We are getting ready for the World Cup. Who would have thought that soccer's summer event would turn into a winter event? The way football is played, who plays it, how we watch it, and many other things have changed over time. It can feel like a revolution has happened when there is a sudden change in the game. The change is reflected in the 2022. edition of the World CupRank. Television analysts, reporters, columnists, producers and editors from all over the world were asked to vote on who they believed to be the best players in the tournament. - Soccer on ESPN+: FC Daily | Futbol Americas
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For more than a decade, there was only one winner of this kind of list, but now it's not up to them, it's up to someone else. This year's list is full of fresh faces, many young but some older, who now have the chance to prove that they are the best that soccer has to offer.
It's a good idea to do it on the biggest sporting event on the planet.
These are the 50 best players at the tournament.
As of the start of the World Cup, all ages are listed.
A country in Africa.
Club: Inter Milan
Age: 26
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: Not ranked
He played more for the country of his birth than he did for his clubs. His agility and personality make him one of the leaders of this team, and it's not a coincidence that he replaced Inter's long-time captain, Samir Handanovic, between the sticks. Onana has the ability to back it up.
There is a country in the southeast corner of the world.
Club: Chelsea
Age: 31
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
After winning the African Cup of Nations in February, they have high hopes for the World Cup and will be anchored at the back by captain Koulibaly. He's off to a slow start at his new club, but he'll feel right at home in front of Mendy as the last wall of defence for his country. He doesn't like to praise individual people. When his team won the Cup of Nations, Koulibaly waited to return to his teammates so they could celebrate together.
There is a country called England.
Club: Arsenal
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
There is a lot of competition for places in England's wide attacking areas, but a live chance of forcing his way into the starting lineup if he plays well. The 21-year-old is in the mix with Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount, among others, for two positions either side of Harry Kane in attack.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Ederson has only appeared once this year, in a World Cup qualification game in which he could have taken a deck chair. Ederson, with a left foot that combines precision with howitzer power, is set to be the backup for Brazil, even though he is a Brave and imposing, with a left foot that combines precision with howitzer power, He lost out to Alisson in the knockout stages of last year's Copa America, but without doing anything wrong.
There is a country in the country ofDenmark.
Club: Manchester United
Age: 30
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: 19
It is remarkable that he is on the list. In the 42nd minute of the game, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and was taken to the hospital. He told his fiancée that he was not going to play again after receiving cardiopulmonary arrest on the field. We are ahead of the next major tournament and that's because of Eriksen.
Due to the rules of the Italian league, he couldn't play for Inter Milan since he had to have an Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator fitted. After training away from the public eye, he returned to competitive football in the English top flight in February 2022. He joined Manchester United in the summer and has played a key role in the team this season.
He came on as a substitute against the Netherlands and scored in two minutes. He has the best football in front of him, according to the manager.
There is a country called Spain.
Club: Barcelona
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
There were complaints in Spain when Luis Enrique called up the 17 year old after just six appearances. Gavi is among Spain's best players in each of his 12 caps so far. His quality with the ball, his intensity and work rate, and the fact that he is already an established part of the middle, make him an important player in the tournament.
The country is France.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Tchouameni made a big move from AS Monaco to Real Madrid in the summer, and is now set to anchor France's middle ground in the upcoming World Cup. Tchouameni started five of France's past six games after making his national team debut. Replacing Casemiro in Madrid looks like no big deal.
There is a country called Belgium.
Club: Inter Milan
Age: 29
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 33
If he is able to recover from his latest injury in time, he will be in with a chance of winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup. He is the focal point of the Belgian attack. Roberto Martinez said that he is "irreplaceable" with his record of 68 goals. All of Belgium will be hoping that he is able to return to work soon.
There is a country called Spain.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Spain go into the World Cup with two of the best defensiveMidfielders in the game with captainSergio Busquets and Manchester City'sRodri Along with the Barcelona player, Rodri provides a defensive shield to Luis Enrique's back four and also gives Spain's attacking midfielders the platform to take the game to the opposition in the final third.
There is a country called Germany.
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
This teenager may be the best pocket player in the game today. No one is as good under pressure. Musiala moves into double or triple coverage to make room for his teammates. He is going to be the center of attention for the national team.
There is a country called Serbia.
Club: Juventus
Age: 22
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The big man has had a rocky time over the past few months at club level but he's central to Serbia's goal- scoring plans. When he's on song, he bristles with energy, enthusiasm and enthusiasm, outmuscling and out pacing most defenders.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Arsenal
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 36
Jesus' place in Brazil's lineup is in doubt, even though he was rejuvenated by his summer move to London. He was left out of the most recent squad in September, but he is still in the running to make the final 26. Richarlison appears to be the favourite to lead the Brazil attack at the moment, despite Jesus' energy and commitment.
The country is France.
Club: Barcelona
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 49
He was part of the France squad that won the World Cup, but he has not played since. He is in the best form of his career at this time. France should see the benefits because of the large bet Xavi has made on him. When games open up, Dembele is electric and is a good option off the bench.
The country is France.
Club: Atletico Madrid
Age: 31
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 8
Four years ago, when he arrived in Russia, he was in one of the best seasons of his career, but now he doesn't have the same status as he did. At that time, he was at his best. It's a very different story now.
He moved to Barcelona two years ago and it was a flop. If he wants to play in this tournament, he needs to get his best form back. With the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Christopher Nkunku and Kingsley Coman on the bench, it's not hard to see why Griezmann would be dropped. It is a big event for him. The French are hoping that the excitement of the tournament will bring the best back out of "Grizi."
He doesn't know what to expect from France at the World Cup.
There is a country in North Africa.
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 24
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
This is the first World Cup for Hakimi and he wants to win it. With a talented squad and nothing to lose, he is playing well for Paris Saint-Germain, and they are the favorites to win the title. With his runs and activity on the right, he's a big part of what could make them successful.
There is a country called England.
Club: Liverpool
Age: 24
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Alexander-Arnold is one of the first names on the team sheet but his relationship with England has been more complicated. He was left out of the last matchday squad for the match with Germany and hasn't made a start in his usual right-back spot since Euro 2020. England haven't figured out how to play to his strengths because he's versatile enough to play on the right or the left. With James out of the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold may get a chance to show off his skills.
There is a country called Argentina.
Club: Inter Milan
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
He is the heir to the great Argentina centre-forwards Gabriel Batistuta, Hernan Crespo, andSergio Aguero. He's always ready to play a one-two or run behind to stretch a defensive line, but he's also a provider.
There is a country called Germany.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 32
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Despite not having a great World Cup, Gundogan's experience and composure on the ball is important to Hansi Flick's team. He's become a leader for the national team and for the coach.
The Netherlands is a country.
Club: Barcelona
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The Netherlands have a lot of talent in the squad, but no one is more important in terms of how the Dutch play. He is an important player in the game. He can't be missed during the tournament if he can speed up with a dribble or a key pass.
There is a country called Germany.
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 33
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 28
Muller's hips are causing too much trouble and are adding to the list of recent injuries. It would be great for his career to see him play in the World Cup and prove to everyone that he is the real deal. His ability to read the field better than almost anyone else in the game can help him overcome some of his weaknesses.
There is a country called Germany.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 29
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
One of Germany's first-choice centre-backs at the World Cup will most likely be the man named Rudiger. At Euro 2020, he played every minute of Germany's run to the last 16 and they were beaten 2-0 by England. Germany is under scrutiny after a run of just one win in seven games due to the lack of a consistent goal- scoring threat. Although he has only started half of Madrid's matches this season, Antonio Rudiger leads by example with his aggressive defensive style, partial to a bursting forward run that helped make him a popular figure at Chelsea. In September, Rudiger was one of several players who spoke out against the decision to award the World Cup to Qatar.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 28
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The World Cup will be decided by the defence. A big role will be played by Marquinhos. His partnership with Thiago Silva is very strong, having played together for many years. The Brazilians will need them to be at their best.
The country is Portugal.
Club: AC Milan
Age: 23
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The person is killed by speed. You cannot coach it. Scouts were fascinated by his skills from a young age. It was only recently that he was able to get into Portugal's crowded front line.
The country is Portugal.
Club: Manchester United
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The Manchester United player has yet to play to his full potential for Portugal due to the coach favouring Manchester City's Bernardo Silva in a floating role between the attacking and defensive positions. The World Cup gives the 28-year-old the chance to finally break out on the international stage, but there is also a belief that the presence of Portugal's star player is another complicating factor.
There is a country called Canada.
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 22
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Davies is a world-class footballer with the ability of an Olympic sprinter and plays left-back most of the time. He creates chaos on the field when he's out of the ordinary. Some defenders are sitting deep so that Davies doesn't have enough room to make it to the byline.
Davies is one of the best players on the Canada national team, and he's also one of the best players in the world at his position. Les Rouges need a left footer to be competitive. Davies' muscular body appears to be prone to injuries, which may be holding him back.
They looked at which players made the World Cup ranking.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Manchester United
Age: 30
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
In a Brazil team full of attacking flair, Casemiro is a valuable insurance policy in front of the defense. The 30-year-old has become one of United's key players so far this season and he will be vital for the Selecao in the upcoming tournament. Casemiro's role in the centre of the pitch is crucial to Brazil's balance and it's one of the strengths of the country. He's going to be in tip top shape.
There is a country called Germany.
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 36
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: 25
All-time great goalkeepers are not able to defy age. For the time being, Neuer is the same type of player he was a decade ago, meaning that he shows great reflexes and knows where the ball is going, and is great in the role of a sweeper keeper. Neuer's age and injuries are what can stop him.
The country is Portugal.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 25
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The number one centre-half in Portugal is Dias. The Manchester City defender has forged a formidable partnership at the back with 39-year-old Porto centre-backPepe, who continues to defy the years for club and country, but Dias is now the senior partner in that relationship with his leadership qualities and ability to read the game.
There is a country called England.
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
England's wunderkind plays with more restraint for England than he does for the German team, which is due to the fact that he is usually put in by the coach. The Three Lions need Bellingham's runs down the field to create chances.
Bellingham is the Swiss pocket knife in the middle of the field as he can do almost anything from hard-nosed defending to opening the field with clever passes. England now depends on Bellingham. The doors to the semifinals or the final are open if he plays well.
The crew debated who will have the best World Cup.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Liverpool
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: Not ranked
When little known and inexperienced Alisson was promoted to become Brazil's first choice keeper he was thrown in the deep end. It proved to be a valid hunch. He has become one of the world's best in the position, sound and un flashy, but also capable of outstanding. Over the course of time, he has become one of the team's leaders. He is ahead of Ederson due to his virtues.
The country is Portugal.
Club: Manchester United
Age: 37
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 2
The Manchester United forward's record-breaking career might finally be on the wane at the age of 37, but he remains a talismanic figure for Portugal. The all-time leading goal scorer in international football,Ronaldo, scored twice in the win against Switzerland in June to take his tally to 118, making him the all-time leading goal scorer in international football.
The debate about his importance to his country is growing, and he has only scored two goals for Portugal in the next four years. The record of delivering big, important goals for his country can't be disputed, so he will continue to lead his nation at this World Cup.
There is a country called Spain.
Club: Barcelona
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The best young player at Euro 2020 will be central to Spain's hopes at the tournament. Everything La Roja do is likely to run through him when he is 20.
He knows when to speed up the game and when to slow it down, and he doesn't make mistakes with the ball. After an injury-hit campaign last time out, he is back in top physical condition just in time for the biggest competition in the game.
There is a country called England.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Foden isn't guaranteed to start for England at the World Cup, even though he's become central to the winning machine. It's likely that Foden will have to fight for one of the two places on Harry Kane's side, and there is plenty of competition from other players.
Foden has been in good form for City so far this season, but he may have to wait for his chance because he hasn't always picked his team on form. It's only a matter of time before the 21-year-old influences big games for England, as he has a habit of doing for City.
The country is Portugal.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 28
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Cancelo has developed a reputation as one of the most devastating attacking full-backs in the world and will be expected to deliver the service forRonaldo. He is expected to play in his preferred right-back role despite playing on the left at the stadium.
The country is Portugal.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
There is a belief in Portugal that if they do well in the tournament, it will be because of Silva, rather than the other way around. If Portugal want to make it to the later rounds, they will need the industry and work rate of the Manchester City man.
There is a country called Germany.
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
He is the heartbeat of Germany. Kimmich is difficult to separate from the ball under pressure. Most of the plays are directed at him and Gundogan. Kimmich and Gundogan complement each other in the middle of the park as they both provide intensity and defensive awareness.
There is a country in the United States of America.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked
In the past year, few players have improved more quickly than Valverde. He is a key attacking player for Real Madrid and will be a star at this tournament. One question mark is exactly what position he will adopt, as he has tended to operate more centrally for his country than the right-wing role that has brought him eight goals for Madrid this season.
South Korea is located in the country.
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 30
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 37
South Korea has a deeper talent pool than it has in the past, but Son remains the country's biggest star. The news that the Spurs forward needed surgery less than three weeks before the tournament began was the biggest scare for South Korea. They will need Son back at his best if they want to progress in the tournament.
The Netherlands is a country.
Club: Liverpool
Age: 31
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The Dutch defender has had a mixed club season. He was criticized for his performance against Man City and Napoli. The undisputed leader of the Dutch national team is Van Dijk, even though he lost his perfect record at Anfield.
There is a country called England.
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 29
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 5
Kane is currently England's all-time record goal scorer with 51, two behind Wayne Rooney. He won the Golden Boot at the World Cup and will look to do the same again as part of a Three Lions side that was fourth in that tournament and eyeing the biggest prize of all this month. Kane has not scored an international goal from open play in over a year, and England have struggled for goals recently.
There is a country in the southeast corner of the world.
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 30
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 31
The German forward is arguably Africa's leading player, edging out his old teammate and Egypt star, and the same can be said for the Senegalese forward, who has excelled for his country.
The African Player of the Year struck the winning spot kick in this year's Africa Cup of Nations final penalty shoot out against Egypt and he became his country's all-time leading goal scorer with 32.
There is a country called Belgium.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: 43
A year ago, Courtois was overshadowed by the likes of Alisson and Ederson. It's no longer possible. An all-time great, man-of-the-match goalkeeping performance in Real Madrid's European Championship final win overLiverpool in May, which made a record nine saves, was followed by a seventh-place finish on the Ballon d'Or list.
He'll have the chance to prove that he's the best in the world when he plays in Qatar. Courtois is at the top of his game, even though some of Belgium's veteran outfield players such as Hazard are past their best.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 22
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
The young Real Madrid player has become an international star by sowing panic in opposing defences. Vinicius has taken time to find his feet with the national team, with one goal from 16 games, and his place in the starting lineup is not certain.
There are three variations in Brazil's formation. Vinicius appears in two, but not in the one that looks most likely in the tough games, where Lucas Paqueta operates as a withdrawn left-winger. He still has a big part to play in the tournament, even if he only plays off the bench. He hopes that by the end of the competition he will not be dropped.
There is a country called Croatia.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 37
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: 13
There are other things that can be said about Modric. Croatia's record appearance holder -- with 154 caps since he made his debut in 2006 -- and arguably greatest ever player will be participating in his eighth major international tournament. Luka Modric was key to Croatia's run to the World Cup final and at 37, his level hasn't dropped a bit.
Croatia's chances of coming anywhere close to repeating their heroics last time out will rest on the shoulders of the three players in the middle of the pitch. You might say that this will be his international swansong, but with Modric.
There is a country called Brazil.
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 30
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 3
The pressure will be high on Brazil's No. 10, who may well surpass Pele as the country's all-time top scorer during the tournament. This will be the World Cup where he is expected to put that right, as he trails behind by a long way.
The World Cup will be the final one for him as a national team player.
The emergence of young attackers will take some of the load off his shoulders. He has an advantage due to the timing of the event. He has been at his best in the first half of the season, and there would seem to be no issues with his fitness as he marches towards his date.
There is a country called Poland.
Club: Barcelona
Age: 34
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 10
There will be a lot of nations hoping on one player. There are other good players in Poland, but they are not close to the level of the best player in the world.
He was signed for 45 million in the summer and has already scored 18 goals for Barcelona. Poland will be leaving the group stage for the first time in 26 years. He has a record of 76 goals in 134 caps but as a forward he is always dependent on the service he gets. He will be stopped by Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina when they play Poland.
There is a country called Argentina.
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 35
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 1
His last World Cup is likely to be this one, and he will be playing some of the best football of his career in the tournament. Compared to the last World Cup, things are different for Argentina. He has become the key player in a machine that can go 34 games without a loss. It's a stark contrast to the last World Cup, when he was expected to lead the team.
The ability to find space remains despite Messi not running like he did. His trademark move, when he starts wide right, cuts inside and whips a low, hard finish past the keeper, is close to impossible. He had a "major international tournament" monkey off his back. He needs the one crown that has always been elusive.
Group C at the World Cup is expected to be Argentina's weakness.
There is a country called Belgium.
Club: Manchester City
Age: 31
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: 4
The manager of Belgium was asked about De Bruyne after the victory over Wales. Sometimes managers prefer to focus on the collective, rather than the individual, but when it comes to De Bruyne, his ability is so remarkable and clear that there's no reason to hold back on celebrating his talents.
It's a message for all our fans, don't take for granted watching Kevin De Bruyne play. He's the most amazing player in the world at the moment.
At Manchester City, the coach has challenged the player to improve. A week after he asked, the player responded by scoring the game-winning goal to sit alongside his nine assists in the league. His ranking of third in the last Ballon d'Or was the highest ever achieved by a Belgian player. You can bet your house that De Bruyne will be on song if the Red devils do well in the tournament.
The country is France.
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 34
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked
Eight and a half years have passed since Benzema last played in the World Cup. He lost a lot of time.
He came back with four goals in four appearances but the last 16 elimination left a sour taste in his mouth. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2022. His biggest chance to write his name in the history books is likely to be this one.
The key to France's success is the partnership between Benzema and Mbappe. They complement each other on the field. Both Benzema and Mbappe are ready to lead France.
The country is France.
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 23
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 15
The World Cup in Russia was where the Kylian Mbappe announcement took place. He was 19, up and coming, still not known worldwide, and he took the competition by storm to become the first teenager in a long time to score in the final. Confirmation of his world-class status, of his superstar image, of his superstar talent, will be the World Cup confirmation for the Frenchman.
He will be expected to do more with France and there will be more pressure. He hasn't scored a goal for France since missing the decisive penalty in the last 16 of the Euros against Switzerland 18 months ago. He did it in the past, now he needs to do it again.
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