Over the tournament's first two weeks, we have seen some excellent football at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Some top-ranked nations have already lost their minds in the 48 group-stage matches—successful comebacks by underdogs that defy the odds.
Goals have been scored and kept out of the net with great quality during the group stage. However, in the middle of this chaos, we have witnessed a few midfielders' resurgences and others' emergence on the international stage. Let's look at the top five midfielders from the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage before we get to the meat of the competition.
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Unfortunately for Ghana fans, they won't see them play again until the quarterfinals. However, in Mohammed Kudus, they uncovered a once-in-a-generation talent. The young Ajax player has been a rock for Ghana in the middle of the field.
The 22-year-old midfielder was instrumental in the victory over South Korea on Day 2 of the tournament, scoring both of his team's goals. He was the main man for the African team, with eight shots in three games. He has garnered a lot of notice for his work on the grandest stage. One might expect to see Kudus soon playing for a much larger club in Europe's premier league.
In the nearly two decades he has played professionally, Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal's primary player. Midfielders like Bruno Fernandes have stood out the most at this year's FIFA World Cup. The Manchester United player has contributed to four goals and two assists in two games.
The 28-year-old has been the unexpected difference maker for Portugal. Thanks to Bruno's great performance, his side will finish first in their group and advance to the knockout stage. The former captain of Sporting CP has been the team's most original player. His ground coverage and quality of passes into the box have both been outstanding.
The Manchester United midfielder deserves much praise for Brazil's success in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Brazil did lose their final group stage match, but it was their second-best team that played. Casemiro's revival has given the South American team new life, and they are now among the favorites to win the World Cup.
The ex-Real Madrid player has proved unmovable in the middle of the field. He's been a wall for the defense. His ball-handling skills and ability to distribute have also been praised. So far, the 30-year-performance old's in the competition have been perfect. The icing on the cake of his performance was the world-class volley that handed Brazil victory in their second game and early qualification.
Gavi has been a mainstay for FC Barcelona since his debut. The 18-year-old showed himself internationally and earned the Golden Boy award. His volleying goal with his outside foot against Costa Rica on Matchday 1 was beautiful.
Gavi has wowed everyone at the World Cup 2022 with the unparalleled poise of the Spanish midfielders. He is the team's undisputed midfield maestro, excelling in both attack and defense. When passing, Gavi makes it look too easy as he effortlessly glides past defenders. After losing to Japan on the final day of group play, Spain was unable to win the group. For Spain to make a deep run in the World Cup, Gavi must be at the top of his game.
Even before the World Cup started, Enzo was already a household name. His work in the middle of the field for Benfica garnered him international acclaim and a spot on Argentina's World Cup roster.
The 21-year-old has been one of the tournament's biggest stars. The South American team survived thanks to his amazing goal against Mexico on Day 2 of the competition. As a substitute in the first two games, his performance was so good that the management decided to put him in the starting lineup. The young Argentine has been a force in the middle of the field and a reliable leader for his side.
Goals have been scored and kept out of the net with great quality during the group stage. However, in the middle of this chaos, we have witnessed a few midfielders' resurgences and others' emergence on the international stage. Let's look at the top five midfielders from the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage before we get to the meat of the competition.
1. Mohammed Kudus
Source: Getty ImagesUnfortunately for Ghana fans, they won't see them play again until the quarterfinals. However, in Mohammed Kudus, they uncovered a once-in-a-generation talent. The young Ajax player has been a rock for Ghana in the middle of the field.
The 22-year-old midfielder was instrumental in the victory over South Korea on Day 2 of the tournament, scoring both of his team's goals. He was the main man for the African team, with eight shots in three games. He has garnered a lot of notice for his work on the grandest stage. One might expect to see Kudus soon playing for a much larger club in Europe's premier league.
2. Bruno Fernandes
In the nearly two decades he has played professionally, Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal's primary player. Midfielders like Bruno Fernandes have stood out the most at this year's FIFA World Cup. The Manchester United player has contributed to four goals and two assists in two games.
The 28-year-old has been the unexpected difference maker for Portugal. Thanks to Bruno's great performance, his side will finish first in their group and advance to the knockout stage. The former captain of Sporting CP has been the team's most original player. His ground coverage and quality of passes into the box have both been outstanding.
3. Casemiro
The Manchester United midfielder deserves much praise for Brazil's success in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Brazil did lose their final group stage match, but it was their second-best team that played. Casemiro's revival has given the South American team new life, and they are now among the favorites to win the World Cup.
The ex-Real Madrid player has proved unmovable in the middle of the field. He's been a wall for the defense. His ball-handling skills and ability to distribute have also been praised. So far, the 30-year-performance old's in the competition have been perfect. The icing on the cake of his performance was the world-class volley that handed Brazil victory in their second game and early qualification.
4. Gavi
Gavi has been a mainstay for FC Barcelona since his debut. The 18-year-old showed himself internationally and earned the Golden Boy award. His volleying goal with his outside foot against Costa Rica on Matchday 1 was beautiful.
Gavi has wowed everyone at the World Cup 2022 with the unparalleled poise of the Spanish midfielders. He is the team's undisputed midfield maestro, excelling in both attack and defense. When passing, Gavi makes it look too easy as he effortlessly glides past defenders. After losing to Japan on the final day of group play, Spain was unable to win the group. For Spain to make a deep run in the World Cup, Gavi must be at the top of his game.
5. Enzo Fernandez
Even before the World Cup started, Enzo was already a household name. His work in the middle of the field for Benfica garnered him international acclaim and a spot on Argentina's World Cup roster.
The 21-year-old has been one of the tournament's biggest stars. The South American team survived thanks to his amazing goal against Mexico on Day 2 of the competition. As a substitute in the first two games, his performance was so good that the management decided to put him in the starting lineup. The young Argentine has been a force in the middle of the field and a reliable leader for his side.