Qatar 2022: Top Ten Players To Make First Appearance At FIFA World Cup

There is always a first time to everything in life. So it is with the FIFA World Cup tournament around the corner.

While some players have repeatedly participated in the global football glory contest, some would be making their first appearance in the thrilling tournament, which 2022 edition is scheduled to commence on Sunday, November 20, in Qatar, Naija News reports.

Many great footballers have, over time, missed out on the selection process as there are many factors to selecting a team to represent each nation.

The experience at World Cup is always different from other clubs and local competitions, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will not be an exception.

In this regard, we will share below the list of players who will have their first experience playing for their respective national teams in a world cup tournament.

Below is the list of ten top players who will be making their first national team appearance at the FIFA World Cup:

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka

A 21-year-old winger with Nigerian roots, Bukayo Ayoyinka Saka, is making his debut at the 2022 FIFA World cup tournament with England. Naija News understands that the youngster has been a very proficient player for Arteta in Arsenal as they look to win the English Premier League this season.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior is only 22 years of age but has been outstanding at Real Madrid. The young talent will be making his World Cup debut for Brazil this year. The attacker won the Champions League for his club last season, scoring the only goal in the final.

Manchester United’s Antony

The Brazilian wonder kid, Antony dos Santos, is included in Brazil’s national team’s player list to feature in the 2022 World Cup. The Red Devils’ player broke down in tears after it was announced that he made the Brazilian team, Naija News understands.

The 22-year-old made Brazil’s head coach Adenor ‘Tite’ Bacchi’s team ahead of Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino.

Kai Havertz

Chelsea’s Kai Havertz

The former Bayer Leverkusen player is currently trying to pick a good form at the Premier League side. The 23-year-old will be the vice-captain at his very first World Cup for Germany, Naija News reports.

Manchester City’ Phil Foden

The 22-year-old player is one of Pep Guardiola’s machines at Manchester City. Foden will be representing the Three Lions of England at the tournament. The midfielder has been a regular starter for City since he joined the Premier League side.

Bayern Munich Defender – Alphonso Davies

Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies will be representing Canada which hasn’t been at the World Cup since 1986. The defender is known for his pace and solid defending back in Germany.

Borussia Dortmund star – Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been a midfield maestro for Borussia Dortmund and is being eyed by many big European clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, and Real Madrid. The youngster in included in England’s national team for World Cup in Qatar.

Barcelona’s Ansu Fati

Barcelona has produced lots of top-notch talents with one of the latest being Ansu Fati. The 20-year-old has Guinea-Bissau roots but has chosen to play for the Spanish team coached by Luis Enrique.

Chelsea’s Attacking Midfielder – Christian Pulisic

USMNT captain Christian Pulisic is also making his debut at the tournament after the USA failed to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia.

Julian Alvarez

Argentine forward Julian Alvarez has been called up for Argentina after his remarkable start to the season with Manchester City. The Citizens signed Julian from River Plate for £14 million (plus add-ons) in the last summer transfer windows.

Other Honorable mentions include: Rodrygo (Brazil); Jamal Musiala (Germany); Lautaro Martinez (Argentina); Lisandro “the butcher” Martinez (Argentina); Eduardo Camavinga (France); Pedri (Spain); William Saliba (France);
Thomas Partey (Ghana); Aymeric Laporte (England); Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil).