Interesting facts about players heading to the FIFA World Cup 2022

Here are some intriguing numbers from the upcoming edition of the quadrennial mega event.

With the biggest show on earth kicking off on the 20th of November in Doha, below are a few interesting facts of players we'll be seeing in action for their respective countries in the World Cup 2022:

Youngest player (17 years old) - Youssoufa Moukoko, Germany

Arguably the brightest young talent from Germany since the emergence of Jamal Musiala at Bayern is the youngest player at the World Cup in Qatar. He has a great record in Bundesliga this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists for Borussia Dortmund.

Grabbing the world's and Germany's manager's attention would be the winner he scored off the bench in the Revierderby for Dortmund against Schalke. The injury to Timo Werner also paved the way for Moukoko to be selected for Hansi Flick's final German squad.

Oldest player (40 years old) - Alfredo Talavera, Mexico

There will be a lot of older veterans at the World Cup with the likes of Dani Alves, 39, and Thiago Silva, 38, among the names of the stars besides Luka Modric, 37 and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, 37 etc. However, the oldest player mantle is of FC Juarez and Mexico goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera in Qatar.

He's amongst the veteran goalkeeping contingent alongside teammate Guillermo Ochoa,37 representing his National side. He'll be hoping to prove to be an able replacement for younger Carlos Acevedo. Manager Tata Martino left Acevedo out of the squad for Mexico.

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Shortest player (5ft 2in) - Ilias Chair, Morocco

The tricky and technical No.10 for Morocco will look to play an important part in his National team despite his modest physical stature. Morocco is in a group with Belgium, Canada and Croatia in Group F. And they will hope to find an outlet for his creativity as does his club side QPR in the English Championship. He has provided 3 goals and 6 assists for his club side this season.

Tallest player (6ft 6in) - Andries Noppert, Netherlands

The giant of a goalkeeper has made the final Netherlands squad for Louis Van Gaal. He impressed with his performances for club side Heerenveen, keeping 6 clean sheets in 14 appearances in the Eredivisie. The Dutch will be looking to rely on him, given his height and reach, in the knockout stages in a penalty shootout, a situation Louis Van Gaal and his Dutch sides have found themselves in previously in a World Cup.

Most appearances (19) - Lionel Messi, Argentina

The much-celebrated icon of Argentina, and superstar adored across the world, will be playing his last tournament for his country, as announced in an interview before the tournament in Qatar. Messi has the most appearances for his country with 165 caps and has scored 91 goals. He'll be looking to finally add the coveted World Cup to his enviable trophy collection in Doha and set his legacy even further.

Most goals & assists (10 goals, 6 assists) - Thomas Muller

The man is popularly known as Radio Muller in the German squad. The Germany and Bayern Munich legend is never shy about expressing his opinions on or off the field. His popularity stems from his sense of humour, and ability to speak his mind with teammates, opponents and referees alike, hence the nickname. Besides, he's also made a lasting impact on the FIFA World Cup stage for his country, winning the silver ball in 2014.

He's always come up with the goals when his country needed it the most. And he has been heavily relied upon by his National team coach and teammates alike. He's self-described his playstyle as a "Raumdeuter" or space investigator, excelling in narrow spaces between the opponent's defence and midfield.