Team of the Tournament

 

 The 2022 Qatar World Cup surpassed our wildest expectations. 172 goals in 29 days, underdogs defying the odds, world superstars crashing out in the race and for some, a fairy tale ending.

 As we catch our breath and try to take our minds off this momentous occasion, it's only right to recognize the players that have captured our hearts with their immense talent and tireless work rate. Let's talk about the team of the tournament.

Formation 4-3-1-2

Goalkeeper

GK: Emiliano Martínez( Argentina)

Emiliano Martínez has etched his name in footballing history, forever. After the disappointment of conceding twice to Saudi Arabia in the opening game, he regained his mojo and created the greatest goalkeeping showcase at a World Cup

 He won two penalty shootouts, one over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and the second one over France in the Final

 He commanded his area exceptionally well and made big saves at key times, including last-gasp stops against Australia in the last 16 and France in the final.

Defenders

RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Morocco finished fourth at the World Cup, the highest position ever by an African team.

The only player to make 20+ tackles at the 2022 World Cup: Achraf Hakimi, end of the list

Hakimi was indomitable in defence but quick to help the team move forward. Achraf Hakimi averaged 44 passes per match with a pass completion rate of 83% and had 1 assist

Most tackles made at the 2022 World Cup by quarter-finalists:

◉ 17 - Achraf Hakimi

◎ 13 - Ibrahima Konaté

◉ 13 - Noussair Mazraoui

No player has made more tackles at the 2022 World Cup than Achraf Hakimi.

CB:Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Unbeknownst to most, Cristian Romero has had an exceptional campaign at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. His confidence on the ball and his fearless, almost rough style of play kept opposition players at bay.

The opener against Saudi Arabia was the first time in 11 games Argentina conceded a goal with Cristian Romero on the pitch.

 

CB: Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)

Twenty-year-old Gvardiol has been near perfect in the World Cup. His performances have led to top teams showing interest in signing him up. The Croatian centre-back has been brave with his tackles, and his defensive positioning has been second to none.

LB: Theo Hernández (France)

Theo Hernández was the first opposition player to score against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.

The acrobatic finish from Theo Hernández is a goal of the tournament contender for sure. 

Midfielders

DM: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

Sofyan Amrabat has won possession more times than any other player at the 2022 World Cup. He won possession 57 times, the most by any African player at a single tournament since 1966.

Sofyan Amrabat for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup:

◉ Most passes completed

◉ Most distance covered

◉ Most possession won

RM: Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham played 5 matches. He had 3 shots on target from a total of 4 shots and scored 1 goal. At 19, Jude has already secured a spot in the middle of the park for England, he averaged 54 passes per match with a pass completion rate of 91%. 

19-year-old Jude Bellingham for England at the 2022 World Cup.

◉ Most duels won (33)

◉ Most tackles made (16)

◉ Most possession won (31)

◉ Most take-ons completed (6)

One goal, one assist. He'll be back. 😤

LM: Enzo Fernández (Argentina) 

Enzo Fernández won the Young Player of the Tournament. He is the first South American to win the official FIFA Young Player of the Tournament award. The youngster only made his international debut in September and has already made it to the top.

Enzo Fernández made 10 successful tackles in the 2022 World Cup final, more than any other player on the pitch.

CAM: Antoine Griezmann ( France)

Griezmann created nine chances for France from open play and provided three assists for the Les Blues, two of which came against England in the quarterfinal. With 28 assists, he broke the joint record of 26 assists set by Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane.

Antoine Griezmann has more key passes (21) than any other player

Antoine Griezmann is the only player in this tournament with:

◉ 5+ shots

◉ 5+ clearances

◉ 5+ chances created

◉ 5+ possession won def ⅓

◉ 5+ possession won mid ⅓

◉ 5+ possession won final ⅓

Forwards

RF: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

It's done and dusted, Messi is the G.O.A.T.

The greatest man in football lay all his doubters out to dry. He finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists in his seven appearances.

 He was one of only three Argentina players to play in every single minute of their campaign, 690 minutes in total after two games went to extra time. In those 690 minutes, Messi made 347 passes, five tackles and attempted 32 shots.

He also took home the player of the tournament trophy, becoming the first player to win the accolade twice.

LF: Kylian Mbappé (France)

The young G.O.A.T scored eight goals and picked up two assists to claim the Golden Boot.

An Adidas golden boot for the Nike boy, the irony.

He singlehandedly enabled France to play in extra time and eventually penalties in the final. The PSG star created another masterclass.

At 24 years of age, Kylian has scored more goals in the Final than any other player in the tournament's history.

Kylian Mbappé's World Cup career by numbers so far:

◉ 14 games

◉ 12 goals

◉ 2 assists

◉ 1x Golden Boot

◉ 1x trophy