It seems like the best players will not be joining for World Cup 2022. A total of 32 nations are participating in the tournament. This is the first time when the World Cup has been hosted in the winter however it is going to be pleasant in Qatar.
Erling Haaland – Norway
Haaland was and is considered the best forward striker in Europe and this has increased his name for his stocks since his $54m move to Man City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. He scored 11 goals in his first seven appearances in the Premier League. In the Champions League, he became the fastest man to score 25 career goals. Haaland scored 21 Goals in 22 games for Norway, a team that has only featured 3 times in World Cups.
Jan Oblak – Slovenia
Jan Oblak has staged and set a standard for goalkeepers with his agility and his skills for posts and play under pressure in front of the fastest forwards and strikers. He has been playing at this level for Atletico Madrid since 2014. Oblak won 21 caps for Slovenia even when they have just 1 win to their name in total 2 final outings at World Cup. Even though the player is about to hit 30 and is losing to play the World Cup dream.
Marco Verratti – Italy
Paris Saint-Germain and Italy, these two clubs have benefitted a lot from this genius with his midfield, passing from range, and counter-attacks on the field. Mario was seen on top of the game during Italy’s glory in European Championship when they won over England. He may not be missed in Qatar as many midfield stars have come forward who carry the same strength and intelligence of the game.
Mohamed Salah – Egypt
Mohamed Salah, a talisman for Liverpool has been a great player in Premier League and Champions League with his defense for the last 5 years. He scored 49 goals in his 86 outings at the international level of games. However, he has lost his hopes to play on Arab soil for World Cup. He will have to wait for the next 4 years to get another chance to show the world his impressions and potential.
David Alaba – Austria
One of the greatest Austrian has 96 caps at the international stage level including winning almost everything there is at the club level. He never got a chance to appear in the World Cup finals however he could get a chance to stage the next tournament with a new format of 48 teams which could be set in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Sweden
This Milan veteran who plays center forward never graces the World Cup stage. Even though he appeared in 2 World Cups before he retired from international duty when he was with Sweden in 2016. Sweden did find it troubling as he was on the bench when they were against Poland. The great striker will be missed and would end his career with no goals record from five of the World Cup games.
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