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World Football: Team of the Year 2022

Published at :December 30, 2022 at 11:00 PM
Modified at :December 30, 2022 at 11:00 PM
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Badal Pareek


2022 is a year that will live long in the memories of the fans as Messi's crowning year

It is time we look back in the year and assemble an XI that gave us the best moments of 2022 on the field of football. 2022 has been one of the most exciting years for the world of football. A year that will be remembered for Real Madrid’s historic run in the Champions League and Argentina’s dream run in FIFA World Cup 2022 . Lionel Andrés Messi finally lifted the World Cup and Benzema got his hands on the Ballon d’Or as he guided Madrid to their 14th UCL Title.

In the end, winning titles is what matters but individual efforts do count. Here is a team of players who outperformed others and were cornerstones in their team.

Team of the Year 2022 (Formation 4-4-2)

Goalkeeper

GK: Thibaut Courtois

2022 might not have ended in the best possible way for Courtois due to Belgium’s disappointing run in the World Cup. But, what he did for Real Madrid over the course of the entire year is something that stands out. The Belgian shot-stopper was sensational as he helped Real Madrid clinch their 14th UCL Title. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was awarded the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the 2021-22 season. He hasn’t done much in the 2022-23 season but overall he had a year to remember. Courtois was the difference between Madrid and Liverpool in the UCL Final, as his team ended up winning 1-0. His heroics ensured that Madrid won the UCL as well as La Liga.

Defenders

RB: Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi played a massive role in Morocco's World Cup 2022 run

Achraf Hakimi has been in some touch ever since the start of 2022. The Moroccan full-back was a treat to watch in the recently concluded World Cup. Hakimi helped his nation become the first-ever African team to qualify for a World Cup semi-final. His stats for PSG are very impressive, in the ongoing season he has 3 assists and 3 goals to his name. Achraf is a delight for any manager on the planet as he is capable enough to play anywhere on the right-hand side of the pitch. The 24-year-old is already one of the best full-backs going around and his stocks are to rise further in the near future.

CB: Joško Gvardiol

Gvardiol entered the FIFA World Cup 2022 as one of the most promising young defenders. His performance on the World stage has ensured that the 20-year-old left-footed defender is here to stay. He has surpassed all expectations and currently is one of the most sought-after center-backs in the World. During his run with Croatia at the World Cup, Gvardiol won around 70% of his duels. He was rock solid in defense and his positioning has impressed one and all. The Croatian defender has had a great year for club and country. Chelsea have shown a lot of interest in the young defender and it will be interesting to see if Gvardiol finds a new home in the January transfer window.  

CB: Virgil Van Dijk

Yet another standout year for Virgil Van Dijk. The Dutch center-back won the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and featured in the UCL Final for Liverpool which they lost to Real Madrid. The Netherlands defender showcased his class in the Premier League throughout the year but it wasn’t enough. Liverpool ended the season a point behind Champions Manchester City. According to a report by the research group of CIES Football Observatory, Van Dijk has played more minutes in 2022 than any other outfield player. He stood tall, won aerial duels, timed tackles to perfection, and led from the front for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2022. In all, it was a special season for a special player.

LB: Theo Hernandez

2022 has been phenomenal for Theo Hernandez. On a club level, he helped AC Milan end their Serie A drought. Theo was a part of the deadly French squad that lost in the final of the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2022. His individual efforts were once again sensational. The pace and ability to time his runs and cross the balls helped his team stand out. The 25-year-old full-back had a magnificent World Cup. Theo has 3 goals and 6 assists for club & country in the ongoing season.

Midfielders

RM: Lionel Messi

Messi has had a phenomenal year, probably the best of his entire career. While on a personal level he has had better performances but winning the World Cup was the ultimate goal and now the job is done. He has been one of the deadliest forwards ever since the start of the year. His goal contribution numbers have been absurd. It all boiled down to one single match, the World Cup Final. The Argentine stood tall and scored twice in the final to help his nation lift the biggest trophy in the world of football. In doing so he broke records and also won his second World Cup golden ball. Another sensational year for the one of greatest of all time.

CM: Casemiro

Initially, life was difficult for Casemiro at his new club Manchester United. But, recently the Brazilian defensive midfielder has been on fire. He has helped United keep clean sheets in the recent past and was on another level for Brazil at the World Cup. Before he signed for United, he had just won LaLiga and the Champions League with Madrid at the start of 2022. The United player was spot-on with his tackles and interceptions all year long. On top of that, he even showcased his passing range at times and scored when his team was in desperate need. 

CM: Modric 

Luka Modric, the 37-year-old is still good enough to start for any team in the world. He steps up when it matters most and produces the goods. Another outstanding season for the former Ballon d’Or winner for both club and country. He has won LaLiga & Champions League with Real Madrid and finished 3rd in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup. Modric produced world-class performances in the UCL and World Cup knockout matches and won numerous man-of-the-match awards.

World Football: Team of the Year 2022
Team of the Year 2022

LM: Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe has been racking up astonishing numbers for quite a few years now. Only a few have achieved what this young boy from France has already done in his young career. The limelight has always been on Mbappe and he hardly disappoints on the pitch. The PSG winger showcased his class at the World Cup as he won the Golden boot. The 24-year-old scored a hattrick in the World Cup Final which his team lost on penalties. The French forward has 30 goals and 7 assists for Club & Country in the ongoing season.  

Forwards

ST: Karim Benzema

Benzema
Benzema won the Ballon d'Or 2022

Benzema’s wait for a Ballon d’Or ended after a magnificent year with Real Madrid. The French forward won La Liga and the UCL with Los Blancos. His dream of winning the World Cup received a setback in the form of an injury. The Madrid star forward scored 27 goals in the previous season of La Liga and has added 5 in the ongoing season. Ever since CR7’s departure, Benzema has been on another level. He is deadly in front of the goal and has a habit of drifting wide in order to initiate attacks that have helped him succeed in recent years. 

ST: Erling Haaland

Records have been tumbling ever since Haaland entered the Manchester City dressing room. He has caused havoc in the ongoing Premier League season. The former Dortmund striker has 20 goals in 14 appearances in one of the toughest leagues in the world. Every time he enters the field of play, defenders have no choice but to hope that he has an off day at the office. The beast from Norway might not have featured in the World Cup but his deeds in the Champions League and Premier League are enough for him to feature in the team of the year.

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