Four years since France lifted arguably the most famous sporting trophy of all time in Russia, the FIFA World Cup is back. The football carnival descends on Qatar this time, becoming the first winter competition since its inception in 1930. Several controversies have slightly blighted the build-up to Qatar 2022, but the excitement has been bubbling with the tournament just around the corner.
Early favorites to win the competition include Argentina, Brazil, and France, but we won’t focus on whole teams today. Football is a team sport, there’s no doubt about that, however, moments of individual brilliance can often make a difference. With that in mind, stay with us for six players to watch out for during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Fulham’s robust, aggressive, and extraordinarily determined Aleksandar Mitrovic is the man responsible for sending Serbia through to the World Cup Finals. A last-minute qualifying goal against Portugal late last year sent the team and fans into rapture. He was on fire last season in the Championship, scoring 43 goals in 44 games.
His father claims Mitrovic “would be a criminal or a kickboxer” if he wasn’t a footballer, which goes some way in explaining his particularly fearless style of football. A big target man who could unsettle even the best defenders, Mitrovic will be key to Serbia’s hopes of navigating a difficult group including Brazil, Switzerland, and Cameroon.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the best player of all time for many people, and his career is sadly reaching its twilight period. Not that you’d be able to tell from watching the Argentinian genius play, as he’s still on top of his game. Messi won his first major international honors last year at the Copa America, and he will be desperate to get his hands on the Jules Rimet trophy after narrowly missing out against Germany in Brazil 2014.
Messi will bring goals, assists, and excitement to Argentina’s games, there’s no doubt about that. Sports bettors are particularly keen on the player, especially with prop bets concerning dribbles or goal-scoring chances created. If you’re thinking about online sports betting for World Cup 2022, it’s important to do your research and find reliable websites to place your bets. The best online betting sites for Arab bettors provide significant welcome incentives, such as $100 with a $30 free wager, to new players. It is therefore worthwhile to take a little more time to identify the best website to place wagers on your favorite club or star, such as Messi.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe asserted himself on the global footballing scene during the 2018 Russia World Cup, powering France to their first trophy since 1998. The explosive striker is considered by many as the best player in the world currently, possessing extraordinary skill on the ball, lightning pace, and unbelievably accurate finishing.
Mbappe has grown considerably in stature over the last four years. Now playing for PSG alongside Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi, he’s had the opportunity to learn from the best. All eyes will be on the Frenchman in Qatar.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United is sadly threatening to sour this legend’s impact on global football over the last two decades. The Portuguese star will be desperately hoping he can turn the tide and deliver the trophy for his country.
Ronaldo’s role in this Portugal side will be interesting. He has been criticized for being lazy and not leading the press in recent years, so his presence could be more of a distraction than a help. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: CR7 will undoubtedly be an attention-grabber in Qatar. We just hope it’s for the right reasons.
Bukayo Saka
England’s Bukayo Saka burst into the international setup at Euro 2020, quickly cementing a starting berth in the side. Gareth Southgate relies on the Arsenal winger to get the ball moving quickly upfield and strike terror into opposing defenders.
Saka’s pace and trickery provide him with extraordinary dribbling ability. This was evident during the Euro Final when Giorgio Chiellini literally dragged the player back to avoid a one-on-one situation with the Italian keeper. More of the same in Qatar? We think so!
Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud is a certified and widely adored Arsenal legend responsible for iconic moments like his Puskas award-winning scorpion kick goal against Crystal Palace. The experienced striker played every minute of France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, and we wouldn’t bet against him doing the same in Qatar.
An elderly figure in the youthful French team, his experience could be vital to their success. You shouldn’t expect a torrent of goals, rather impeccable link-up play and morale-boosting communication.
