Forwards
Neymar
A dazzling Brazilian forward lighting up the World Cup—isn't that a story we've all heard? This time around, stepping into the role of legends like Pele or Ronaldo is Neymar, a forward with a phenomenal skillset and a record of impactful performances. Brazil enters the tournament as 9/2 favorites, largely hinging on Neymar's contributions. Ladbrokes Having a consistent scorer is vital for every team, and for England, Harry Kane stands as their top striker. He has evolved his game since the last World Cup, now adept at dropping deeper and laying off incisive passes.
Harry Kane
No player has ever clinched back-to-back Golden Boots in World Cup history. Ronaldo came close with his impressive run in 2002 followed by a respectable Bronze Boot in 2006. It's astonishing that Kane is still one of the frontrunners for the Golden Boot in 2022, with odds pegged at 7/1. This prompts speculation on its potential value.
Discussing the French squad is incomplete without mentioning Kylian Mbappe. The electric forward made waves as France claimed the 2018 World Cup, taking home the Best Young Player title. With a successful streak at PSG, continues to be pivotal in France's quest to retain the championship. Sky Bet Supporting Mbappe this time is Karim Benzema, a genius for creating opportunities, with years of experience alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Should France progress to the later stages, expect Mbappe to be a strong contender for the Golden Boot.
Kylian Mbappe
Kevin De Bruyne, while a prominent playmaker for Manchester City, hasn't yet left a massive mark internationally. At 31, this might be his final major tournament to dominate. Historically, he's tallied an assist in the opening World Cup games. Keeping an eye on Belgium's first match against Canada might just be rewarding.
His passing prowess and vision are unmatched, complemented by a potent weapon in Romelu Lukaku up front. It would be no shocker if De Bruyne leads with the highest number of assists.
Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne
Spain, with their signature tika-taka, is expected to go far, but creativity will be critical to break defensive walls. The dynamic midfielder, renowned for his boundless energy, is expected to step up.
While Dani Olmo may not have the same fame as others here, he’s been impressive for RB Leipzig. For those seeking under-the-radar bets, Olmo could be a dark horse for the Golden Ball. Leverage our welcome bonus for great value when betting on Olmo or any exciting 2022 World Cup scenario. Unibet offering 11/1 odds for that to happen.
Dani Olmo
Declan Rice isn't the flashiest pick, but he's vital. England's hallmark 5-2-3 formation relies heavily on him to anchor the midfield. Defensive stability is key for a deep run; Rice's role in disrupting passes is paramount.
Age seems not to hinder Thiago Silva, maintaining his role as a linchpin for Chelsea and Brazil. At 38, he remains crucial. While Brazil’s attacking options are bountiful, it will be Silva’s leadership in defense that determines their resilience through the rounds. bet365 Raphaël Varane has achieved significant accolades with Real Madrid and the French national team, yet he often goes underappreciated. However, his importance to France's hopes of retaining their title is undeniable.
Declan Rice
Joao Cancelo may play left-back for Manchester City, but he's a versatile operator. His forays into central midfield and runs more closely align with a winger’s playstyle. Although his role might be different for Portugal, his offensive contribution shouldn't be underestimated.
Defenders
Thiago Silva
Watching Jordan Pickford defend the net is always compelling. Despite questionable club form, his performances for England, especially in the 2018 World Cup, have always been commendable.
Raphael Varane
With England reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 finals, Pickford remains in contention for the Golden Glove, usually awarded to those with long tournament runs. Claim our welcome bonus for rewarding bets on England’s path.
Joao Cancelo
Edouard Mendy stands as a last line of defense for Senegal, unexpectedly tasked with halting some of the world’s best. With stars like Sadio Mane around, Mendy's form could be influential in any Senegal giant-killing instances.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford
Fresh from a standout performance in the UEFA Champions League Final, Thibaut Courtois is impressive. Already holding the Golden Glove from 2018, this exceptional goalkeeper could easily win again.
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Edouard Mendy
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Thibaut Courtois
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