The 2022 World Cup is almost at the knockout stage, but which players have impressed so far?
we will ignore the likes Argentina‘s Lionel Messi And France‘s kilian mbappewho are already known as the best players in the world, and focus on young stars whose performances have taken them to a different level.
Ahead of the tournament, we got to face the best potential players under the age of 23 and many of them – england‘s Jude Bellingham, Brazil‘s rodrigo And Germany‘s Jamal Musiala Among them — have shone in Qatar. But looking back at January’s transfer market a month from now, which players have increased their chances of going ahead with their efforts at the World Cup?
– World Cup 2022: News and Features , Schedule , squads
kodi gakpo23, Attacking Midfielder/Forward, Netherlands , psv
Already on the radar of many clubs ahead of the World Cup, the Netherlands forward has scored a goal in each of the three group-stage games and appears to thrive on the added pressure that comes with a major championship. Playing a slightly more central attacking role than PSV, Gakpo displayed admirable form by picking the right spots and angles, providing a non-stop, unpredictable threat to the opposition back line, showing first-class combinational play and neat finishing. adapted from. , Athletic, energetic and technically gifted, Gakpo has become a key player for the Netherlands and will certainly be the subject of much interest manchester united and others in January.
Yunus Musa20, Central midfielder, USA / Valencia
The World Cup has proved to be a coming-of-age experience for the American midfielder. Going into the tournament, his dynamic ball-carrying and quick, practical technique were well-documented from his time in LaLiga, but he has also shown himself to be a hard-working individual with a great attitude. Much more to come from Musah in this tournament creatively, yet his inspirational performance against Iran – He closed space and troubled the opposition (24 challenges) until he ran out of steam in the dying minutes – showed an attitude worthy of a top player.
enzo fernandezCentral midfielder, 21, Argentina / benfica
Although Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni may have been economical in using the Benfica midfielder until now, Fernandez has offered a pace-changing impact. in addition to his goal against Mexico — A lovely curving effort from the edge of the box — He’s been everywhere; winning headers and tackles, adding quality and creativity on the ball, and making energetic bursts from central areas. despite only being moved portugal From River Plate in the summer for €12m, interest in Fernandez is unlikely to subside before the next transfer window as he is starting to look like a potential top-class midfielder.
Tajan Buchanan23, Winger, Canada , club brugge
The winger has struggled to break out of the shadow of team-mates Alphonso Davis And Jonathan DavidBut Buchanan’s performance in Qatar has earned him some well-deserved time in the spotlight. Energetic and full of stamina, the young Canadian has caught everyone’s attention with his quick pace, quick runs over defenders (against 13 dribbles). Croatia) and relentless attitude. While his relentless desire to take on opponents can cause him to lose a lot of possession, he is generally determined to be on track to regain it and make a move from Club Brugge.
Jacob Kivor22, Centre-back, poland , Spezia
Facing Mexico in the opening match, the Poland centre-back – who had been a left-back at youth level – put in a confident and assured performance on his World Cup debut. together with veterans Kamil GlickKivor dealt well with crosses, anticipating danger and making good use of his mobility to remain in one-versus-ones, while also showing mental alertness to execute blocks swiftly. When playing from the back, the Spezia defenders opt for low-risk passes without unnecessary flamboyance. As Poland came under siege against Argentina, he came at the right time with a crucial goal line clearance.
josco guardiol20, Centre-back, Croatia / RB Leipzig
Having arrived in Qatar as one of the top young defenders in the game, the 20-year-old Croatian has hardly made a mistake in his opening matches. His quality on the ball is impressive – 115 touches against Morocco Show how he is trusted to play from the back – and he has done so with the authority of a player well beyond his years. Focused and determined, Gvardiol enters challenges with maximum conviction and, even at this stage of his career, he seems to have a “fear factor” to overcome the opposition. with man city Chelsea, juventus And with other elite European clubs interested, he looks destined for a big move soon.
Mohammed Quddus22, Attacking midfielder, Ghana , ajax
The Ghanaian attacking midfielder has been one of the best players in the group stage. with brace against him South Korea He made his rightful announcement on the world stage, and his overall contribution has been stupendous. Whether playing in the central attacking midfield position or cutting in from the right, the left-footed Kudus is adept at moving away from his markers before unbalancing opposing defenses with purposeful ball-carrying. Nevertheless, despite being recognized for his ability on the ball – particularly his dribbling – Kudus also puts in a defensive shift, as shown by his average of 15 challenges per game.
Aisa Ladouni25, Central midfielder, Tunisia , Ferencvaros
With his performances for Tunisia, Ladouni has risen from relative obscurity to suggest that he could be a good player. Although raised in France, Ladouni had to work his way through Romanian and Hungarian club football. But his assured, consistent performances over the past week could make him a shrewd, low-cost target for a mid-sized club in a major European league. From the center of the Tunisian midfield he made quality passes, organized, sprayed and showed strange moments of finesse on the ball (his nutmeg against France) Eduardo Camavinga comes to mind), still tackling keenly, winning one versus one and recovering possession.
Piero Hincapie20, Centre-back, Ecuador , bayer leverkusen
Already one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe, Hincapie showed a fairly accurate snapshot of his abilities in Qatar. In the opening match against the hosts, he mainly took over the movement of the ball from his position on the left side of a central defensive pairing, while he was excellent (again, on the left) in the last three against the Netherlands. Through pace and good anticipation, he barely conceded a defensive duel against the latter while he won the ball into the opposing half when pushing up and dominating the air. inflict a catastrophic penalty against Senegal Was clumsy at best, yet it doesn’t spoil the overall positive impression.
