Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup: Who are the stars of the Groups stage that made it to the best XI of the round ?

The group stage of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup is done and before the commencement of the knockout rounds, we take a look at the top performers so for in the global competition.

The Pole is arguably the main reason his side is still in the competition due to his heroics between the sticks in their group games.

Kept clean sheet against Mexico and Saudi Arabia. In the three group games, he made a combined save of 18 saves, more than any other Goalkeeper in the competition.

He also saved two penalties, one from Salem Al Dawsari of Saudi Arabia, a goal that would have leveled matters for the Asian side just moments after Poland take the lead through Piotr Zielinski, but Poland went on to win 2-0.

Having conceded a penalty against Argentina, the Juventus man saved the spot kick, denying Lionel Messi though, Argentina went on to win the game but Szczesny was impressive on the night, making nine saves.

He also becomes the first Goalkeeper to save two penalties in FIFA World Cup finals since Brad Friedel for the United States in 2002.

Szczesny has to be the most outstanding Goalkeeper of the group stages and he deservedly takes his place in this XI.

Left Back: Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro is part of a resolute Brazil defence that did not concede a single shot on target in their opening two games but he missed out on the defeat to Cameroon in their final group game.

He made 16 recoveries and won 13 of 17 duels contested in his two appearances and was over all impressive, dealing with all that came his way to ensure Alisson Becker had nothing to deal with in goal.

Center Back: Romain Saiss

The captain and leader shrouded the Morocco backline and ensured that the North African side did not concede a single goal by an opposition player.

In an important win against Belgium, he made 12 defensive clearance, the joint most in a FIFA World Cup match since 2002.

Their only goal conceded came through an own goal from Naif Argued in their final group game against Canada, as the West Ham defender deflected a Sam Adekugbe cross past Yassine Bonou in goal.

His presnece at the back also ensured the team did not concede against both Croatia and Belgium and he did score a goal to seal a 2-0 win over the Belgian Red Devils, making sure the Atlas Lions finished as group winner.

Center Back: Harry Maguire

England conceded only two goals against Iran, which were the only two goals they conceded in the group games, and just one came when Harry Maguire was on the pitch.

Completely put behind him his club form and consistently delivered throughout the group games, Maguire prove why he is considered mainstay in the Three Lions side and even got an assist for Bukayo Saka’s first goal against Iran.

Right Back: Achraf Hakim

One of the best fullback in world football and how lucky is Morocco to have behold such a wonderful talent. Hakimi is one of the standout players that helped his country emerged as group winner ahead of both Croatia and Belgium.

The PSG defender also flexed his attacking instinct by setting up Youssef En-Nesyri for the eventual match-winner against Canada.

Central Midfielder: Casemiro

Casemiro has been good for Brazil in this tournament and he scored their lone winner against Switzerland, which in the end meant everything for them to qualify at all and also as group winner.

He was as well fantastic in their opening game against Serbia but missed out in the loss to Cameroon as Tite opted to rest many of the main starters and give the other players game time with qualification already secured.

Central Midfielder: Frenkie De Jong

Frenkie De Jong has been one of the best player in Qatar 2022 and his performance has not been limited to a game or two but in all three games for the Netherlands as they qualified as Group winner.

Assisted their opening goal against Senegal. Scored against Qatar. The midfielder is again showing the world what he is capable of when given freedom to do what he does best, which hasn’t been the case for most part of the season under Xavi in Barcelona.

His form for the Netherlands and the brilliance he has shown when called upon by Xavi will surely increase the pressure on the manager to make him a mainstay at the club, rather than playing some others ahead of him.

Attacking Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes

No player has contributed more goals than the Portugal and Manchester United magician in Qatar 2022. A brace of assists in his first match and a brace of goals in his second one, he is his country’s knight in shining armor of late.

Missed the loss against South Korea but will surely be back in the round of 16 when they take on Switzerland, and Portugal fans will be looking up to him for another important performance to aid their cause in the tournament.

Right winger: Cody Gakpo

One of the two players to score in all the group games in the tournament, Cody Gakpo has taken his stellar performance for PSV Eindhoven into the World Cup for The Netherlands and Dutch fans can’t be less impressed.

Joint top scorer in the competition, he will be looking to add more when they continue their quest in the round of 16 against the US.

Striker: Alvaro Morata

The other player to have scored in all three group games. Despite starting in just one, the Spanish striker is making the most of his time to impress and convince Luis Enrique why having a No.9 in the XI is always a plus.

One look out for in the round of 16 and it will be interesting to see if the manager is convinced ans select him when they face Morocco for a place in the last eight.

Left forward: Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé is France’s main man and he has helped them overcome the defending Champions curse by making them the first country to passage into the round of 16 after wins in their first two games.

More will be expected of him if they are to defend their title but with his brilliance and three goals scored in the group games, where he started just twice, he deservedly takes his place in this XI.

What changes would you have in this nomination ? Kindly drop your take in the comment section.

Thanks for reading 

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi