FIFA World Cup 2022: Best Players So Far

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is approaching halfway and fans across the globe have been provided with some wonderful football as nations battle it out to book their places into the knockout stages. Certain players have been in sizzling form to ensure their respective nations go far in the tournament. Let’s look at those players who have provided us with a good piece of football. 

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has been instrumental in the Portugal squad in this World Cup. In their opening match against Ghana, he worked tirelessly in the midfield to control things as his side recorded a 3-2 victory over the Black Stars. Despite the cagey first half, the Manchester United star showed quality in the second half proving two assists to Joao Felix and Rafael Leao’s goals. Then in the second match against Uruguay, he proved to be a hero netting two goals to ensure his side booked a ticket to the knockout stages with a game to spare. After initially struggling to replicate his club form at international level, Fernandes has found his rhythm in recent games. He has five goals and three assists in the last five appearances for his country. 

Mohammed Kudus

The rising star Mohammed Kudus has been sensational in both two games he has played in the World Cup so far. Kudus who plays for Ajax Amsterdam has been highly rated as the next star and is proving the football fraternity right. The 22-year-old attacker had a wonderful first game despite his side, Ghana losing 3-2 to Portugal. In that match, he provided an assist to Jordan Ayew’s goal.

In a must-win match against South Korea to keep their hopes of staying in the tournament alive, Kudus provided a man-of-the-match performance scoring a brace to inspire his side to a 3-2 victory. For Ghana to go far in the tournament, Kudus needs to continue to provide classic performance. 

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is arguably the best performer in the tournament so far. Blessed with speed and dribbling skills, Mbappe has been a threat to any defence. In France’s opening fixture against Australia, he provided a classic performance with two assists plus one goal as the reigning champions won 4-1.

The 23-year-old Paris Saint-German playmaker continued his form scoring two goals against Denmark to inspire his side into the last 16. For France to defend the title they won four years ago in Russia, Mbappe has to shine as he has been so far.

Casemiro

Casemiro was in fine form to shackle the threat of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, as Brazil began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Serbia. Manchester United’s anchor provided much-needed protection to his side’s defence.

His performance in the opening match proved why he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Coming into the second match, he scored a slick half-volley from Rodrygo’s pass to inspire his side to a 1- 0 win over Switzerland. That victory by Brazil guarantees them a last-16 berth. 

Enner Valencia

Enner Valencia has been in scintillating form in the ongoing world’s biggest football event in Qatar. Valencia currently leads the goalscoring chart with three goals alongside Kylian Mbappe. The 33-year-old former West Ham player has been a vital cog for Ecuador in the tournament. In the opening fixture, Valencia scored two goals as his side beat the hosts Qatar. Then he cancelled out Cody Gapko’s goal against Holland as the match ended in a stalemate.

Valencia who is the all-time leading goalscorer for his country is proving that experience can’t be bought. All hopes are on him as the South American nation will be looking to go far in the tournament. 

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