Top 5 breakout players at Qatar 2022 World Cup

Since 18 November, the world’s attention has turned to middle east nation Qatar where the biggest football tournament has been taking place.

Different national football teams have engaged in interesting, breathtaking action at the most expensive World Cup in history, much to the entertainment of fans. We are now down to two teams – Argentina and France – who will both slug it out for the coveted World Cup title on Sunday.

During the course of action at this year’s World Cup, we have also witnessed brilliant individual displays from both established and young players. In this piece, NRTC assesses, in no particular order, five breakout stars at the 2022 World Cup.

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Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)

Atlas Lions midfielder Azzedine Ounahi caught an unknown figure when the 2022 World Cup began but he has quick turned out to be one of the breakout players of the tournament.

Still 22, Ounahi was instrumental to Morocco’s historic semifinal birth. He helped his side eliminate both Spain (last 16) and Portugal (quarter final) en route becoming the first ever African nation to reach the last four of the World Cup.

His all-round, indefatigable displays in Qatar have not gone unnoticed. He clocked 14.7km against Spain, more than any other player. Also, no team-mate had more dribbles (three) or won more duels (seven) in the last eight encounter against Portugal.

Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the player who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Angers.

Enzo Fernández (Argentina)

The 21-year-old Benfica central midfielder has been a revelation at this year’s World Cup.

Fernández has not started a game for Albiceleste prior to the World Cup. However, he has been a brilliant performer for the Argentine team.

His fantastic curling effort in the second group game victory over Mexico was one that wowed fans. The goal sealed victory in a very vital encounter after Argentina were stunned by Saudi Arabia in their opening game.

In the last four victory over Croatia, Fernández made more tackles (four) than any other player on the pitch. He also made 62 passes, a joint-high for Argentina, alongside captain Lionel Messi.

Unsurprisingly, Fernández has a reported release clause of £103m. He has already caught the attention of Premier League big boys Liverpool.

Joško Gvardiol (Croatia)

RB Leipzig defender Gvardiol has proven to be one of the most stubborn and reliable centre-backs even at a young age of 20.

The young player broke his nose while representing the German club just before the World Cup began and has been on a mask throughout the tournament until Croatia’s exit in the semi-final.

His performances have definitely cemented his place among the breakout players at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. His flair and elegance on the ball stands him out among his contemporaries.

The defender’s passing ability his excellent and he was one of the reasons Croatia made it that far in Qatar. He has already been linked with a £70m move away from RB Leipzig as he has been described as “immense in most of the games…”

nterestingly, the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea Bayern Munich and Manchester City are rumoured to be interested in him.

Jude Bellingham (England)

When teammate, Phil Foden said he believed teammate Jude Bellingham “will be the best midfielder in the world,” it was (and is) obvious he wasn’t bluffing.

The young Borussia Dortmund player is already one of the best players in the world even at 19 years old. His performances are way too scintillating and technically sound for a player of his age.

When Bellingham scored in England’s 6-2 win over Iran in their opening match, he became England’s second-youngest goalscorer at a World Cup, after Michael Owen (in 1998).

However, his most memorable performance at the World Cup came against Senegal in the last-16. His genius display was key to Three Lions’ 3-0 win in the encounter. He also emerged as the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game since at least 1966.

Although England’s World Cup campaign ended in the quarter final against France, Bellingham’s performances have endeared him more to football fans across the world. He was nothing short of brilliant during the tournament and he has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

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Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Energetic winger Cody Gakpo is indeed a breakout player at the 2022 World Cup. The PSV star became the first Netherlands player to score in his first three World Cup matches when he scored in the three group stage matches he competed in.

The 23-year-old has found the back of the net 13 times, while providing a further 17 goals in only 24 games for his club side this term.

Built at 6ft 4in, Gakpo has impressed everyone that has cared to see him play. He has dazzling pace and a good technical ability that helps his dribbling and passing skills.

Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk has praised the player, describing his as one that can “go to the moon and back.”