{"id":513353,"date":"2022-11-21T00:15:04","date_gmt":"2022-11-20T21:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/"},"modified":"2022-11-21T00:15:04","modified_gmt":"2022-11-20T21:15:04","slug":"the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/","title":{"rendered":"#The top 30 players set to compete in Qatar"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a38447d1e724\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a38447d1e724\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#The_top_30_players_set_to_compete_in_Qatar\" >The top 30 players set to compete in Qatar<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#30_Aurelien_Tchouameni_MF_France\" >30. Aurelien Tchouameni, MF, France<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#29_Christian_Eriksen_MF_Denmark\" >29. Christian Eriksen, MF, Denmark<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#28_Rafael_Leao_F_Portugal\" >28. Rafael Le\u00e3o, F, Portugal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#27_Bruno_Fernandes_M_Portugal\" >27. Bruno Fernandes, M, Portugal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#26_Jamal_Musiala_M_Germany\" >26. Jamal Musiala, M, Germany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#25_Kalidou_Koulibaly_CB_Senegal\" >25. Kalidou Koulibaly, CB, Senegal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#24_Marquinhos_CB_Brazil\" >24. Marquinhos, CB, Brazil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#23_Leroy_Sane_F_Germany\" >23. Leroy San\u00e9, F, Germany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#22_Achraf_Hakimi_RB_Morocco\" >22. Achraf Hakimi, RB, Morocco<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#21_Phil_Foden_MFF_England\" >21. Phil Foden, MF\/F, England<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#20_Joao_Cancelo_RB_Portugal\" >20. Jo\u00e3o Cancelo, RB, Portugal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#19_Lautaro_Martinez_F_Argentina\" >19. Lautaro Martinez, F, Argentina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#18_Antonio_Rudiger_CB_Germany\" >18. Antonio R\u00fcdiger, CB, Germany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#17_Alisson_GK_Brazil\" >17. Alisson, GK, Brazil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#16_Jude_Bellingham_M_England\" >16. Jude Bellingham, M, England<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#15_Pedri_M_Spain\" >15. Pedri, M, Spain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#14_Federico_Valverde_M_Uruguay\" >14. Federico Valverde, M, Uruguay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#13_Thibaut_Courtois_GK_Belgium\" >13. Thibaut Courtois, GK, Belgium<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#12_Virgil_van_Dijk_CB_Netherlands\" >12. Virgil van Dijk, CB, Netherlands<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#11_Son_Heung-Min_F_South_Korea\" >11. Son Heung-Min, F, South Korea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#10_Luka_Modric_MF_Croatia\" >10. Luka Modric, MF, Croatia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#9_Ruben_Dias_CB_Portugal\" >9. R\u00faben Dias, CB, Portugal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#8_Harry_Kane_F_England\" >8. Harry Kane, F, England<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#7_Joshua_Kimmich_DM_Germany\" >7. Joshua Kimmich, D\/M, Germany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#6_Vinicius_Jr_F_Brazil\" >6. Vinicius Jr., F, Brazil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#5_Robert_Lewandowski_F_Poland\" >5. Robert Lewandowski, F, Poland<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#4_Neymar_F_Brazil\" >4. Neymar, F, Brazil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#3_Lionel_Messi_F_Argentina\" >3. Lionel Messi, F, Argentina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#2_Kylian_Mbappe_F_France\" >2. Kylian Mbapp\u00e9, F, France<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-top-30-players-set-to-compete-in-qatar\/#1_Kevin_De_Bruyne_M_Belgium\" >1. Kevin De Bruyne, M, Belgium<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_top_30_players_set_to_compete_in_Qatar\"><\/span>The top 30 players set to compete in Qatar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<div>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 669px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container\" style=\"padding-bottom:54%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img has-preview\" alt=\"(L-R) Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbapp&amp;#xe9;, Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi head to Qatar as some of the best players in the World Cup. (Amber Matsumoto\/Yahoo Sports)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/K0bhAyvPCbMbrj4z3zyXSw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02Njk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/d25aa732c7080bff88690e8244b3fb9c\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">(L-R) Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mb<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>\u00e9, Karim Benzema (out due to injury) and Lionel Messi are in Qatar for the World Cup. (Amber Matsumoto\/Yahoo Sports)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The World Cup is officially underway in Qatar. The first <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a> was Sunday as <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/world-cup-2022-qatar-gets-its-show-then-a-reality-check-by-ecuador-in-opener-180626881.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ecuador spoiled Qatar's debut in the international tournament;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Ecuador spoiled Qatar&#8217;s debut in the international tournament<\/a>. As you get prepared for this awkwardly timed tourney, here are 30 of the best players in the world to keep an eye on in November and December.<\/p>\n<p><em>(Note: This list has been updated since it was first published to reflect the announcements that Sadio Mane (No. 13) and Karim Benzema (No. 3) would miss the World Cup due to injury.)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30_Aurelien_Tchouameni_MF_France\"><\/span>30. Aurelien Tchouameni, MF, France<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The 22-year-old may seem like a surprise entry into this list but he\u2019s set to play a massively important role for his country with Paul Pogba and N\u2019Golo Kante out of the squad. His arrival ahead of the 2022 season along with Camavinga\u2019s emergence made Real Madrid comfortable with selling Casemiro to Manchester United. If France makes a run through the knockout rounds despite all its injuries, Tchouameni will likely be a big reason why.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"29_Christian_Eriksen_MF_Denmark\"><\/span>29. Christian Eriksen, MF, Denmark<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Eriksen and Denmark can reasonably be considered the co-favorites to win Group D given all of France\u2019s injiury issues. And Eriksen\u2019s return to international soccer is easily the best story at the World Cup after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 last summer. Eriksen is the leader and midfield maestro of a Danish squad that may no longer be considered a dark horse given all of the attention it\u2019s received as a sleeper pick to win the World Cup.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"28_Rafael_Leao_F_Portugal\"><\/span>28. Rafael Le\u00e3o, F, Portugal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The reigning Serie A MVP has been awesome for AC Milan \u2026 and mostly a non-factor for Portugal. Surely, with Diogo Jota injured and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/cristiano-ronaldo-world-cup-manchester-united-portugal-154402327.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cristiano Ronaldo fading;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Cristiano Ronaldo fading<\/a>, that has to change at the World Cup.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"27_Bruno_Fernandes_M_Portugal\"><\/span>27. Bruno Fernandes, M, Portugal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Manchester United vice-captain hasn\u2019t been in the best club form so far this season. But he\u2019ll play an important role for Portugal pulling the strings in midfield whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo starts up top. Fernandes is good enough to be Portugal\u2019s best attacking player. It\u2019s just a matter of if he can find his form.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 698px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:56%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Portugal&amp;#39;s Bruno Fernandes during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between the Czech Republic and Portugal at the Sinobo stadium in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/DAlyCWJitdqkvTQz3zJIRA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/9f0138b7d61995ba5184116d92b06999\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Portugal&amp;#39;s Bruno Fernandes during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between the Czech Republic and Portugal at the Sinobo stadium in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/DAlyCWJitdqkvTQz3zJIRA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/9f0138b7d61995ba5184116d92b06999\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Bruno Fernandes will be key for Portugal in the World Cup. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"26_Jamal_Musiala_M_Germany\"><\/span>26. Jamal Musiala, M, Germany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Born in Germany to a Nigerian father, then raised in England, Musiala left Chelsea to join Bayern Munich at age 16. He also opted to play for the German national team. And both club and country are glad he did. An attacking midfielder who can score, dribble and create, he\u2019s been <em>the<\/em> breakout star of the past 24 months in the Bundesliga, and could announce himself to a broader audience in Qatar.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_Kalidou_Koulibaly_CB_Senegal\"><\/span>25. Kalidou Koulibaly, CB, Senegal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Koulibaly missed nearly the whole month of September due to injury, but has played in five games for Chelsea since the start of October. The 31-year-old is a rock on the back line and a towering presence at 6-5. Senegal won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and gave up just two goals during the whole tournament.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24_Marquinhos_CB_Brazil\"><\/span>24. Marquinhos, CB, Brazil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The PSG captain has made 71 appearances for the Brazilian national team and is their top defender. Brazil will be a nightmare for opposing teams going forward but will also be very good in defense thanks to Casemiro and Marquinhos through the middle. He may be overshadowed in Brazil\u2019s lineup, but don\u2019t discount his importance to the team\u2019s favorite status.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Leroy_Sane_F_Germany\"><\/span>23. Leroy San\u00e9, F, Germany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>San\u00e9 has been phenomenal for Bayern Munich so far this season with nine goals in 16 games. He suffered a hamstring injury in October but is back on the field and should be at full fitness for the World Cup. San\u00e9 made just one start for Germany in the 2020 Euros but should be an integral part of the team this fall and could easily be Germany\u2019s leading goal-scorer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Bayern&amp;#39;s Leroy Sane celebrates after scoring his side&amp;#39;s second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo\/Martin Meissner)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/MgvVrIW_dwyC250fKfhGVA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/a746cf97501bec1a80d0e8f115d853c2\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bayern&amp;#39;s Leroy Sane celebrates after scoring his side&amp;#39;s second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo\/Martin Meissner)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/MgvVrIW_dwyC250fKfhGVA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/a746cf97501bec1a80d0e8f115d853c2\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Bayern Munich forward Leroy San\u00e9 leads a hungry German squad into Qatar. (AP Photo\/Martin Meissner)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Achraf_Hakimi_RB_Morocco\"><\/span>22. Achraf Hakimi, RB, Morocco<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not only a stalwart defender at right back, but one of Morocco\u2019s best ball-progressors and creators. He isn\u2019t asked to carry much of an attacking burden at PSG; he will be in Qatar, and he\u2019s capable of handling it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Phil_Foden_MFF_England\"><\/span>21. Phil Foden, MF\/F, England<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Four years ago, when it wasn\u2019t quite coming home yet, Foden was a primary reason it might someday. He\u2019d won the Golden Ball at the U-17 World Cup. He hadn\u2019t yet started a single game for Manchester City, but since, he\u2019s become a rare homegrown killer on the wing. Now, if only Gareth Southgate could figure out how to get the best out of him \u2026<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Joao_Cancelo_RB_Portugal\"><\/span>20. Jo\u00e3o Cancelo, RB, Portugal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cancelo is a serviceable defender. He\u2019s an absolute magician with the ball at his feet, and that\u2019s why he\u2019s ranked here. He can play on the left or the right, as an overlapper or an inverter, for Man City or Portugal. The question is whether Portugal can cover his defensive frailties and accentuate his attacking qualities like City does.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Lautaro_Martinez_F_Argentina\"><\/span>19. Lautaro Martinez, F, Argentina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Lautaro is the perfect Messi partner. Quick and incisive, he\u2019s also become a penalty-box savant, and upped his Serie A goal tally every season since moving to Inter Milan as a 20-year-old.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Argentina&amp;#39;s Lautaro Martinez, right, celebrates scoring the opening goal against Venezuela beside teammate Lionel Messi during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. (Miguel Gutierrez, Pool via AP)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/nyKPdE5A3J0fXV6FVTAKVw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/6830f67aaba51205af47d9d362fd4450\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina&amp;#39;s Lautaro Martinez, right, celebrates scoring the opening goal against Venezuela beside teammate Lionel Messi during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. (Miguel Gutierrez, Pool via AP)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/nyKPdE5A3J0fXV6FVTAKVw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/6830f67aaba51205af47d9d362fd4450\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Argentina&#8217;s Lautaro Martinez will start alongside Lionel Messi on a team considered one of the favorites to win the World Cup final. (Miguel Gutierrez, Pool via AP)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Antonio_Rudiger_CB_Germany\"><\/span>18. Antonio R\u00fcdiger, CB, Germany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>R\u00fcdiger has fit right in at Real Madrid after moving over for Chelsea in the offseason on a free transfer. R\u00fcdiger has made over 50 appearances since being called up to the German national team in 2014 and is now the team\u2019s most indispensable central defender.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Alisson_GK_Brazil\"><\/span>17. Alisson, GK, Brazil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Alisson has established himself as one of the best goalies in the world in his time at Liverpool and enters as Brazil\u2019s top keeper for the second straight World Cup. A fantastic distributor of the ball, Alisson will be relied on to start quick attacking plays against teams that are likely going to sit back against Brazil as much as possible.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Jude_Bellingham_M_England\"><\/span>16. Jude Bellingham, M, England<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The 19-year-old could find himself as the most important midfielder in England\u2019s squad after he played a bit part in the team\u2019s run to the Euro 2020 final. Bellingham has been fantastic for Borussia Dortmund in 2022 so far and it\u2019s only a matter of time before an English team pays an exorbitant fee for him. He\u2019s scored nine goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 699px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:56%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"England&amp;#39;s Jude Bellingham controls the ball during the World Cup 2022 group I qualifying soccer match between San Marino and England at Olympic Stadium, in Serravalle, San Marino, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. (AP Photo\/Antonio Calanni)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.YdKTzyBvrX9de7Tuowrig--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/b27486e27e0f2a3faece116a6bcee956\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England&amp;#39;s Jude Bellingham controls the ball during the World Cup 2022 group I qualifying soccer match between San Marino and England at Olympic Stadium, in Serravalle, San Marino, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. (AP Photo\/Antonio Calanni)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.YdKTzyBvrX9de7Tuowrig--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/b27486e27e0f2a3faece116a6bcee956\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">England&#8217;s Jude Bellingham has been stellar this season for Borussia Dortmund. (AP Photo\/Antonio Calanni)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Pedri_M_Spain\"><\/span>15. Pedri, M, Spain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A diminutive, ingenious, mononymous midfielder is a key player for Spain; sound familiar? Pedri is not Xavi, of course \u2014 in fact, Xavi now coaches him at Barcelona, and has compared the 19-year-old to Andres Iniesta \u2014 but Pedri\u2019s smarts, vision and tidiness on the ball are similar, and well beyond his years.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Federico_Valverde_M_Uruguay\"><\/span>14. Federico Valverde, M, Uruguay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The fifth Real Madrid player on this list has arguably been <em>Los Blancos<\/em>\u2019 best player so far this season. He has always been a powerful and technical player capable of driving a team forward from midfield; now he\u2019s added bangers to his arsenal.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Thibaut_Courtois_GK_Belgium\"><\/span>13. Thibaut Courtois, GK, Belgium<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The shakiness of Courtois\u2019 younger years has dissipated, and given way to a relatively undisputed truth: The 6-foot-7 Belgian is the sport\u2019s best shot-stopper. (And he\u2019ll need to be in Qatar. Belgium\u2019s back three could crumble at any moment.)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Virgil_van_Dijk_CB_Netherlands\"><\/span>12. Virgil van Dijk, CB, Netherlands<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Van Dijk and Liverpool have struggled so far this season but he\u2019s still one of the best central defenders in the world and a massively important player to the Netherlands\u2019 chances of advancing to the quarterfinals and beyond in the World Cup. He missed Euro 2020 while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered playing for the Reds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Netherlands&amp;#39; Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between the Netherlands and Belgium at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (AP Photo\/Peter Dejong)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/jnBYiN7NGlVRMeMsh3D1RQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/58ce3b89454d3592be83e2b2f7e54006\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Netherlands&amp;#39; Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between the Netherlands and Belgium at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. (AP Photo\/Peter Dejong)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/jnBYiN7NGlVRMeMsh3D1RQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/58ce3b89454d3592be83e2b2f7e54006\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk will make his World Cup debut in Qatar. (AP Photo\/Peter Dejong)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Son_Heung-Min_F_South_Korea\"><\/span>11. Son Heung-Min, F, South Korea<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Son has declared himself fit after suffering a fractured eye socket in Tottenham\u2019s final Champions League group stage game in early November. Son hasn\u2019t been as good this season as he was a season ago for Spurs, but he\u2019s the key for a South Korea team that could get out of a group that includes Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal. Son has scored 35 times in 104 national team appearances.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Luka_Modric_MF_Croatia\"><\/span>10. Luka Modric, MF, Croatia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This is likely the last World Cup for Croatia\u2019s midfield maestro and he\u2019ll once again play an integral role for his national team. Modric was fantastic in Real Madrid\u2019s run to the Champions League title this spring and will be the man who everything revolves around for a Croatia team that appears weaker than the one that made a run to the final of the 2018 World Cup. But if Modric has one more stellar World Cup in him, then who can rule out another knockout round run?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"FILE - Croatia&amp;#39;s Luka Modric is in action during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Croatia and Austria at the Gradski Vrt stadium in Osijek, Croatia, Friday, June 3, 2022. (AP Photo\/Darko Bandic)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/tR7MAj4chJHffyipRSkUCQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/654cf727cd098029032b0b832a05a0d0\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"FILE - Croatia&amp;#39;s Luka Modric is in action during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Croatia and Austria at the Gradski Vrt stadium in Osijek, Croatia, Friday, June 3, 2022. (AP Photo\/Darko Bandic)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/tR7MAj4chJHffyipRSkUCQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/654cf727cd098029032b0b832a05a0d0\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Croatia&#8217;s Luka Modric, 37, will likely be playing in his final World Cup in Qatar. (AP Photo\/Darko Bandic)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Ruben_Dias_CB_Portugal\"><\/span>9. R\u00faben Dias, CB, Portugal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dias has established himself as one of the best center backs in the world at Manchester City, though Portugal will be playing a much different style than Pep Guardiola\u2019s squad does. Dias is also even more important now that Pepe will likely miss the tournament because of a knee injury. If Portugal makes a run in the World Cup, it\u2019ll be because of a strong defense anchored by Dias.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Harry_Kane_F_England\"><\/span>8. Harry Kane, F, England<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Very few players have simultaneously created as many marvelous goals and scored as many s***ty ones as Kane has. He is actually quite boring, especially off the field and often on it. But he is clever and clinical in the penalty box; he pops up in perfect positions, and also consistently outperforms Expected Goal metrics. He\u2019s also adept when dropping into midfield, and if his name were Javier Ca\u00f1a, perhaps he\u2019d be sufficiently celebrated as the visionary passer he is.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Joshua_Kimmich_DM_Germany\"><\/span>7. Joshua Kimmich, D\/M, Germany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Soccer\u2019s least flamboyant superstar is missable to the untrained eye but integral to Germany and Bayern Munich. He is, at once, a conductor and a protector, a progressive passer and an aggressive presser. He can excel in a frenzied game or a tactical one, and should excel in Qatar.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 699px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:56%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Germany&amp;#39;s Joshua Kimmich during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Germany and Hungary in Leipzig, Germany, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (AP Photo\/Michael Sohn)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/lcArn99h8bDmrTiVz1_Vng--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/9e5c879ccf2100d129558571891b8b76\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Germany&amp;#39;s Joshua Kimmich during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Germany and Hungary in Leipzig, Germany, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (AP Photo\/Michael Sohn)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/lcArn99h8bDmrTiVz1_Vng--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/9e5c879ccf2100d129558571891b8b76\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich has 2 goals and 3 assists in 14 games for Bayern Munich this season. (AP Photo\/Michael Sohn)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Vinicius_Jr_F_Brazil\"><\/span>6. Vinicius Jr., F, Brazil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Neymar\u2019s eventual heir has, in his fourth and fifth seasons at Real Madrid, begun to fulfill impossibly lofty expectations. His pace has always been lethal, and his dribbling audacious. Over the past 15 months, at age 21 and 22, he added goal creation and ascended into the sport\u2019s elite. The challenge now is finding his footing in a stacked Brazil team that\u2019s been built around others.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Robert_Lewandowski_F_Poland\"><\/span>5. Robert Lewandowski, F, Poland<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>How much help will the Barcelona forward get in the 2022 World Cup? Poland finished last in its group and scored just two goals in 2018. Lewandowski is the team\u2019s only reliable attacking threat and opposing defenses will be keying in on him to make sure that one of the best strikers in the world doesn\u2019t beat them. If Lewandowski can single-handedly get Poland to the knockout rounds, he\u2019ll only cement his status as one of the best strikers of the 2000s.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Neymar_F_Brazil\"><\/span>4. Neymar, F, Brazil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps his <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.france24.com\/en\/live-news\/20221019-brazil-challenger-lula-says-neymar-supports-bolsonaro-over-debt-woes\" data-ylk=\"slk:politics\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">politics<\/a>, tax payments and theatrics are all problematic. His soccer, though, remains stunning. I mean, just look at this:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Lionel_Messi_F_Argentina\"><\/span>3. Lionel Messi, F, Argentina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two greatest players ever, both seemed to be falling off cliffs last year \u2026 and then, as <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/cristiano-ronaldo-world-cup-manchester-united-portugal-154402327.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ronaldo stayed fallen;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp yahoo-link\">Ronaldo stayed fallen<\/a>, Messi climbed back toward greatness. Through 18 games at PSG this season, he\u2019s averaging 1.51 non-penalty goals plus assists per 90 minutes, on pace for the second-best mark of his sparkling career. He\u2019s once again dazzling in an undefined creative role for both club and country, and finally has a coherent Argentine structure surrounding him. So, all things considered, his (likely) last crack at a World Cup might be his best.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) and Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) of France during the warm-up before the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Denmark at Stade de France on June 3, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jose Breton\/Pics Action\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/nxXPS3zOnVauD555PBW4tw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/a36ca2ca4e5f73624bcbc497a87f37ff\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) and Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) of France during the warm-up before the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Denmark at Stade de France on June 3, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jose Breton\/Pics Action\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/nxXPS3zOnVauD555PBW4tw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/a36ca2ca4e5f73624bcbc497a87f37ff\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">France will have Kylian Mbappe for the World Cup but not Karim Benzema. (Photo by Jose Breton\/Pics Action\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Kylian_Mbappe_F_France\"><\/span>2. Kylian Mbapp\u00e9, F, France<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The 23-year-old PSG star burst onto the scene as France won the 2018 World Cup. He\u2019ll play a similar role on the outside and drifting into the middle of the field in 2022 but France\u2019s strategy and tactics as a whole may have to change. France has tended to play a very defensive style under Didier Deschamps \u2014 a style that allows Mbapp\u00e9 to sprint past defenders on the counter attack \u2014 but Paul Pogba and N\u2019Golo Kant\u00e9 are set to miss the World Cup and stalwart defender Raphael Varane is also an injury doubt. Mbappe and Benzema could play more with the ball in 2022 out of necessity. And that may not be a bad thing at all.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Kevin_De_Bruyne_M_Belgium\"><\/span>1. Kevin De Bruyne, M, Belgium<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is so much about De Bruyne, from his ginger hair to his <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theplayerstribune.com\/articles\/kevin-de-bruyne-man-city-let-me-talk\" data-ylk=\"slk:extreme shyness\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">extreme shyness<\/a>, that suggests he\u2019s anything but the best soccer player on the planet. But there is so much about his game that suggests he is. He\u2019s a goalscorer and an engine and a creative wizard and a Belgian Beckham all wrapped up into one. The national team around him is fading. But if there\u2019s a player at this World Cup who can single-handedly propel a fading team to the semis, it\u2019s this guy.<\/p>\n<p><em>Also considered: Gabriel Jesus, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Aurelien Tchouameni, Christian Eriksen, Darwin Nunez, Bernardo Silva, Rodri<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 828px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:67%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium in action in action during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Netherlands and Belgium at Johan Cruijff ArenAon September 25, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos\/Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/qcZrvnE2zK4tGlAbo6VGvA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/a0d268e7c69de1cad1d79199c4c81d83\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium in action in action during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Netherlands and Belgium at Johan Cruijff ArenAon September 25, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos\/Getty Images)\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/qcZrvnE2zK4tGlAbo6VGvA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/a0d268e7c69de1cad1d79199c4c81d83\" class=\"caas-img\"><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who also plays for Manchester City, will lead the Red Devils at the Qatar World Cup. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/news\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aol.com\/sports\/2022-world-cup-top-30-220547781.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The top 30 players set to compete in Qatar (L-R) Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbapp\u00e9, Karim Benzema (out due to injury) and Lionel Messi are in Qatar for the World Cup. (Amber Matsumoto\/Yahoo Sports) The World Cup is officially underway in Qatar. The first game was Sunday as Ecuador spoiled Qatar&#8217;s debut in the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":513354,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/h0AocezhfBXr4bGTxu2nIA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD02NDY-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_yahoo_sports_800\/d25aa732c7080bff88690e8244b3fb9c","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[70897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-513353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=513353"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513353\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/513354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=513353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=513353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=513353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}