The World Cup 2022 is over, it’s time to present the best 11 of the competition by Sport News Africa (SNA). A 4-3-3 formation with representatives of the 4 teams that reached the last four, of course.
The 2022 World Cup ended with Argentina being crowned champions in a completely crazy match against France (3-3, 4-2 Pen). This last match of the competition was littered with surprises, suspense and revelations. Thus, the time has come to present the 11 players of this World Cup.
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina): Last minute of extra time in the final against France, the Argentine keeper saves a one-on-one with Randal Kolo Muani; a decisive save that puts his team back in the race. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has distinguished himself throughout this World Cup by his extraordinary performances, especially during the penalty shootout. Against the Netherlands, he stopped two penalties and propelled his team to the semi-finals. On Sunday, December 18, in the final, he did it again by stopping Kingsley Coman’s shot. What happened next? Argentina is world champion. Performances that earned him the title of best goalkeeper of the World Cup.
Romain Saïss (Morocco): Even if he could not last until the end of the competition because of his injury, the Moroccan captain is one of the main architects of the beautiful course of the Atlas Lions. Solid in the axis with his partner Nayef Aguerd, the Besiktas defender showed all his leadership qualities in this World Cup. He guided his team with his personality, his interventions especially in aerial duels. Experienced, he did not panic and always helped the team to come out cleanly. A good captain who did not hesitate to put his physical integrity at risk to help his teammates. He played with an injury for 57 minutes against Portugal. Hats off to him.
Joško Gvardiol (Croatia): Young Croatian of 20 years, he is one of the revelations of the World Cup. The defender of RB Leipzig has imposed himself in the Croatian team as a great. Solid on his supports, Gvardiol has hammered the majority of players who have rubbed against him. He is composed and very clean in his interventions. On the relaunch, it is a love. His left foot is of a surgical precision. It is not for nothing that Pep Guardiola has made him a target. The typical player that the Spanish likes to have in his team. The Croatian international is rewarded with a goal against Morocco in the small final.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): Like his team, the Paris Saint-Germain defender showed a lot of character and determination. On his side with Hakim Ziyech, he multiplied the offensive projections without resigning on his defensive tasks. Very clinical on the ball, he allowed his team to come out cleanly and to go to counter especially as they played in low block. The Moroccan international can be proud of his World Cup just like his team. They made history at the World Cup.
Yahya Attiat Allah (Morocco): Player of the Wydad Athletic Club, he is one of the few Moroccan players who still plays in his country. Very often a substitute, the Wydad defender has also largely contributed to Morocco’s exceptional career. Starting against Portugal in the absence of Noussair Mazraoui, he is the author of the wonderful cross that allowed En-Nesiry to score the only goal of the game. A goal that will qualify the Atlas Lions in the semi-finals. Very fast, Attiat Allah has always brought percussion on his side in this World Cup. Not sure that he will remain for a long time at Wydad.
Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco): If we are used to call the sentinels “the workers of the shadows”, it was not the case of the midfielder of Fiorentina. Amrabat was everywhere and you could see him harassing his opponents, intercepting dangerous balls, cutting off transitions. He did everything. His mad dash to stop Kylian Mbappé in the semi-final alone proves the 26-year-old’s determination and mindset. With the ball at his feet, he is a delight to watch. He fluidifies the game of his team. With Azzedine Ounahi at his side, they surprised many. They shone during the competition. Offers are starting to come in for him and his teammate.
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina): Best young player of the World Cup, the international was dazzling. Volume of play, tactical intelligence and technical quality, the midfielder of Benfica has shone and was a sure value for Argentina. He brought a technical touch to his team. He was able to keep the ball and make short passes in very tight spaces. A player who resists well to the pressure. His goal against Mexico also shows his wide range; he is not just a defensive midfielder because he can also project.
Luka Modric (Croatia): With experience, desire and his technical quality, the Croatia captain led his team like a master. At 37 years old, Modric was able to guide his team to the 3rd place while being very involved. As usual, he never stopped. You could see him everywhere on the field. He led by example until the end in a team that seemed to have lost its rhythm. Luka Modric answered present.
Kylian Mbappé (France): Top scorer of the World Cup with 8 goals, the PSG striker made a lot of noise and it is quite logical that he appears on this 11 type. Defeated by Argentina (3-3, 4tab2), Mbappé has nevertheless shone throughout the World Cup, especially in the final with his historic hat trick. The French will-o’-the-wisp gave a lot of trouble to his opponents and attracted the attention of his opponents at each match. He is now a member of the French national team; a merit.
Julian Alvarez (Argentina): Having arrived at Manchester City last summer, Julián Álvarez was unknown to the general public. With his performances in this World Cup, we still wonder how Pep Guardiola could put him in competition with a monster like Earling Haaland. Young 22 years old, the Argentine striker has been an effective companion for Lionel Messi. Having played all 7 games, the young striker scored 4 goals. But, he has especially marked the spirits of his repeated efforts. He did not save himself and harassed all the time the defenders and the opposing midfielders. He was completely for Messi who did not need to make certain defensive efforts. This is a good pick for the English champion.
Lionel Messi (Argentina): Long in pursuit of the World Cup trophy, the Argentine genius has shown a new face in this edition. Seven goals and 3 assists, La Pulga was decisive throughout the tournament. He scored at all stages. Usually limited to offensive tasks, Messi did not hesitate to sprint a few times to help his teammates. Proof of the commitment and determination of the former Barça man to win the trophy this year. It was done on Sunday with a double from him and the MVP of the competition.
