FIFA World Cup 2022 : Combined XI of the Best performers

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 has come to an end with Argentina winning the ultimate prize for the 3rd time in their history. Lionel Messi fulfilled his ultimate dream by winning the tournament in his second attempt. The 2022 World cup was the most competitive edition ever and we also witnessed a lot of unexpected things.

France broke the Champions curse, Germany failed to reach the last 16 for the second time in a row, Morocco became the first African country to reach the Semi-final and a lot more happened. You can read FIFA World Cup 2022 : Top 7 Interesting moments from the tournament to know more about the same.

In this feature we will be revealing a combined playing 11 of the best players from the 2022 edition. So without further to do, let’s get started.

Goalkeeper – Dominik Livakovic 

Croatia’s number 1 choice Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic did not win the Golden Glove but he was one of the contenders to win it all because of his antics throughout the tournament. He made 3 saves against Japan in the Round of 16 and became only the 3rd Goalie in the history of the tournament to make three saves in a single World cup shootout. Livakovic joined Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo and fellow countrymen Danijel Subasic in this unique list. Against Brazil in the Quarter-finals, he kept Croatia alive in the game and went on to make a crucial save in the shootout to reach the Semi-finals. Dominik Livakovic made more saves than anybody else in the tournament (25).

Center-Backs – Josko Gvardiol and Nicolas Otamendi

Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol and Argentina’s World Champion Nicolas Otamendi are the 2 Center-backs in our 11. 20-year-old Gvardiol was a revelation in this edition as he was definitely one of the best young players in the tournament. He maintained an aggressive approach and guarded the back line very well alongside Dejan Lovren. The RB Leipzig defender is already on the radar of several Elite clubs in Europe with Manchester City reportedly lining up a bid of over 100 Million for the World cup Bronze Medalist. Gvardiol kept 2 clean sheets, won possession on 48 occasions for Croatia and also scored a brilliant goal against Morocco in the 3rd place play-off. Veteran Benfica Center Back Nicolas Otamendi on the other hand marshaled the Argentine defense and used all his experience to help La Albiceleste win the WC. The 34-year-old made 2 blocks, 24 clearances, made 9 interceptions and made 39 ball recoveries.

Right Back & Left Back – Achraf Hakimi and Theo Hernandez

Morocco’s Right back Achraf Hakimi had a wonderful FIFA World cup campaign, helping his side reach the Semi-final but failed to reach the final. They had the chance of finishing 3rd but Injuries forced some of their players to get ruled out of the match and as a result Croatia defeated Morocco by 2-1. The North Africans will be proud regardless of their slump by the end of the WC. Hakimi was one of their most established players alongside Hakim Ziyech and the former helped his side in every possible way from the right channel. Hakimi completed 12 Take-ons, had the most tackles with 26 and gained possession back 46 times. Meanwhile, Theo Hernandez was filling the void left by his elder brother Lucas Hernandez, who sustained injury in France’s very first game. Theo took helped his team in every way possible. The AC Milan left back also helped Didier Deschamps offensively and even scored the opening goal against Morocco in the Semi-final. The 25-year-old created the 4th most chances with 11, had 2 shots on target, provided 2 assists, completed 246 passes with a successful passing percentage of 87%, made 16 successful tackles and had a tackle success rate of 76%.

Midfielders – Luka Modric (RM), Antoine Griezmann (LM) and Enzo Fernandez (CDM)

Luka Modric played an important role in 2018 and this year too. He was one of the most efficient players in the tournament, helping in attack as well as defense. His defensive efficiency was on display as he was the 6th player to make Most successful tackles (16), won possession 51 times, had the second most passes into the final third (52), had a 14 shots on target, completed 460 out of 516 passes with a completed passes percentage of 89%, had 16 successful tackles. Antoine Griezmann on the Left side of midfield proved to be a threat for France’s attacking build up. He was not in a very good form before the World cup but he clicked at the very right moment. Griezmann had the joint highest number of assists (3) alongside Lionel Messi, Bruno Fernandes among others. He had a successful passing percentage of 84%, completed 244 passes and had a tackle success rate of 88%. Enzo Fernandez – the young player of the tournament will operate as a Central defensive Midfielder in our 11. He was an important asset for Lionel Scaloni as he provided solidity at the center of the park and enabled Rodrigo De Paul to go all offensive. He scored 1 goal, completed 88% of passes and had a tackle success rate of 88%.

Forwards – Julian Alvarez (Right Wing), Kylian Mbappe (Striker) and Lionel Messi (Left Wing)

We are extremely sure that this Front 3 would dismantle any defense in the world. The trio shared 25 G/A between them. Although Alvarez and Messi ended up on the champions podium but Mbappe failed to win back to back World cups with France. However, Kylian Mbappe won the golden boot for 8 goals which included a hat-trick in the final. Messi was felicitated with the Golden Ball award and Alvarez was also very important for Argentina’s success in this edition at Qatar.

Also Read – Lionel Messi is now the 14th player ever to win FIFA World Cup in their second Finale