The world’s biggest sporting event is due to kick off in just under a week’s time. After highlighting one key player from every team in Group A, B and C, next up is the intriguing Group D.
Australia: Aaron Mooy
Embed from Getty ImagesAustralia’s Aaron Mooy is a technically gifted midfielder who sets the tempo of the game for this Australian side.
The midfielder is usually utilised by Australia in a double pivot to allow attacking midfielder, Tommy Rogic to affect the game in more dangerous areas of the pitch.
However, occasionally Mooy has been used in a single pivot role for his national side. This role is one that Mooy is less accustomed to as he lacks the defensive qualities to be able to intercept and cover spaces in dangerous areas surrounding his box.
But, the 32-year-old does operate best when in his usual double pivot role, being allowed the freedom to be more of a ball player for his side. This also allows Mooy to make inroads further up the pitch, as he proved handy for the Australians in qualifiers, scoring three goals.
The Celtic midfielder will be absolutely vital for the Australians due to his ball retention in the middle of the park. Mooy will help take the pressure off his backline through his quality of distribution, allowing his side to not be constantly under threat from the opposition.
Denmark: Christian Eriksen
Embed from Getty ImagesThe fact that Christian Eriksen is even on the plane for Denmark in the 2022 World Cup is a testament to his teammates, medical staff and himself after the midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during the 2020 Euros.
The Manchester United midfielder is now back to his best in the Premier League, being vital for the Red Devils this season, as part of their new midfield transformation under Erik Ten Hag.
The 30-year-old has been the difference this season for his club side, creating chances, controlling the midfield and assisting four goals in the Premier League, with his incisive passing abilities and world-class vision.
The Dane will be vital for his national side, as he will provide the spark of creativity by being the highest forward of the midfield three.
This is evident as in Denmark’s last outing in the UEFA Nations League in a 2-0 victory over France, Eriksen was pivotal, creating eight chances in the game, earning himself a man of the match award.
France: Aurelien Tchouameni
Embed from Getty ImagesWith massive injury blows to N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba in midfield for France, all eyes are on Real Madrid’s new £85.3 million signing (including add-ons) to take to the World Cup stage.
Pogba is very much the leader in the spine of midfield for this France side, meaning Tchouameni will need to display leadership qualities on the pitch as well as the progressive play that the Juventus midfielder has provided for this side.
While Tchouameni may not replace the dribbling skills and flair of Pogba, what he will bring to the side is an impressive ability to provide passes between the lines and passes forward, averaging an impressive 5.54 progressive passes per 90 minutes over the last year.
The 22-year-old also provides defensive cover that Kante would be proud of, as he is in the top two percent of interceptions per 90 minutes from midfielders in the top five leagues, as well as being dominant in aerial battles.
Overall, Tchouameni encaptures attributes of both N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba, however, is not really a direct replacement for either. It is still a debated topic of who will start alongside Tchouameni at the World Cup, making his role in the side even more important.
Tunisia: Youssef Msakni
Embed from Getty ImagesYoussef Msakni is a well-known footballer in the African world, with his breathtaking ability to beat a man and score a goal from the left-hand channel being one that Tunisia will be relying on in attacking areas this tournament.
Tunisia in most of their games will most likely be spending the majority of the game in their own half-defending, but in tournament football, it is crucial to have players that can create individual moments out of nothing.
The Tunisian’s goal against Nigeria in the African Cup Of Nations in a 1-0 victory for Tunisia epitimised the talent and potential of Msakni.
It remains to be seen if Msakni will start in the World Cup, as the 32-year-old does not provide the work ethic and concentration levels out of possession that will be needed to withstand the pressure that the likes of France and Denmark will put on his side.
But with a tight scoreline and a goal needed in a tournament, if not already starting, Msakni would be the first man to be subbed on to make something happen for this Tunisia side.
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