Qatar 2022: Team of the Tournament so far

Qatar 2022 has produced some great individual performances so far but who makes the team of the tournament so far?

The formation I will use will be a 4-3-3 as this has been one of the most common formations used across the tournament.

GK- Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish shot-stopper has been sensational so far by saving two penalties in the group stages helping Poland sneak through the group stage. He made 17 saves across the three group stage games as Poland only conceded twice across the group stage despite having an xg of goals against of 6.8. However, Szczesny heroics could not be continued against France as Poland lost 3-1.

LB- Theo Hernandez

Hernandez didn’t start the first game against Australia. An injury to his brother Lucas Hernandez which will see him miss the remainder of the World Cup gave Theo a chance to impress. Theo Hernandez has jumped at the opportunity and been one of the stand-out performers in a France team filled with stars. Hernandez currently has two assists and currently averages three key passes each game. Hernandez has proved so far he is more than capable of deputising for his brother.

CB- Harry Maguire

Despite barely featuring in the Manchester United starting xi this season. When Maguire pulls on an England shirt he never disappoints and yet again has proved it so far this World Cup. So far in four games Maguire has kept three clean sheets. He averages 1.5 tackles per game and has an average match rating of 7.4 for the tournament Maguire will be hoping to keep another clean sheet against the reigning world champions France on Saturday night.

CB-Josko Gvardiol

One of the most sorts after young centre-backs across Europe. Gvardiol has proved why the world’s biggest club are after the 20-year-old. In four games across the tournament, Croatia have only conceded twice. The youngster has made 1.7 interceptions per game and has only been dribbled past 0.3 times per game providing to be a brick wall in the Croatian defence.

RB- Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi has been one of the top fullbacks in Europe for some time now. In this tournament, he is showing why he is so highly rated. Helping Morocco top their group and beating Belgium by two goals. All whilst only conceding one goal throughout the group stages. Hakimi also produced one of the assists of the tournament for Youssef En-Nesyri against Canada. Hakimi is showcasing that he has the skill set to become the complete fullback.

CM- Jude Bellingham

The 19-year-old sensation plays in the heart of England’s midfield. Bellingham has been brilliant this tournament scoring one goal and assisting one. His movement off the ball has been superb opening gaps in the opposition’s midfield. His relentless running from the first to the last minutes makes him a vital ingredient to the England team. Bellingham roughly creates one big chance per game and he makes three tackles per game. Bellingham gives England the perfect balance in midfield between attack and defence.

CM- Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has brought his class to this tournament. He has been one of the stand out performers in Qatar. So far, the Portuguese magician has two goals and three assists in three games at the tournament. He also created four big chances per game. Fernandes’ passing ability should not be overlooked having an 88% pass accuracy per game across the tournament.

CAM- Alexis MacAllister

Alexis MacAllister the Brighton playmaker has been key in making Argentina flow this tournament. The 23-year-old covers the whole pitch when playing and has given his all this tournament he will hope to add to his one goal this tournament and hopefully help Argentina lift the trophy.

RW- Lionel Messi

One of the football greats is showing he still has the ability to do it at the highest level. Messi will be hoping to win his first world cup in his final world cup. His form this tournament has shown that he is up for it registering a goal every 120 minutes this tournament having three goals in four games. Messi averages three successful dribbles per game and makes three key passes each game.  

ST- Richarlison

Richarlison may still be looking for his first premier league goal at Spurs. However, at Qatar, he has brought his goal-scoring touch scoring three in three. His goal-scoring record for Brazil is impressive has 20 goals in 41 games that’s roughly one goal every other game which is really impressive. He also has a goal of the tournament contender when he scored that fabulous volley against Serbia in the opening game.

LW- Kylian Mbappe

It wouldn’t be a team of the tournament without arguably the greatest player on the planet right now. Mbappe has shown this tournament why he should be considered one of the best players on the planet. Leading the tournament golden boot race having five goals in four games so far helping France to the quarterfinals. He has got a goal every 59 minutes this tournament. He also has two assists so in four games he has seven goal involvements already.

Honourable Mentions:

CF- Cody Gakpo – Netherlands

RW- Ritsu Doan – Japan

RM- Bukayo Saka – England

CB- Harry Souttar – Australia

GK- Dominic Livakovic – Croatia