Most Valuable Players Of Each 2022 FIFA World Cup Team 

The World Cup is much more than just a stage for the world’s best national teams’ competitions. They’re iconic matches that fans will remember for the rest of their lives (such as Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil in 2014), memorable goals (Maradona’s legendary solo goal vs. England in 1986), shocking events (Zidane headbutting Materazzi in 2006 World Cup final), and the birth of new football heroes. It is also an opportunity for players to demonstrate and prove their worth.

According to a study conducted by a team at PhotoAiD, each national team taking part in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has at least one player considered invaluable to their squad. Some of them are rising stars, while others are experienced veterans. Here’s a look at the most valuable player from each nation competing in the upcoming World Cup.

Also Read: A Group-By-Group Breakdown For Qatar 2022

1. Kylian Mbappé, France (€160.00m)

The 23-year-old French striker playing for Paris Saint-Germain is currently second most valuable player in the world (after Erling Haaland). Mbappé has been among the most exciting players for many years and is considered the successor of Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is also the second-youngest player who ever scored a goal in a World Cup final after Pelé, recognized as the best footballer in history. Will he lead France to their second-in-row championship in the most prestigious football tournament?

2. Vinicius Junior, Brazil (€120.00m)

Most experts perceive Vinicius as the top talent of his generation, next to Mbappé and Haaland. The 22-year-old Brazilian winger proved his value last season. He was an important figure in another Real Madrid Champions League victory, scoring the winning goal in the final. After 20 years of last Brazil’s championship in the football World Cup, he could be the one to lead Brazil to glory in 2022.

3. Phil Foden, England (€110.00m)

Despite his young age (22 years old), Foden is yet a four-time Premier League champion with Manchester City. He also became the youngest ever player to receive the English top football league’s winners’ medal. England national team supporters have high hopes for him as he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His outstanding performances will be crucial if England wants to win their first World Cup since 1966.

4. Pedri, Spain (€100.00m)

Pedro González López, known as Pedri, is 19 years old wonderkid from Barcelona. He is definitely one of the most exciting talents in world football. In 2021, he won the Golden Boy award. Pedri plays as a creative midfielder and has an exceptional game vision. It remains to be seen if he will be able to lead Spain to their first World Cup title since 2010.

5. Federico Valverde, Uruguay (€100.00m)

The 24-year-old Uruguayan midfielder plays for Spanish giants Real Madrid. Valverde was one of the crucial players during the 2021/2022 season when Real Madrid won their record-extending 35th La Liga title and 14th Champions League trophy. He has also been praised for his work ethic and determination on the pitch. Valverde will be an important figure in Uruguay’s national team that won the World Cup twice in its history.

6. Dusan Vlahovic, Serbia (€85.00m)

The left-footed Serbian striker playing for Juventus is considered one of the best young strikers in the world. He was one of the top scorers in the 2020/2021 Serie A season with 21 goals. At the beginning of the current season, he scored two outstanding free-kick goals in two matches in a row. Vlahović will be a key player for Serbia as they look to make it out of the group stage for the first time since 2010.

7. Jamal Musiala, Germany (€80.00m)

Despite his young age (he just turned 19), Musiala already became a Bayern Munich star. He is the youngest player in Bundesliga history to score a brace and also became the second-youngest Champions League scorer for the German giants. Musiala’s high potential was recognized by the German national football team, who called him up for their Euro 2020 squad. Will he be able to lead Germany to its first World Cup title since 2014?

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8. Bernardo Silva, Portugal (€80.00m)

The 28-year-old Bernardo Silva plays as a midfielder for Premier League champions Manchester City.  He led his team to numerous victories, including the 2020/2021 Champions League final. He is also an important player in Portugal’s national team, who won the 2016 Euro championship and hope to claim their first World Cup title as well. Silva’s experience and skills will be crucial for Portugal’s success in the upcoming tournament.

9. Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium (€80.00m)

Manchester City’s brain, one of the greatest midfielders in the world often described as a “complete footballer”. 31-year-old de Bruyne is a four-time Premier League champion and was twicely chosen as Premier League Player of the Year. In the last tournament, he led Belgium national football team to their first-ever World Cup medal (bronze). De Bruyne is a creative midfielder with an incredible vision of the game and fantastic passing abilities. He is considered the most critical player for “Red Devils”.

10. Heung-min Son, South Korea (€75.00m)

Often considered one of the best Asian footballers in history, Son is a 30-year-old forward playing for Tottenham Hotspur. He is a two-time Asian Footballer of the Year, a Puskás Award winner in 2020 (for the best goal of the year), and was named in the 2020 UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season. Son will be a crucial player for South Korea as they look to repeat their success from 2002 when their national team reached the semifinals.

11. Lautaro Martínez, Argentina (€75.00m)

Lautaro is a 25-year-old Argentine central forward who moved to Inter Milan in 2018. He quickly became a fan favorite and helped his team win the Serie A title in 11 years, becoming one of the first Argentinians to do so. Lautaro won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021 and will be an important figure as they try to achieve the nation’s first World Cup triumph since 1986.

12. Alphonso Davies, Canada (€70.00m)

He is the first Canadian player ever to win the UEFA Champions League. Born in a refugee camp in Ghana, the 22-year-old Alphonso Davies joined Bayern Munich in 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps. Davies is considered one of the most exciting left-backs in the world (but can also play as a winger). He made his debut for Canada’s national team at the age of 16 and is undoubtedly the most important player for the Canucks.

13. Matthijs de Ligt, Netherlands (€70.00m)

The former Ajax Amsterdam and Juventus player, who joined Bayern Munich this season, is often described as the best young defender in the world. He was a crucial figure and the youngest captain in Ajax history during 2018/2019 when the Dutch club shocked the world by reaching the Champions League semifinal defeating Real Madrid and Juventus. In 2018, de Ligt received the Golden Boy award. The 23-year-old Dutchman will look to lead his country to its first World Cup title in 2022.

14. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco (€65.00m)

Despite his age (23 years old), Hakimi has already played in four clubs from four top European leagues: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and currently – Paris Saint-Germain. He won some major trophies, including the Champions League, German Supercup, Serie A trophy, and Ligue 1 championship. Hakimi is a versatile player who can play as a right-back or winger. He’ll be an important player for Morocco as they look to make it out of the group stage for the first time in their history.

Also Read – Odegbami: Qatar 2022 And Africa In A New World Order!

15. Sadio Mane, Senegal (€60.00m)

One of the most successful African footballers of all time who joined Bayern Munich this year after six amazing seasons spent in Liverpool. He won the Premier League title, Champions League, UEFA Supercup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Africa Cup of Nations. He is also a two-time African Footballer of the Year. The 30-year-old winger is one of the most dangerous players in the world, and he will be leading Senegal’s attack in Qatar.

16. Josko Gvardiol, Croatia (€60.00m)

He is one of the biggest young talents in European football, currently playing for RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old Croatian defender had a fantastic debut season with his new club, earning comparisons to some of the greats such as Sergio Ramos and Lilian Thuram. Gvardiol will look to continue his impressive form and help Croatia repeat their great success from the last World Cup in 2018, where they reached the final.

17. Robert Lewandowski, Poland (€45.00m)

The Polish striker turned 34 this year, but he is still undisputedly one of the best strikers in the world. He has won numerous individual awards, such as the FIFA Best Men’s Player award and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, both in 2020. Lewandowski is Bayern Munich’s second all-time leading goalscorer with 344 goals. He is also the Polish national team’s all-time leading goalscorer with 66 goals. During the summer transfer window, he joined Barcelona and had a dream start for a new team. Lewandowski will be a key player for Poland as they look to make it out of the group stage for the first time since 1986.

18. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Denmark (€45.00m)

The 25-year-old Höjbjerg joined Tottenham Hotspur from Southampton in the 2020 summer transfer window and has been a key player for Spurs ever since. He is known for his work ethic, discipline, and leadership qualities. After getting to UEFA Euro 2020 semifinal, Höjbjerg will try to help Denmark play a second fantastic tournament in a row.

19. Christian Pulisic, United States (€38.00m)

This 24-years old attacking midfielder, also playing as a winger, is the brightest star of the American national team. In the 2020/2021 season, he became the first American player to win the UEFA Champions League after he helped Chelsea lift the trophy. Pulisic is considered one of the most exciting young talents in the world. He made his debut for the US national team at the age of 17 and has since then scored 22 goals in 57 appearances. In 2020, he was named the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. With his national team, he will attempt to exit the group with England, Wales, and Iran.

20. Thomas Partey, Ghana (€38.00m)

The 29-years old Ghanian midfielder is mainly associated with performances for the Spanish Atlético Madrid. He played an important role in Atlético’s UEFA Europa League victory in the 2017/2018 season. In 2020, Partey moved to Arsenal London. He has been compared to Ghanaian legend Michael Essien and will be one of the key players for Ghana in Qatar.

21. Moises Caicedo, Ecuador (€38.00m)

At the age of just 19, Caicedo made his debut for Ecuador’s national team in 2020. He currently plays for Premier League’s club – Brighton & Hove Albion. Caicedo has been praised for his talent, athleticism, and technical skills on the ball. He will be a crucial player for Ecuador as they try to advance from a group containing the Netherlands, Senegal, and the host team, Qatar.

22. Manuel Akanji, Switzerland (€30.00m)

This season, the Swiss defender joined Premier League champions Manchester City for about £15 million. Akanji is a physical and quick defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. The 27-year-old will be the pillar of Switzerland’s defense, struggling to stop Brazilian, Serbian, and Cameroonian strikers to help his national team at least repeat their top results (quarterfinals in 1934, 1938, and 1954).

Also Read: 15 Top Stars Whose Countries Failed To Qualify For Qatar 2022 World Cup

23. Hirving Lozano, Mexico (€30.00m)

The 27-year-old Mexican winger called “Chucky” plays for SSC Napoli. He moved there from PSV Eindhoven for €42 million, becoming the most expensive Mexican player of all time. Lozano represented Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal against Germany in the group stage. He will be an important player for Mexico as they look to make it out of the group stage for the eighth consecutive World Cup.

24. Andre Zambo Anguissa, Cameroon (€30.00m)

The 26-year-old Anguissa is a defensive midfielder who plays for SSC Napoli. He is known for his physicality, energy, and tenacity. Anguissa was a part of the Cameroon national team at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where they won a bronze medal. He will be a key player for Cameroon as they look to repeat their greatest success from 1990 – reaching the quarterfinals.

25. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Japan (€25.00m)

The 23-year-old Tomiyasu plays for Arsenal F.C. He is a versatile defender who can also play as a midfielder. He made his debut for the Japanese national team in 2019 and has since then played 26 games, scoring 1 goal. Tomiyasu will be an important player for Japan as they look to make it out of the group stage for the first time since 2010.

26. Mehdi Taremi, Iran (€20.00m)

​​The 29-year-old Taremi plays for FC Porto. He has been prolific for the Iranian national team, scoring 28 goals in 60 appearances.  He was named the Iranian Footballer of the Year in 2019. Taremi will be a key player for Iran as they aim to make it out of the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history.

27. Ben Davies, Wales (€20.00m)

The 29-year-old Ben Davies is a left-back playing for Tottenham Hotspur. He has already played over 250 Premier Leagues and made his debut for Wales national team in 2012. Since then, he has played 74 matches and scored 1 goal. The Wales national team participated in the World Cup only once, in 1958; they reached the quarter-finals but lost to later winner Brazil by one goal. Davies and his colleagues will do their best to at least repeat this result in Qatar.

28. Ellyes Skhiri, Tunisia (€13.00m)

The 27-year-old Tunisian midfielder plays for 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. He is a physical and aggressive player who is good at both attacking and defending. Skhiri was a part of the Tunisia national team during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (4th place). He will be an important player for Tunisia.

29. Akram Afif, Qatar (€5.50m)

The 25-year-old winger plays for Al-Sadd. He is the captain of the Qatar national team and was a part of their successful Asian Cup campaign in 2019, where they became champions for the first time in their history. Afif is a quick and skillful player who will be one of the main attacking threats for Qatar in their home World Cup.

30. Keylor Navas, Costa Rica (€5.00m)

The legendary 36-year-old Costa Rican playing for Paris Saint Germain and named the best goalkeeper in the history of the CONCACAF. He became a three-in-a-row Champions League winner with Real Madrid, not to mention his other domestic and international successes with Real and PSG. Despite his age, Navas is still a world-class goalkeeper who will try to help Costa Rica go as far as possible in the 2022 World Cup.

31. Aaron Mooy, Australia (€5.00m)

The 32-year-old Mooy currently plays for Celtic Glassgow, but he has a rich history of Premier League appearances for Huddersfield, Brighton, and even Manchester City. He is a central midfielder who is known for his vision and passing ability. He has been a regular starter for Australia since 2016 and was a part of their World Cup campaigns in 2014 and 2018. However, he’d love to repeat the 2006 World Cup result, when Australia reached the round of 16 for the first and – for now – the only time.

32. Sultan Al-Ghannam, Saudi Arabia (€3.50m)

The 28-year-old Sultan Al-Ghannam is a right-back playing for Al-Nassr in his home country. He made his debut for the Saudi Arabia national team in 2017 and has since played 21 matches. Saudi Arabia’s best World Cup result reached the round of 16 in 1994. Al-Ghannam and his colleagues hope to repeat or even improve this result in neighbouring Qatar.

Summary

As usual, the World Cup will verify the value of each player. Some will shine, and some will disappoint, but all of them will give their best to help their team win the most coveted trophy in world football.

Which one of them will play the key role in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar? Or will we witness the birth of a new star that will jump on the list above? We will find out about it between November 20 and December 18!