is leading Poland to the end of a tournament. Maybe that will change this winter.
22. Hirving Lozano – Mexico
While we appreciate Guillermo Ochoa making some miraculous saves in the 36th, Hirving Lozano is probably Mexico’s best hope heading into the tournament.
The Napoli striker is a superb player although he sometimes lacks sharpness in finishing.
23. Salem Al-Dawsari – Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia should have good support in Qatar and fans making the short trip will be delighted to see international stalwart Salem Al-Dawsari.
He is part of a select group of Saudi players who came to Europe with Villarreal.
24. Lionel Messi-Argentina
Like Bale, Lionel Messi is reaching the end of his historic career.
Can we doubt that he is still the star man of the competition? Not. Could this be the year he adds the World Cup to his trophy case?
25. Gareth Bale – Wales
It is unclear how long he will continue to play after this World Cup, but one thing is for sure, Gareth Bale is the talisman of Wales.
If the Dragons want to overcome their group, the attacker will have to be decisive.
26. Christian Pulisic – United States
The United States is back in the World Cup and expectations are high.
Christian Pulisic, who lately hasn’t shown his best face at the club, will be the main attacking weapon of this team.
27. Sardar Azmoun – Iran
After several seasons of scoring goals in Russia, Sardar Azmoun was the subject of an approach to the Premier League.
He recently joined Bayer Leverkusen and remains Iran’s most important player.
28. Harry Kane – England
Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at the last World Cup and will try to do the same in Qatar.
Many question marks hang over Gareth Southgate’s selection ahead of the tournament, but Kane’s place in the attack is not one of them.
29. Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands
Center-backs aren’t usually known for changing the game, but Virgil van Dijk is no ordinary center-back.
No one in world football comes close to Van Dijk in his position and he will be eager to impress after missing the last three major tournaments.
30. Sadio Mane – Senegal
Sadio Mané hopes to take an African team past the quarter-finals for the first time in World Cup history.
If anyone can pull off this feat, it’s the former Liverpool player.
