Five midfielders who impressed during World Cup 2022 group stage

Enzo and Kudus, two young guns stole the show in the first round of the 2022 edition of the quadrennial mega event.

In the last two weeks, we have witnessed some high-quality footballing action at the FIFA World Cup 2022. In the 48 group stage matches, we have already seen some of the highest-ranked nations lose the plot. Underdogs bounce back and win against all odds. 

The group stage has seen high-quality strikes flying into the back of the net, and top-notch saves from the keepers. But, amidst all this, we have seen some midfielders re-ignite themselves and a few step up to the global stage.

Before we head into the business end of the tournament, let’s have a look at the top five midfielders who have impressed in FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage.

CDM: Casemiro (Brazil)

Brazil has been a dominant force in the FIFA World Cup 2022, and a lot of credit goes to the Manchester United midfielder. Brazil did end the group stage with a defeat but it was second string XI that took the field on the day. The South American nation is one of the favourites to win it and Casemiro’s return to his best has boosted their hopes of winning the World Cup. 

The former Madrid man has been rock solid at the heart of midfield. He has acted as a shield in front of the back four. Moreover, what has impressed everyone is his control over the ball and distributions. The 30-year-old has been flawless so far in the tournament. His world-class volley that won Brazil the second game and gave the early qualification was the cherry on top as far as his performance goes.

CM: Gavi (Spain)

Ever since his debut for FC Barcelona, Gavi has been a regular at his club. The 18-year-old recently won the Golden Boy award and he has just proved himself on the world stage. The outside foot volley that he scored against Costa Rica on Matchday 1 was some strike. 

The level of composure that the Spanish midfielders have is second to none, and hence Gavi has impressed everyone in the World Cup 2022. He runs the show in the midfield and is great in both offence and defence. Gavi glides past defenders with ease and makes passing look way too easy. Spain failed to finish top in their group after losing to Japan on the final match day. Their route to the World Cup finals is going to be tough and Gavi will have to be at his best for Spain to go on a dream run.

CM: Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Ghana has failed to go past the group stage in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But, they found a generational talent in Mohammed Kudus. The young Ajax midfielder has been absolutely rock solid in the centre of the field for Ghana. 

The 22-year-old midfielder scored twice against South Korea on Matchday 2 to help his team win. He took a total of 8 shots on goal in three matches and was the star man for the African nation. His performances on the biggest stage of them all have attracted a lot of attention. Soon we might see Kudus play for an even bigger club in Europe's top flight.

CM: Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the main man for Portugal for almost two decades now. But, in this FIFA World Cup, midfielders like Bruno Fernandes has been the player to have impressed the most. The Manchester United player has two assists and two goals in two matches. 

The 28-year-old has been the X-factor on the Portuguese side. Bruno has ensured that his team finish top of the group and head into the Round of 16 with his overall game. The former Sporting CP skipper has been the most creative player on the team. His deliveries into the box have been top-notch and the amount of area that he has been covering is commendable.

CM: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

Enzo has been in the limelight even before the World Cup got underway. His performance for Benfica in the centre of the midfield attracted a lot of global attention and it resulted in him being called up to the Argentina World Cup squad.

The 21-year-old has had a sensational FIFA World Cup 2022. His stunning goal against Mexico on Matchday 2 kept the South American national alive in the tournament as they sealed the two points. He came on as a sub in the first two fixtures but his performance forced the manager to start him. The young Argentine has dominated the midfield and has stepped up whenever the team needed him.