Top 50 players to watch in Qatar 2022

Saturday 1 October marks exactly 50 days before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and with the help of FIFA.com here is a random top 50 players set to watch.

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 30

Four years ago, Mendy was enhancing his growing reputation between the sticks for modest French club Reims. Since then, he has become one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.

The Chelsea custodian enjoyed great success in 2021, lifting the Uefa Champions League and Uefa Super Cup, and his excellent performances, as well as his perseverance, tenacity and rigour, were rewarded with The Best Fifa Men’s Goalkeeper award in January.

Equipped with an imposing frame, exceptional reach, and reassuring presence, Mendy has, in the space of just a few years, developed into one of Senegal’s key components.

Federico Valverde

Position: Midfielder

Age: 24

Few Uruguay players are in better form than Valverde, a hugely versatile midfielder who at the age of only 24 is making waves with Real Madrid and has become as irreplaceable for the Spanish giants as he is for his country.

Capable of performing a number of different functions in different positions, even during the course of a match, Valverde is a tireless performer with a huge work rate and has added an attacking dimension to his game.

He showed his box-to-box capabilities in the latest Madrid derby, scoring his side’s second in a 2-1 win, his fourth goal of the season to date.

The kind of player every coach dreams of having, Valverde is Real Madrid’s third striker, fourth midfielder and fifth defender rolled into one. In addition to his ability to cover every blade of grass and his characteristic Uruguayan grit, he offers vision, an eye for goal and a gift for reading the game. “I said to him that if he doesn’t score more than ten goals, I’ll tear up my coaching badge,” said his club coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Not the type to shout and scream, Valverde leads by example on and off the pitch. Though his name does not often come up when the topic of discussion is the greatest players in the game today, he deserves a place among them and will be vital to his country’s hopes in Qatar.

Mohammed Kudus

Position: Attacking midfielder

Age: 22

Like Amartey, Mohammed Kudus also began his career in Denmark. He made 57 appearances for FC Nordsjaelland before moving to Ajax in the Eredivisie ahead of the 2021/21 season.

Since then he and his team have won the Dutch championship in each of the past two seasons as well as becoming KNVB Cup champions in 2021.

Kudus has also featured for Ajax in the Uefa Champions League and Uefa Europa League, most recently grabbing a goal and an assist against Rangers to earn himself both the player of the match award and a spot in the Champions League team of the week.

While Kudus is often deployed as a super sub for Ajax and also occasionally features as a striker, his preferred position is attacking midfield, where he usually plays for Ghana.

The 22-year-old has scored five goals in 16 international appearances to date and, unlike at Ajax, seems to be a permanent fixture in Addo’s starting line-up.

His attacking instinct means he lends a resounding element of energy and unpredictability to Ghana’s play. As the Black Stars are likely to rely on counter-attacks time and time again at the World Cup, Kudus’s reliable passing and creativity will make him the perfect linchpin as his team switch from defence to attack.

Despite his young age, he is not afraid to take responsibility on the pitch and has the potential to cause a stir in Qatar. It is not for nothing that he is often referred to as one of the brightest talents of his generation.

Youssef Msakni

Position: Forward

Age: 31

Now back at Qatari club Al Duhail after a very brief stay in Europe, Msakni remains an integral part of the Tunisia set-up, having first caught the eye of former Carthage Eagles coach Faouzi Benzarti with his dribbling and shooting 12 years ago, when he was only 19.

In and out of the side for various reasons, chief among them a string of injuries, Msakni has always proved his worth whenever returning to the national-team fold.

Further proof of that came when he scored a quickfire brace after replacing Hannibal Mejbri at halftime in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Equatorial Guinea in June. An extremely versatile performer, Msakni can play at left-back, centre-forward, left wing and as an attacking midfielder.

The forward has 17 goals to his name in 85 appearances for Tunisia. Qatar 2022 will be his first World Cup, after a serious ankle injury kept him out of Russia 2018.

A further injury sustained on club duty before September's national-team training camp had the fans worrying he might miss out on the big event for the second time running, which shows how much they are banking on him at Qatar 2022.

Sadio Mane

Position: Forward

Age: 30

Sadio Mane is viewed as the most technically gifted player in the Senegal XI. Recently named African Footballer of the Year for the second time, the Bayern Munich attacker was part of the Liverpool team that reached the final of the Uefa Champions League in May.

Boasting a top speed of 34.84 km per hour, which makes him one of the fastest forwards on the planet, the Sedhiou native is capable of explosive bursts of pace at key moments during crucial matches.

Creative on and off the ball, he causes defences significant problems with his incisive and energetic approach. Astute in his positioning, Mane poses a considerable goal threat, irrespective of whether he has his back to goal or is facing it, or whether he receives the ball deep – a location from which he can attempt one of his trademark low shots into the corner of the net – or is looking to put a clinical finishing touch to a cross into the box.

Kylian Mbappe

Position: Forward

Age: 23

The Bondy-born attacking ace enjoyed a sensational campaign last time out at Paris Saint-Germain, landing his fifth Ligue 1 title and becoming the first player in the division to top both the scoring and assist charts in the same season (28 and 17 respectively).

The jet-heeled wonderkid has started the 2022/23 season in equally devastating fashion, notching four goals in as many games.

A difference-maker on a consistent basis for Les Bleus since the 2018 showpiece in Russia, having hit 23 of his 27 international goals in the ensuing period, Mbappe is set to play a pivotal role in Deschamps’ side in Qatar.

He has already earned 57 caps and seems certain to send all of the national-team records tumbling, including the all-time leading scorer tally, which is currently held by Thierry Henry (51 goals).

It is well worth noting that, at the same age as Mbappe, the former Arsenal hotshot had found the net just eight times for his country.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Position: Forward

Age: 37

“What else can you say? I think it’s all been said.”

Those words, uttered by Fernando Santos after seeing Cristiano Ronaldo score twice in Portugal’s 4-0 defeat of Switzerland in June 2022, speak for themselves. When a living legend like CR7 is the topic of conversation, it can be hard to come up with anything original.

Ronaldo went into his international career as the rising star of the future in a team led by the likes of Luis Figo and Rui Costa, the main men of the country’s so-called “golden generation”.

He now finds himself the veteran in a team packed with players who are at, or about to reach, their peak.

His ability to worry any defence remains intact, which is why Santos had him on the pitch for fully 810 minutes during the Qatar 2022 qualifiers, more than any other player in the side, this despite his age – only centre-half Pepe is older.

Ronaldo’s list of honours includes practically every competition he has graced, including Uefa EURO 2016. All that is missing is a World Cup winners’ medal.

“Winning with Portugal has always been my dream,” he said in an interview with Spanish sports daily AS. “I’ve won two titles, including the Nations League, and now I want the World Cup. I’ve lifted trophies with every club I’ve played for, but the World Cup is my big dream.”

Darwin Nunez

Position: Striker

Age: 23

With Cavani and Suarez in the twilight of their careers, the emergence of Nunez has gone some way to answering doubts about the future of Uruguay’s front line. A Penarol youth product, Nunez spent time at Almeria in Spain before finding his place with Benfica in Portugal.

His performances there led to Liverpool splashing out an initial €75m on the latest Celeste phenomenon, with the fee rising a potential €25m with add-ons.

Physically strong, Nunez possesses a rare blend of abilities that make him a handful inside and outside the box. With his devastating turn of speed, he can create chances out of nothing and he has also has a gift for detecting and attacking space.

A formidable opponent in open play, the Uruguayan tends to sit out on the left but can also take up position down the middle and play as a target man, which is where Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been deploying him.

Denzel Dumfries

Position: Right-wingback

Age: 26

A Dutch kid playing international football before he was on the books of a pro football club sounds like something from a Hollywood script, right?

A kid named after actor Denzel Washington made it reality. Dumfries made two appearances for Aruba as a 17-year-old in 2014, scoring a spectacular long-ranger against Guam.

The uber-confident player swiftly informed the ABC Island nation he would not represent them in a competitive fixture, however, as he was certain he would one day wear orange in a World Cup.

Months later he was watching a giant screen in an Amsterdam square as Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie – along with current internationals Daley Blind and Giorginio Wijnaldum – helped write Netherlands’ earth-shaking 5-1 victory over Spain at Brazil 2014. Now Dumfries is set to realise his own wild dream.

The Rotterdammer’s maiden international expedition piqued the attention of Sparta Rotterdam, who whisked him from non-league Barendrecht.

Eight years on and Dumfires can lay claim to having been one of the stars of Uefa EURO 2022, excelling for PSV and current club Inter Milan, interesting Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Real Madrid, and owning 35 Netherlands caps.

“I’ve never seen a player with such high energy,” said former Oranje right-back Mario Melchiot. “He has a real spring on him, a winning mentality, he’s physical, and he’s great going forward.”

Alphonso Davies

Position: Left-sided attacking midfielder

Age: 21

A human thunderbolt who’s wowed spectators and smashed records for Canada and Bayern Munich. Davies is already the most decorated Canadian male footballer of all time, and he’s threatening to enter a pantheon of national sporting greats featuring Donovan Bailey, Nancy Greene, Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Clara Hughes, Fergie Jenkins, Steve Nash, Christine Sinclair and Jacques Villeneuve among others.

He could do so, extraordinarily, before blowing out 22 candles if he thrives for the Canucks in Qatar. Supersonic, rock-shouldered and electrifying, he has been championed as one of the best players in the world by the likes of Hansi Flick, Herdman, Rio Ferdinand, David Alaba, Marcelo, Andy Robertson, Arjen Robben, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, who described him as "a phenomenon" and "one of the hardest players to stop I have ever seen". Qatari-field opponents have been warned. Football fans should also beware: don’t blink when ‘Road Runner’ is on duty.

Dusan Vlahovic

Position: Striker

Dusan Vlahovic, at 22, is already one of Serie A's leading stars. Having transferred from Fiorentina to Juventus in late January, a move backed by Stojkovic himself, the striker needed no time to settle in, netting nine goals for his new employers on top of the 20 he bagged earlier in the campaign for La Viola.

This season the Belgrade-born striker has picked up where he left off, becoming one of the few standout performers in a stuttering Juventus side that is otherwise struggling for form and hampered by injuries.

Vlahovic is a centre-forward with a commanding physical presence and a knack for fashioning decisive opportunities. A ruthless scoring machine, he prefers taking the direct route to goal rather than patient build-up play, using feints, explosive bursts of pace and sheer strength to muscle his way into space and past opponents. Unsurprisingly, he is an admirer of Erling Haaland, whose footsteps he hopes to follow in: "It may be presumptuous, but with commitment, I can get there too."

For fans of physical, spectacular and edge-of-the-seat football, Vlahovic is definitely one to watch.

Kevin De Bruyne

Position: Midfielder

Age: 31

What is there left to say about KDB? In princely form for Manchester City once again last season, De Bruyne struck a personal best 15 Premier League goals as he collected a fourth English Premier League winners’ medal with the club. The Belgian wizard was an obvious choice for one of the midfield positions in the league’s Team of the Year.

With 91 caps to his name, De Bruyne is one of Belgium’s most experienced players and utterly indispensable with it. Along with Hazard, he is also one of the team’s true crowd-pleasers.

De Bruyne has not finished yet either, as he told the newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws: “I’ll keep playing for the Red Devils until at least EURO 2024.” That is music to the Belgian ears, as the nation continues its quest for World Cup glory.

Joao Cancelo

Position: Right-back

Age: 28

“I think Cancelo’s the best full-back in the world right now,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, giving an indication of the stature and importance of the player in his side. Cancelo was on the pitch for 694 minutes in his country’s Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualification campaign, fewer than only two of his teammates, both of whom are in this list.

It might be worth asking Santos which side he believes Cancelo is better on, given that he has appeared on both flanks of the Manchester City defence, and in midfield. Having spotted Cancelo’s versatility, Pep Guardiola is intent on making the most of it.

Comfortable on the ball, Cancelo prefers to play on the right and has developed significantly in finding his way to City from Benfica, via Valencia, Inter Milan and Juventus. “Joao just loves playing football – morning, noon and night, day in day out,” said his club coach. “He’s a really funny guy and they love him in the dressing room.”

Awer Mabi

Position: Winger

Mabil’s mere presence at this World Cup is inspiring. This, after all, is a young man who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp after his parents fled conflict in Sudan, and who survived as a child on one meal a day, playing barefoot with a rolled-up sock as his football.

The skills learned in those awful conditions shone brightly when Australia took in Mabil’s family in 2006. His rise since has been the stuff of fairy tales, and the connection to his adopted country was reaffirmed when he slotted home the sixth penalty in the shootout win over Peru that secured the Socceroos’ World Cup spot. "I knew I was going to score,” Mabil said afterwards. “It was the only way to say thank you to Australia on behalf of my family.”

This talented, elusive winger has contributed a great deal more than that coolly dispatched penalty since making an emotional debut in 2018. Now playing in LaLiga with Cadiz after a successful seven-year stint with Danish side Midtjylland, he will be one of the players relied upon to provide the attacking inspiration that Arnold’s team will need against some of the world’s top sides.

Guillermo Ochoa

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 37

A Mexico and World Cup legend, Ochoa has always delivered for his country on the big stage, regardless of how he has performed at club level.

With a long-term replacement yet to emerge, he remains a reliable performer and a formidable last line of defence. Some of the many saves he has made over the years have gone down in tournament history and have been ranked right up there with the miraculous stop Gordon Banks made to deny Pele at Mexico 1970.

His country’s undisputed first choice, Ochoa will be making his fifth world-finals appearance at Qatar 2022. Currently with Mexican club America, the keeper is on the point of making another return to European football.

An unmistakable figure between the posts thanks to his trademark curls, Ochoa has been a calming voice of experience for El Tri over the last decade and the bane of many an opposition forward thanks to his quick reflexes.

Ivan Perisic

Position: Winger/Wingback

Age: 33

This list of Croatian heavyweights wouldn't be complete without Ivan Perisic. At the last World Cup the attacking wideman, who moved from Inter Milan to Tottenham during the summer, was pivotal in several matches for the Vatreni, with a strike against Iceland in the last group match, an equaliser and an assist in the semifinal win over England, followed by another goal to cancel out France’s opener in the deciding match.

Croatia supremo Dalic will depend heavily on the attacking merits of Perisic, who is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He is also another leader who can lift the team right from the early stages, just as he did at the last Uefa European Championship, when he netted twice in the group round, and in qualification for Qatar, contributing three strikes.

For Perisic, there is no greater motivation than pulling on the chequered jersey of Croatia: “It means a lot to me,” the winger previously told Fifa.com. “I started playing football when I was six years old and always dreamed of playing for the national team and for big clubs. Both dreams have come true. I’ve done everything I could to become the player I am today. I always try to give my best when I’m wearing my country’s shirt.”

This lifelong devotion to Croatia's colours and hunger to perform on the biggest stage are another two reasons why Perisic will be one to watch in Qatar.

Andre Ayew

Position: Left winger or forward

Age: 32

Having played 107 internationals, Ghana’s captain is on the brink of replacing Asamoah Gyan (109 appearances) as their most-capped player, while the 23 goals netted by the son of Abedi Pele have already earned him a place among his homeland’s top five goalscorers.

The fact that Ayew became a Fifa U-20 World Cup™ winner and African champion with Ghana in 2009 speaks for itself and reflects his significance within the national team. Together with younger brother Jordan (81 caps, 19 goals), who is also a key member of the side, the top scorer at the 2014/15 Africa Cup of Nations should bring years of international experience to the Black Stars’ attack and contribute a few goals along the way.

Ayew has spent much of his career in France and England, winning two French League Cups and three Super Cups with Marseille between 2010 and 2012, and making a total of 182 appearances in Ligue 1.

After moving to England he played 89 Premier League games and 87 Championship matches for Swansea City and West Ham United.

He has been playing for Qatari club Al Sadd since last season, winning the championship title at the first attempt, which means he should be well used to life in the host nation by the time the World Cup kicks off.

It should also enable him to give the younger players in the squad a helping hand, with plenty of knowledge and experience to share after dazzling on football’s greatest international stage from a young age.

He finished South Africa 2010 as runner-up to Best Young Player recipient Thomas Muller, and scored two goals at the next tournament in Brazil four years later.

Andre Onana

Position:Goalkeeper

Age: 26

Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is the latest in a long line of proficient Cameroon custodians, such as Thomas Nkono, Joseph Antoine Bell and Carlos Kameni. With an imposing height that enables him to effectively challenge opposing forwards, the Samuel Eto’o Foundation graduate is excellent in the air and boasts cat-like reflexes and anticipation.

A reliable shot-stopper, Onana is equally adept at distribution, and his goal kicks and throws often serve to relaunch attacks. To round off his skillset, the African ’keeper is also capable of putting in a well-timed tackle outside his box when the need arises, as he demonstrated during the Cup of Nations semifinal between Cameroon and Egypt earlier this year.

Ferran Torres

Position: Forward

Age: 22

An injury picked up on Nations League duty saw Torres ruled out of the decisive World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Sweden last November, having already made a significant contribution to the campaign. La Roja’s leading scorer of the Luis Enrique era and the side’s top marksman in the Qatar 2022 qualifying competition with four goals, Torres is a key part of the Spain attack.

A versatile performer who can occupy a number of different positions, Torres has no problem switching roles during the course of a game. Though yet to hit his best form for Barcelona since his move from Manchester City, his ability to create space and find the back of the net are crucial for a Spain side yet to decide on its No 9 at Qatar 2022. Torres is at his best wide on the right, thanks to his knack for slipping past defenders and getting to the byline and for cutting in and finding the target.

Yassine Bounou

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 31

The current holder of the Zamora Trophy, bestowed on the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in the Spanish top flight, the Sevilla man beat off some stern competition from the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Jan Oblak and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to land the coveted award.

The Montreal-born goalie earned his first cap in 2013, when Rachid Taoussi was at the helm, after opting to represent the country of his ancestry despite the overtures of the decision-makers at the Canadian Soccer Association. Since his first taste of World Cup action in 2018, he has established himself as a mainstay between the sticks.

At 31, and despite having endured a tough start to the season, both domestically and in the Uefa Champions League, Bounou will be expected to lead from the back in the quest to stifle the considerable attacking talents of Morocco’s illustrious first-phase opponents.

Despite this being the first time that Bounou heads into the World Cup as the Atlas Lions’ undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, he has chalked up 43 caps across all competitions.

He has conceded just 22 goals for the national team and has registered 26 clean sheets. Meanwhile, he has shown his worth in the Spanish top tier, recording an average of 2.5 saves per game – a 76 per cent save success rate.

Christian Eriksen

Position: Midfielder

Age: 30

For five horrendous minutes last June, Christian Eriksen was – in his own words – "gone from this world”. At that stage, anything beyond his survival would have seemed like too much to hope and pray for.

Yet Eriksen was back playing Premier League football within nine months and, in March – 287 days after his cardiac arrest – he made his international comeback, scoring inside two minutes of entering the field.

Fast forward another few months and the midfielder has swapped Brentford for Manchester United, and is once again pulling the midfield strings for both club and country.

It is, beyond dispute, already the stuff of football fairy tales. And if another fantastic chapter is to be added in Qatar, Denmark are sure to need their star playmaker to help write it.

Lionel Messi

Position: Forward

Age:35

The World Cup is the one major trophy the Argentinian has never had his hands on. Seven years after coming up just short at Brazil 2014, the legendary Messi gained a significant measure of consolation by winning the Copa America, his first title with the senior national team.

La Pulga ('The Flea') will now go in search of the biggest title of them all as the icon of a rejuvenated side and still one of the best players in the world, despite the passage of time and the fact he is now midway through his 30s.

Though he might lack the pace and stamina he once had, Messi has modified his game and remains a matchwinner thanks in great part to his ageless left foot.

Scaloni has come up with a system that frees him of all responsibility bar the need to create, a role he fulfils as his side’s main provider and most decisive player.

Argentina was struggling against IR Iran in 2014, until Lionel Messi decided to take matters into his own hands.

Not everything revolves around him, however. Profitable new partnerships and understandings have been forged, relieving the Paris Saint-Germain man of some of the creative burden and of the need to take part in every single move.

Argentina will arrive in Qatar with their least 'Messi-dependent' side since he made his international debut in August 2005, though they can take comfort from the fact that their eternal superhero is a ready as ever to don his cape and come to the rescue.

Harry Kane

Position: Striker

Age: 29

England’s captain remains the first name on Southgate’s team sheet, and for good reason. One of the world’s foremost No 9s, Kane has already scored more goals in competitive matches and major tournaments than any player in England’s history, and is closing in fast on Wayne Rooney’s overall record of 53.

Having fired his way to the adidas Golden Boot at Russia 2018, the Spurs star is the bookies’ favourite to top the tournament’s scoring chart once again in Qatar. Although no-one in the history of the World Cup has ever managed that in separate editions, few would put it past the Three Lions’ sharpshooting skipper.

Declan Rice

Position: Midfielder

Age: 23

According to his club manager, Rice is “the best midfield player in Europe” and was England’s top performer at the EURO. And while plenty will quibble with David Moyes’ enthusiastic assertions, no-one can dispute that the West Ham captain is the rock on which England’s midfield is now built.

Southgate, in lauding Rice’s athleticism and “outstanding” ball-recovery skills, has even suggested this powerful holding midfielder could succeed Kane as Three Lions captain. “Even though he is a young player, he has got tremendous leadership qualities,” enthused the England manager. “He is captaining his club at an incredibly young age, so you can see all the signs of what might be possible.”

Granit Xhaka

Position: Midfielder

Age: 29

With 104 caps and 12 goals, Xhaka is one of the most experienced members of Murat Yakin’s squad. He plies his domestic trade at Arsenal and is the captain and nerve centre of the Swiss team. Born in Basle but with family from Kosovo and Albania – brother Taulant plays for Albania – Xhaka has a full range of strings to his bow. While he is often categorised as an aggressive on-the-pitch leader who never shirks a tackle, he is an incredibly skilful footballer who can pick apart a defence with a cleverly-weighted pass.

Injuries restricted him to just two games in the World Cup qualifying campaign, but the captain has been back in the starting line-up for all six matches this calendar year. The fact that only one of those ended up in a win will doubtless provide plenty of motivation for an experienced campaigner like Xhaka, who has over 100 Bundesliga appearances and 200 more in the Premier League to his name. If anyone can drag the Nati up by its bootstraps ahead of the World Cup, it’s this man.

Joshua Kimmich

Position: Defensive midfielder

Age: 27

Alongside Neuer, Joshua Kimmich is probably one of the most important elements in Flick’s squad. The Bayern Munich man is a versatile player who stands out for his commitment, passion and unstinting willingness to push through the pain barrier.

His fiery temperament makes him a regular target for provocation by the opposition, but rarely does Kimmich cross the line. He is entering his prime at 27 but already has a well-stocked trophy cabinet, with seven German Bundesliga titles, three DFB Cup triumphs, a Uefa Champions-League-winner’s medal and another from the Fifa Club World Cup™.

Kimmich is one of the first names on the team-sheet for Germany. He has already represented his country on 67 occasions, scoring four goals – a modest haul for a defensive midfielder who likes to get forward into dangerous positions for his club, but for Flick’s team, that is less of a priority.

As a No 6, Kimmich is there to win duels and be the pivot of the build-up. In this central role, he is an absolutely key figure for Germany, and his form at the World Cup in Qatar will be decisive in how the team fares.

Christian Pulisic

Position: Attacking midfielder

Age: 23

It took Milton S. Hershey, indebted to the Hersey’s Kiss, merely 15 years to found a chocolate confectionary and transform it into the biggest of its kind in America. It took the Pennsylvanian city’s second-most famous son just over a third of that time to rocket from pro debutant to the most successful soccer player his country has ever produced.

Pulisic has already inspired Borussia Dortmund to DFB-Pokal glory, and helped Chelsea win the Uefa Champions League – he dazzled at the Bernabeu and Stamford Bridge as they eliminated Real Madrid in the semifinals – the Uefa Super Cup and the Fifa Club World Cup™.

And ‘Captain America’ is not only the poster boy for the Stars and Stripes, but also their main man. Pulisic has set innumerable USMNT records, headlined their Concacaf Nations League conquest, and boasts 21 goals and 10 assists from 51 caps.

“He’s unbelievable on the ball – one of the most creative players in the game,” raved Berhalter. “Then you have his energy, his pressing, his leadership. I think he can have a big World Cup.” A ’big’ tournament would, perhaps, prove dissatisfactory to this uber-ambitious playmaker.

After lifting a trophy on the Arabian Peninsula at the start of 2022, Pulisic wants to end the year there with the sport’s biggest prize. “We're going to go in with the mentality and mindset of wanting to win the World Cup,” he declared. “That's exactly where our heads are going to be at, and we're going to go in and believe it. Because if you believe, I think you can do it.”

Achraf Hakimi

Position: Right-wingback

Age: 23

The Paris Saint-Germain player possesses impressive international pedigree that belies his youth. A product of the Real Madrid academy, the marauding defender brought up his half-century of caps in June in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, with his 51st run-out coming just days later against Liberia.

Hakimi was handed his big chance on the international stage by Herve Renard at the tender age of 17 years, 11 months and seven days.

The Madrid-born starlet is currently the second-youngest player to have represented Morocco, behind Hachim Mastour, who has not featured for the national team since winning his maiden cap back in 2015.

Blessed with immense talent, the most expensive defender in Ligue 1 history has the mentality to match.

After finding game time hard to come by at the Santiago Bernabeu, the youngster had no qualms about heading abroad after securing a loan move to Borussia Dortmund.

Achraf represents an excellent attacking outlet and is revelling in this set-up this term at club level after having had a tough time of things last time round under Mauricio Pochettino, whose tactical blueprint did not really suit his game.

His statistics, be they related to finishing or providing his teammates with clear goalscoring opportunities inside the box, speak volumes. The Moroccan fans are right to expect big things from the jet-heeled defender when the action gets under way in Qatar.

Hakimi is currently a key member of the national-team squad. In addition to his 46 starts, he has been named as a substitute on five occasions. As we look ahead to Qatar 2022, his on-field battles with the likes of Eden Hazard and Alphonso Davies promise to make for captivating viewing.

Memphis Depay

Position: Forward

Age: 28

In their last 20 internationals Mo Salah has scored six goals, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe 12 each, Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi 15 apiece, Harry Kane 16 and Erling Haaland 20. Depay has netted 21. He is, to the Oranje, as fundamental as oranges are to the Oranjebitter.

Depay’s cocktail of unpredictable skills, defence-fracturing through-balls and lethal finishes prompted current Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal to label him “one of the most difficult players to stop in the world”, Bastian Schweinsteiger to laud him as an ”unbelievable talent” and Georginio Wijnaldum to tell Fifa that “the team is doing so well because of Memphis. He’s a striker now but he does much more than score goals – he makes things happen, he gets assists.”

Depay went to Brazil 2014 as a 20-year-old, setting up Robin van Persie’s equaliser and scoring the winner in a 3-2 win over Australia on his competition debut, consequently becoming the youngest Dutchman to net a World Cup goal. He also rose from the bench to seal a 2-0 victory over Chile en route to going home with a bronze medal. The Netherlands’ chances of a first gold in Qatar will be indebted to a Barcelona player who is closing in on Van Persie’s national goal record of 50.

Pedri

Position: Midfielder

Age: 19

“Did you see the EUROs Pedri had?” asked Luis Enrique in the wake of Spain’s semifinal defeat to Italy in England last year. “I haven’t seen any 18-year-old do that in any competition, not even Andres Iniesta. How he played! How he found space! His character! I haven’t seen anything like it. It’s just mind-blowing.”

Those words sum up the importance of the young Barcelona tyro in the Spain set-up. A No 10 for his country and a No 8 for his club, Pedri has a big future ahead of him. As for the present, he is already generating plenty of excitement. One of the biggest talents in world football, he combines exquisite technique with the intelligence to sniff out, occupy and make the most of any space available to him. Brimming with attitude, impudence and confidence, he has shown the character needed to fill two of the most demanding jerseys in the game. Versatile with it, his understanding of the game is such that he can slot in wherever he is needed: wide midfield, in the hole and on the wing.

Pedri is the figurehead of a new breed that also features the impressive Gavi, another 18-year-old La Masia product to have gained the trust of Luis Enrique, who defied the critics by not just calling up the talented teen but handing him a starting place. A favourite of Xavi’s at the Camp Nou and naturally talented, Gavi is not afraid to roll his sleeves up and hunt the ball down, just one of the factors that make him a special player. “He’s an erupting volcano. It’s very hard not to love Gavi,” said the Spain coach.

Hassan Al-Haydos

Position: Forward

Age: 31

Playmaker Al Haydos, who can also drop into central midfield and on the right wing, was one of Qatar's star performers during their 2019 Asian Cup triumph and has matured at Al Sadd under the tutelage of Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari.

He will no doubt be one of the shining lights for Al Annabi this winter due to his unquestionable technical ability. His personality on the pitch has shone consistently throughout his career.

Whether it be his late winning goal against Japan in the 2008 Olympic qualifiers, or his famous penalty shootout heroics for his club against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2011, he has shown character in abundance.

With 158 games under his belt, Al Haydos is the all-time most capped Qatari international. It can be argued that he is among the most influential players in the team, having contributed to a total of 38 goals during his time with Al Annabi.

Despite not having quite replicated his blistering goalscoring form at Al Sadd from 2018 and 2019, he has compensated with increased defensive output and now drops deeper to help out.

This has been particularly evident in the last two seasons as Al Sadd have adopted a new system of three at the back. Al Haydos was called up to the international scene some 14 years ago, making him the most experienced player in the squad. This experience will be priceless when faced with the formidable defences of Netherlands, Senegal, and Ecuador.

Son Heungmin

Position: Forward

Age: 30

Son has racked up three World Cup goals thus far, and if he adds another in Qatar, he will become Korea’s all-time top scorer at the tournament, surpassing Park Jisung and Ahn Junghwan. Were he to score two more, he would become Asia’s leading scorer at the World Cup, overtaking Keisuke Honda. Despite this mouth-watering prospect, the World Cup is an intimidating stage even for a Premier League Golden Boot winner.

After the 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the second group game in Russia, Son admitted as much to the assembled media: "The World Cup is a frightening stage and I’m still scared of it. No matter how well-prepared you think you are, it may not be enough at a World Cup. I felt that we lacked experience here and fear I might be repeating this again in four years’ time. That is what’s so frightening."

However, four years after his candid confession, Son is set to return to the world stage as a far more complete player and a mature leader. Starting with that famous game against Germany at Russia 2018, he has assumed the role of captain with the national team, led his club Tottenham Hotspur to the Uefa Champions League final, and won the Premier League Golden Boot.

Now a veteran, Son no longer says that Korea "are the weakest team at the World Cup" or that "the World Cup is scary" as he so frequently repeated in the past. The big question for Bento, whose possession-based football inevitably slows down the tempo of the game at times, is how to maximise Son's obvious talents and abilities.

With the Spurs star at his most lethal when running at full speed towards the opposition goal, Bento must figure out what position and role to assign to his star man.

Vincent Aboubakar

Position: Forward

Age: 30

Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar, endearingly known as 'Abouchou' by his country’s supporters, is on the verge of playing in his third World Cup in Qatar. A stalwart of the national set-up and the top scorer at this year’s Cup of Nations, the free-scoring forward poses a constant threat in the opposition penalty box.

The Al-Nassr star’s heading ability, teamwork and athleticism make him an extremely well-rounded striker, and with 37 international goals under his belt, he recently overtook the legendary Roger Milla in Cameroon’s all-time scoring charts to move into third place behind Samuel Eto’o (56) and Francois Omam-Biyik (45).

Luka Modric

Position: Central midfielder

Age: 37

If “resilient” describes Croatia to perfection, the word that best encapsulates their captain Luka Modric’s contributions to football is perhaps “infinite”. He is the complete package, a multi-talented midfielder with exquisite ball control, adept at winning possession and also a phenomenal distributor and finisher. Add all these qualities together and you have a footballer who surely deserves his place among the greats of the game.

Modric’s many honours include winning The Best Fifa Men's Player award in 2018, which underlined his individual greatness.

Modric’s modest and magnanimous outlook off the pitch, matched by his awareness and influence on it, have turned him into one of the most legendary midfielders of modern times.

And age doesn't seem to be catching up with the Croatian talisman, whose immense leadership and talent will once more provide the catalyst for Croatia to go all the way in Qatar.

Bukayo Saka

Position: Forward

Age: 20

Southgate has acknowledged that Saka is “less appreciated” and enjoys a profile that “isn’t quite the same as some of our other attacking players”. But he has gone out of way to praise the way in which this humble and hard-working attacker “just goes quietly about his job”. "He’s a fabulous kid,” Southgate has gushed. “If your daughter brings Bukayo home, you'd be more than happy!”

It is not, however, the Arsenal youngster’s personality traits, but his skill, speed and intelligence that make him a near-certain starter in Qatar. Southgate considers him “hugely exciting”, “a fantastic talent”, and opposition defenders at the World Cup may soon find cause to grudgingly agree.

Omid Noorafkan

Position: Left-back/defensive midfielder

Age: 24

One of only a few starting players for Team Melli who ply their trade at home, the Sepahan defender adds versatility to the Iran side. Capable of playing as left-back, defensive midfielder or even central defender when called upon, Noorafkan has steadily grown in influence.

He narrowly missed out on the previous edition of the World Cup, having been part of Queiroz’s extended squad before being cut out of the final roster. Since then, however, the former Esteghlal player’s blend of steel and elegance saw him gradually take over the starting role from national team captain Ehsan Hajsafi.

While Qatar 2022 will be Noorafkan’s first World Cup, the utility man had the experience of captaining his nation at the Fifa U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017, their first appearance in that age group in 16 years.

Luis Suarez

Position: Striker

Age: 35

El Pistolero’s long and exciting World Cup career has one more chapter left to run, as he readies himself for a fourth world finals appearance. His recent return to Nacional was proof that romance lives on in the game, as Bolso fans launched a massive and ultimately successful campaign on social media in an effort to bring him to back to the club where he began his professional career.

In making their dreams a reality by coming home in preparation for his last World Cup, Suarez brought tears to the eyes of Nacional diehards and Uruguayan football fans in general. Regarded as one of the greatest players South America has ever produced, he has successfully answered the critics throughout his career. When Barcelona decided he had little left to offer them, Suarez proved a point by going to Atletico Madrid and top-scoring for them in the 2020/21 season to fire them to the Spanish league title.

A born fighter, Suarez encapsulates the grit that Uruguay are known for. Allied to his voracious appetite for goals and magical touch is a never-say-die attitude. Though his best days are behind him, he remains central to Celeste hopes.

Lautaro Martinez

Position: Forward

Age: 25

Argentina’s main goal threat of the Scaloni era. After bursting onto the scene with Racing, Martinez moved to Italy to lead the line for an Inter Milan side that was crowned 2020-21 Serie A champions thanks in no small part to his goals. That season saw him score 25 in 49 appearances in all competitions and having now re-established his partnership with Romelu Lukaku, the ever-improving Martinez should be at the peak of his powers when Qatar 2022 comes around.

Aside from his attacking attributes, El Toro (“The Bull”) has an important role to play in Scaloni’s system as a hard-running first line of defence, helping to conserve Messi’s energy by freeing him of any defensive duties. After missing out on a place at Russia 2018, Martinez is ready to shine in Qatar and provide the cutting edge Argentina lacked in the three finals they lost before ending their trophy drought against Brazil at the Maracana last year.

Gareth Bale

Position: Forward

Age: 33

Captain, all-time record goalscorer and so much more besides, Bale remains Wales’ undisputed talisman. It also says everything that this five-time Uefa Champions League winner and three-time Fifa Club World Cup champion tends to save his best and most influential performances for when he’s wearing a red shirt.

Everyone remembers the flag that famously proclaimed the order of his priorities and affections, and Bale himself has never hid the extra energy he finds when playing for Wales. “When a fan plays for your national team you kind of bring that passion with you,” he has said. “It is such a special bond between the players, the staff, the fans… even the media are a little bit nicer to us! It’s just a special country to be a part of.”

If the country is special, so too is its star player. Bale may be 33, but he showed during qualifying, with vital goals, driving runs and spectacular set pieces that he is as vital to the Welsh cause as ever. Former Wales star Dean Saunders spoke for a nation when he described the Los Angeles FC attacker as his nation’s greatest-ever sportsman. “Honestly, I know he’s in a team but he’s single-handedly put our football team on the map,” said the former Liverpool striker. “We’ll never have a player like him ever again.”

Given all that, and his advancing years, Wales plan on enjoying this all-time great for as long as they possibly can. A World Cup should be the perfect stage on which to showcase and savour Bale’s talents.

Salem Al-Dawsari

Position: Winger

Age: 30

Al-Hilal’s Al-Dawsari is a unique talent in an era in which flair players are at somewhat of a premium. He made his international debut ten years ago and continues to deliver eye-catching performances at both club and international level. Last season in the Saudi League he had a hand in 14 goals in just 21 games - 9 goals and 5 assists.

The jet-heeled wideman has not featured in a few of the side’s most recent games but remains a pivotal figure within the squad due to the number of different roles he can play.

As for his World Cup pedigree, Al-Dawsari started all three group-stage games at Russia 2018 and hit a last-gasp winner in the final group-stage game against Egypt. He is expected to feature heavily in the Green Falcons’ quest to make their mark in Qatar.

Frenkie de Jong

Position: Midfielder

Age: 25

“I just love playing football, feeling the ball at my feet,” said De Jong. “All my life it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.” So much so that on his last appearance for Ajax, with his side 4-1 up, he begged the referee to “please add extra time - I want to play as long as possible.” De Jong is now set to perform on the biggest stage of all.

A ball-retention and pass god, the Gorinchem native would be a perfect fit for the Dutch ‘Total Football’ of the 1970s or the Spanish tika-taka of in and around South Africa 2010, while he’s been likened to Franz Beckenbauer and his now-coach at Barcelona.

“With his skill, vision and passing he could be a new Xavi,” said Marc Overmars. Xavi himself recently showered his No 21 in praise: “He’s spectacular with the ball at his feet. He’s strong, keeps possession, has incredible vision and can play the killer pass and split defences.”

The Willem II academy graduate has won 44 Netherlands caps, though he hasn’t scored in his last 34 internationals. Whether he can ripple Qatari nets is in question, but he seems destined to rewrite some World Cup passing statistics.

Aaron Ramsey

Position: Midfielder

Age: 31

Long considered the Robin to Bale’s Batman, Ramsey hasn’t always been in the shadow of his more celebrated teammate. He was widely considered Wales’ best player when they reached the semifinals at EURO 2016, starred again at EURO 2020 and has served up some vital goals in qualifying in between.

A succession of national coaches have built their engine rooms around this multi-talented midfielder. Gary Speed made Ramsey captain when he was still just 20, Chris Coleman lauded him as “world-class” and Ryan Giggs said he had the talent “to play anywhere in Europe”.

But while Juventus agreed, reportedly making him one of the ten highest-paid players in the world, that lucrative 2019 move proved disastrous for both player and club. Now, after a similarly disappointing loan spell at Rangers – in which he missed a decisive penalty in the Uefa Europa League final – Ramsey is aiming to rebuild his career with French club Nice. Should he do that, and avoid the injuries that have plaqued his career, this box-to-box midfielder is sure to be a key man as Wales attempt to upset the odds in Qatar.

Robert Lewandowski

Position: Striker

Age: 34

Two-time The Best Fifa Men's Player, footballer of the year a dozen times in Poland and Germany combined, Bundesliga top-scorer on seven occasions, Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Champions League winner… the list goes on, and tells you all you need to know about the Poland captain’s storied career.

Lewandowski scored an incredible 312 goals in 384 Bundesliga matches for Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund, before moving ahead of this season to Barcelona. He has already fitted in nicely to LaLiga and picked up where he left off in Germany.

For Poland, he has racked up 132 appearances and 76 goals – records both. And yet there is one thing missing from his resume – in Russia in 2018, which was his only World Cup to date, he failed to find the back of the net, with Bednarek and Krychowiak suppling Poland’s two goals at that tournament as they went out in the group stage.

The 34-year-old will therefore have all the motivation he needs over in Qatar to get his name on the World Cup goalscoring list and propel Poland through to the knock-out stage once again. Not that his value to the team is purely reflected in how often he finds the back of the net. Lewandowski is a key figure off the pitch and can always be found talking to younger squad-members to help integrate them into the squad.

Neymar

Position: Forward

Age: 30

The go-to technical player for Brazil since the Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign, Neymar has become even more important for his country over recent years, with his blistering start to the season for PSG emphasising just how good of a player he is.

Neymar may be used as more of a playmaker for Brazil in Qatar, but he will be given the freedom to operate anywhere in the attacking third and play alongside a young, passionate forward, whoever that may be

Marquinhos

Position: Defender

Age: 28

A former PSG teammate and long-standing defensive partner of Thiago Silva in the Brazilian national team, the 28-year-old centre-back is in his prime, having gained a wealth of experience in Europe’s top leagues over the past nine years while also keeping himself in tip-top shape.

Marquinhos is extremely agile, allowing him to cover a lot of ground — vital against teams that like to play high up the pitch. He is also comfortable on the ball and has got a fantastic leap, making up for his lack of height. Having starred regularly for Brazil for many years, he is now seen as a true a leader on the pitch.

Lucas Paqueta

Position: Attacking midfielder

Age: 25

Paqueta scored the only goal in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia in November 2021, confirming his side’s place at Qatar 2022.

At the end of the game in Sao Paulo, the attacking midfielder received a warm embrace from his coach: “When I gave him a hug, I said: ‘You’re a left-footed playmaker, a midfielder.’ I was just messing with him, because he sometimes plays as a No 9 for his club, right? (laughs) And he said he would play wherever I need him [to play].”

The Flamengo academy graduate is a key player for both his club and country. Possessing all the skills required for effective build-up and attacking play, his place in the Brazil starting line-up is more or less guaranteed. He developed an excellent understanding with Neymar in particular during the Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign, registering many goals and assists along the way.

Thomas Muller

Position: Attacking midfielder, forward

Age: 33

Thomas Muller is again one of the pillars of the German team. Unlike Hummels and Boateng, the affable Bavarian managed to get himself back into the squad after Low wielded the axe.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich stalwart, who can play in attacking midfield or anywhere across the forward line, has a trophy room that is fit to burst and plenty of international experience – just what is required as far as Flick’s squad is concerned.

As an added bonus to his incredible qualities on the pitch, ‘Radio Muller’, as he is known, plays the role of team comedian on the bus and in the dressing room, ensuring that his colleagues always have a smile on their faces.

With 116 appearances for his country and 44 goals, Muller is the fifth-most capped German player, with long-time teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger (121) well and truly in his sights. Eight goals and 21 assists in 32 Bundesliga matches in 2021/22 speak for themselves and prove that Muller is at the top of his game despite his relatively advancing years.

He is an almost certain starter in the national team at the moment, with six goal involvements (three goals and three assists) in just four World Cup qualifiers. Muller is another player who will be looking to get his hands on the trophy in Qatar for the second time, after hoisting it aloft in 2014.

Karim Benzema

Position: Striker

Age : 34

The Real Madrid hitman grabbed the headlines in a dream 2021/22 season that yielded a raft of magical moments: fifth triumphs in both LaLiga and the Champions League, a fourth Spanish Super Cup, plus, for the first time since signing for Los Merengues back in 2009, the Pichichi award for the leading scorer in the Spanish top flight with 27 goals. The striker also finished top of the Champions League scoring charts courtesy of his 15-goal haul en route to glory in the continent’s elite club competition.

The prolific sharpshooter got this season off to a fine start by registering in Los Merengues’ 2-0 Uefa Super Cup triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt. The former Olympique Lyonnais man is a firm contender to follow in the footsteps of a certain Zinedine Zidane.

Benzema has established himself as a key figure for Les Bleus, notching an impressive ten goals since his return to the national team set-up at EURO 2020 – which took place in 2021 – to bring his tally to 37. Deschamps will be looking to Benzema to fire his side to victory at Qatar 2022. Having chalked up 97 caps, the Real Madrid forward is closing in on a century of appearances, a feat achieved by just nine players who have represented France.

Keylor Navas

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 35

The undisputed hero of Costa Rican football and one of the biggest names in the history of the game in Central America, Keylor Navas’s heroics between the sticks at the 2014 Fifa World Cup™ earned him a dream move to one of the most illustrious clubs on the planet.

'San Keylor' played his part in a historic era at Real Madrid and was instrumental as Los Blancos captured three Uefa Champions League crowns and four Fifa Club World Cups. However, Thibaut Courtois’ consistent performances for the club led Navas to seek pastures new and he joined the ambitious project at Paris Saint-Germain.

If we were in any doubt as to Navas’s worth, the comments made by Panama coach, Thomas Christiansen, whose team came up against the legendary keeper during qualifying, offers a timely reminder: “Without Keylor, Costa Rica simply wouldn’t be in the play-offs. He earned them many points and was a key player for them. In the game against us, he denied us seven or eight times when we created good chances.”

Despite now being 35, Navas is still one of the best goalkeepers in the game. An icon in his homeland, fans of the national team revel in his gravity-defying saves and are happy to place their dreams in one of the safest pair of hands in world football. Navas was again in inspired form in the showdown against New Zealand and will need to be at his very best if Los Ticos are to repeat their 2014 showing in a group that pits them against two former World Cup champions.

Moises Caicedo

Position: Midfielder

Age: 20

Caicedo is an essential cog in the Ecuador machine, with virtually everything going through him, both in attack and defence. An undisputed first choice from the first match of the qualification campaign, against Argentina at La Bombonera, he took up position on one side of the midfield, with Alan Franco on the other and Carlos Gruezo sitting in behind.

Regardless of the tactical system employed by Alfaro, Caicedo was the linchpin and driving force of the team and made his mark in every department. He completed 86.8 per cent of his passes and 85.3 per cent in the last third, created the third highest number of chances, provided more assists than anyone else in the team (four), scored two goals, and recorded the third highest number of ball recoveries.

After starting out as a central midfielder, he became a box-to-box player with much to offer in defence thanks to his impressive work rate and fitness, though he also has the vision to create in the final third and the drive to get in the box and score. Alfaro gave Caicedo his backing during his first year at Brighton, which was full of ups and downs.

“He’s having to adapt because he’s been out of action for a while, but he’s getting better and better,” said the coach. “We’re seeing how he performs, how he’s doing physically, and he’s on the up.

There have been games in which he’s performed a number of roles.” Regular football helped Caicedo rediscover his form, as he showed with an outstanding display in the draw with Argentina that brought Ecuador’s qualifying campaign to an end. In the meantime, the midfielder has earned star status at Brighton. Given his excellent Premier League form, Caicedo could well be one of the most decisive young players at the upcoming World Cup.

As Miguel Angel Ramirez, his former coach at Independiente del Valle, explained, he is a quietly influential figure who likes to let his football do the talking. He said: “Moises leads by example, by the way he plays, and by his aggression on the pitch. He’s young but he doesn’t go around shouting his head off. He gets himself noticed through his play and he’s vital for La Tri.”