The quarter-last phase of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to start and football fans are sitting tight anxiously for the most astonishing period of the competition. There are a lot of players to watch because these high-stakes situations are what make new heroes.
Any player would love to participate in the World Cup on behalf of their nation. It’s also a great chance for kids to show off their real arrival on the big stage. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, numerous young players have already made a lasting impression.
Right away, we should investigate the five best u-23 players in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
#5 Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Lautaro Martinez was Argentina’s primary striker going into the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had to rethink his selections after their shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their first group-stage match.
After making an impression in his cameo appearances against Mexico and Saudi Arabia, Alvarez was selected to start Argentina’s final group-stage match against Poland. With a determined performance, Alvarez, arguably La Albiceleste’s best player, earned his place among the starters.
In the round of 16 matches against Australia, Alvarez put in yet another excellent performance. Scaloni’s team prevailed 2-1 thanks to his second goal of the game. The 22-year-old striker has given Argentina’s attack an extra edge with his tireless work ethic.
#4 Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
One of the main topics of conversation going into the 2022 FIFA World Cup was Brazil’s talented attacking unit. Vinicius was regarded as one of the Brazilian forwards who had the potential to light up the tournament, along with Neymar Jr.
Vinicius has performed admirably for his team thus far. It took some time for the Brazilian attacking unit to really get going, but their 4-1 victory over South Korea in the round of 16 suggests that they are now in full swing.
Vinicius made four appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he contributed two assists and scored one goal. He was one of Brazil’s most inventive and dependable attackers in Qatar, with the exception of a relatively quiet game against Switzerland.
#3 Jude Bellingham (England)
Jude Bellingham’s performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup were of a high caliber, and his maturity when the ball was in his hands belied his age. Football fans are familiar with the phenomenal midfielder that the Englishman has developed into since he was just 19 years old, so none of this is particularly surprising.
With his precise passing and vision, Bellingham is just as good at moving the ball as he is at winning the ball back and creating opportunities. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the teenager boasts a pass success rate of 93%. In addition, in his five tournament appearances thus far, he has contributed one assist and scored one goal.
The dynamic midfielder is already a leader on the field for England, where he has unquestionably made a difference for Gareth Southgate’s team. This Borussia Dortmund star has no limits with the way things are going.
#2 Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Josko Gvardiol was one of the best young defenders to watch out for when he arrived at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He has arguably been the tournament’s best center-back thus far, and his performances have even surpassed expectations.
The left-footed defender has strengthened Croatia’s defense, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up have only conceded two goals thus far. He has not only played solid defense, but he has also been safe with the ball and distributed it well.
Croatia’s offensive momentum has been bolstered by his line-breaking passing skills. Gvardiol is technically gifted and has arguably been the most consistent player for the Croats in Qatar.
#1 Bukayo Saka (England)
After losing the Euro 2020 penalty shootout, Bukayo Saka has not only proven himself innocent, but he has also emerged as one of England’s heroes at the World Cup. Saka has been phenomenal for the Three Lions thus far, scoring three goals in four tournament appearances.
He has established himself as a starter in the lineup and has demonstrated that every time he gets the ball, he poses a real threat to the opposition.
The forward, who is 21 years old, was one of England’s best World Cup performers and has shown a lot of composure when given opportunities in and around the final third.