What an incredible tournament we witnessed. In the end, Lionel Messi took home what many people thought he deserved in the first place. Despite Messi being the headline grabber, there were many players that rose to the occasion. Today, we are going to discuss my own “Best XI” (XI means 11 for those who don’t know) of the Qatar World Cup. Let’s get into it.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Emi Martinez, Argentina
Despite Yassine Bounou and Dominik Livakovic having incredible tournaments, I don’t think you can give this spot to anyone else besides “Dibu” Martinez. After the shock loss to Saudi Arabia in the first game, La Albiceleste went on to win every single game. In those remaining six games, Martinez recorded three clean sheets and won two penalty shootouts to bring the trophy back to Buenos Aires. While some people may get caught up in Martinez’s antics, you can’t deny his performances. Especially when you make arguably the greatest save of all-time. From playing fourth-division English football to World Cup Champion, what a journey it has been for Martinez.
LB: Noussair Mazraoui, Morocco
I could’ve honestly put the whole Moroccan back four on here and I don’t think it would’ve been THAT crazy of a take. Mazraoui was essential in shutting down that right wing until his injury in the quarter-finals. In the games he played he was always in the right place at the right time, looking to spring the ball down the line to Boufal. They Bayern Munich defender will always have to compete with Alphonso Davies for a spot in the team, but he showed this tournament that his name belongs in the bright lights too.
CB: Joško Gvardiol, Croatia
The man in the mask absolutely dominated this tournament. Gvardiol was apart of a unit that only allowed one goal in the group stage and he was the center of the operation in every match. Now he did get taken to school by Lionel Messi, but give the kid a break man this is Messi we’re talking about. If Gvardiol is not in this team, they don’t even have the chance to face Messi in the semi-finals. And that’s a fact. Now all eyes are on the 20 year-old to see what club he will play for next.
CB: Harry Maguire, England
Why does this man defend like a grandma at times with United, but then goes to play in Qatar and drops 10/10 performances. Now, I must say, this would’ve gone to Ibrahima Konate if Didier Deschamps wasn’t a stubborn little Frenchman and actually started every game like he should’ve. However, that doesn’t take away from the great job that Maguire did this tournament. Go watch the USA vs. England game and tell me with a straight face that Maguire wasn’t the best player on that pitch for the Three Lions. We’ll see if this form can carry back on to Old Trafford, but regardless, Maguire showed up for his country.
RB: Achraf Hakimi, Morocco
It’s hard to disagree with someone saying, “Achraf Hakimi is the best right-back in the world” right now. When you are a key part of a unit that didn’t allow any opponent goals until the semi-final, you’re likely going to be the center of attention. Becoming the first ever African team to make a semi-final wouldn’t have happened without this guy’s panenka against Spain in the Round of 16. Hopefully PSG make a deep run into the Champions League so the world can see Hakimi shine on the big stage once again.
CM: Sofyan Amrabat, Morocco
The ultimate warrior. The energy behind Walid Regragui’s side. The man was non-stop running in every single match. He played every single second for the Atlas Lions and was their best player in arguably every match. I can only hope to see this guy in a Liverpool shirt one day. What a player.
CM: Antoine Griezmann, France
The glue that held this French team together. Griezmann moved back into the midfield for Deschamps and flourished on a different level. He also was tied for first in assists in the tournament (3). Whether it was running back to make a crunching tackle or crossing in a perfect ball for a striker to finish, Griezmann did it all.
CM: Jude Bellingham, England
The future England captain put on a wonderful performance in Qatar. May God please bring him to Liverpool. My heart would not be able to take it if he doesn’t become a Red. You should’ve seen me when I saw this goal happen.
LW: Kylian Mbappe, France
Golden Boot winner.
Only second hat-trick in the World Cup Final in history (Geoff Hurst, 1966).
Was the best player on the pitch in every single game for Les Blues.
Kylian Mbappe. Soon-to-be Ballon D’Or winner.
ST: Julian Álvarez, Argentina
When Di Maria went down with his injury, Álvarez stepped up big time for La Albiceleste. The Manchester City striker finished tied for third with goals (4), scoring three in knockout stage games. His off-ball play was also something to highlight, creating a lot of chances for Lionel Scaloni’s side. The future is bright for Álvarez, if only he didn’t have a Norwegian robot in front of him at City.
RW: Lionel Messi, Argentina
What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained. See photo above for further explanation.
Subs: GK Yassine Bounou (Morocco), LB Marcos Acuña (Argentina), CB Ibrahima Konate (France), CB Roman Saïss (Morocco), RB Josip Juranović (Croatia), CM Enzo Fernandez (Argentina), CM Casemiro (Brazil), CM Aurélien Tchouaméni (France), LW Marcus Rashford (England), ST Olivier Giroud (France), ST Richarlison (Brazil)
Well there you have it. The official YSN team of the tournament. And what a tournament it was. This is YSN, until next time, signing out.
