Five defenders who impressed during World Cup 2022 group stage

Even though players like Nicholas Otamendi, Josko Gvardiol and Harry Souttar were great, we have the following names on the list.

FIFA World Cup 2022 has already seen many heroics but most of the limelight is snatched away by the forwards keeping the defenders impressed in their shadow. The modern analytics movement in world football demands the defenders to step up and deny penetration making the game even more interesting.

With renowned faces at the hearts of the defence of great footballing nations, it is difficult to choose the best among them all. But we have a few in store for you who have brought their A-game into this tournament and been a menace for forwards. Here’s a look at the top five defenders who have impressed and raised the bar of defending their nations in the group stage of the World Cup 2022.

Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands)

Despite getting heavily criticized by the legendary Marco Van Basten for his sloppy performance against Ecuador, he stands out to be the most relied-upon defender for the Netherlands. Flourishing more in the 3-4-3 system, he seems to have nicely settled into the 3-4-1-2 formation that Louis Van Gaal is playing. 

His anticipation is what makes him a proactive defender and not a reactive one. When the full-back Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind are out of position, he actively reads the situation and gets ahead of the striker to intercept the ball. He has made 15 recoveries and his team has conceded only once in three games. Thus he has helped his team keep two clean sheets in the tournament so far.

He is also ever reliant on the ball which helps the Dutch to build up their attack from the back. He will have a huge role to play if Netherlands hope to go down to the wire in this competition.

Harry Maguire (England)

The Manchester United man might have lost his place in Ten Haag’s starting XI but Gareth Southgate has kept his faith in him. Having had a pass completion rate of 90% and conceding only twice against Iran, he has helped the Three Lions conjure up two clean sheets against USA and Wales.

He looked convincing at the back alongside John Stones and he has certainly compartmentalized his game. With huge improvements in decision-making and his positioning on the pitch, the Three Lions are looking sturdy at the back. He also brought an imminent danger to the opposition’s box with his ability to win aerial battles during set pieces. The English defenders have impressed and Maguire's team will be counting more on him as we head into the World Cup 2022 knockouts.

Marquinhos (Brazil)

If you want an all-round defender in your team, he is the one. Mostly playing in the heart of a 4-4-2 defence, Tite also used him as a defensive midfielder against Cameroon in the dying stages of the game. The likes of Serbia and Switzerland could not register a single attempt on target in 90 minutes, such is the partnership between him and Thiago Silva.

His ability to assess situations and scan each and every movement of the opposition players keeps him ahead of the game. He made a mammoth 19 recoveries in three games and helped Brazil keep two clean sheets by conceding only once in what was a relatively tough group.

Josip Juranovic (Croatia)

A versatile fullback by trait, he has caught the attention of many in this ongoing World Cup. With the ability to deliver teasing crosses into the box and run down the flanks, he has one assist in his name against Canada. Helping the Kockasti keep two clean sheets against the formidable attacking fronts of Morocco and Belgium, he compresses the back line and keeps the defence tight not allowing the opponents to thread in any passes behind them.

Defending effectively in one-on-one situations, he allows the relatively older Dejan Lovren some breathing space in the backline and restores normality. But what makes him special is his agility and the ability to cover up acres of ground keeping aside his attacking intent.

Romain Saiss (Morocco)

Ask about revitalizing your career in the greatest stage of them all and you have your name. He has certainly led the Atlas Lions by example and helped them finish top of Group F. Having scored once and helped Morocco keep clean sheets against Croatia and Belgium, he has looked aggressive in nature.

His approach towards the game and his immaculate control in tackling and delaying the passage of play have kept the opposition at bay. He has only conceded two fouls in three games and made vital interceptions registering a total of 16 recoveries. If Morocco is to stand a chance of making it further in the competition, they will have to bank upon him heavily.