Five Argentina Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

Argentina were handed a relatively favourable draw for this winter’s tournament in Qatar, yet they trail several teams in World Cup betting.

Winners of the Copa America last year, La Albiceleste have tournament experience on their side, and plenty of top-tier talent to call on. 

World Cup success has been hard to come by in the 21st century, however. Since 1990, Argentina have reached the semi-finals just once, which resulted in a heart-breaking final loss to Germany in Brazil in 2014.

If the Argentines are to go one better in Qatar, these five players need to shine. 

Lionel Messi

Simplistic, perhaps, but this will most likely be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, and definitely the last anywhere near his peak.

He has relinquished his status as Argentina’s most valuable player. While not quite the player he once was, Messi is still capable of things that others cannot even fathom. 

Failure to win a World Cup does not harm Messi’s legacy in a meaningful way, but neutrals will be desperate to see some magic from the PSG star this winter.

Lisandro Martinez

Following some overly simplified criticism after his move to Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez has been a rock at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.

Their online betting chances of a clean sheet are much improved with Martinez in the side, and he will surely be a starter at the World Cup. 

Martinez will be tested early on, with Argentina set to face Robert Lewandowski in the group stage. If Argentina are to succeed, they need their defence to be without drama.

There are some hot-headed personalities in this back line, but Martinez’s form indicates he could be a much-needed reassuring presence.

 

Rodrigo De Paul

With over 40 caps to his name, Rodrigo De Paul is an established member of the Argentina squad. He can bring a bit of everything to the team this winter, and will help to balance the side around Messi. 

There are plenty of options in the midfield for Lionel Scaloni. De Paul looks set for a place in the XI, though, and has an eye for goal which could swing a match at some point in the tournament.

Lautaro Martinez

A record of 21 goals in 40 Argentina caps is more than deserving of a place on this list.

Lautaro Martinez is a menace for opposing defences, and the latest in a long line of elite Argentinian strikers, following in the footsteps of Gabriel Batistuta, Hernan Crespo and Sergio Aguero.

An intelligent runner and hard-working, Martinez is a superb complement to Messi. He’s an interesting dark horse for the Golden Boot.

Giovani Lo Celso (Injured)

A starter in three of Argentina’s last four matches, Giovani Lo Celso is in line for a big role at the World Cup. Likely slotting in on the left of the attack, Lo Celso could also be utilised in the midfield three in they go to 4-3-3. 

While he is set to miss out on the opener through injury, the Villarreal midfielder should be available for the rest of the tournament.

At his best, Lo Celso can be a connective player, linking the midfielders to the attack.

 

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 2nd November 2022

November 30, 2022
World Cup 2026
Body

Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

Sam Cox
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off

Five Germany Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

Germany are always a contender when it comes to World Cup betting. In 2022, Die Mannschaft are not among the inner-circle favourites, however, as this a team in transition.

A new generation of German stars are flourishing, and their early exit from the Euros last summer has not inspired much confidence among those taking part in online betting. 

Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, Germany still harbour ambitions of a deep run in Qatar this winter.

It will not be straight-forward, and if they are to defy the odds and reach yet another the final, these five players have a considerable role to play. 

Jamal Musiala

Tied with a Bayern teammate for the highest market value in Germany’s World Cup squad, Jamal Musiala is one of the ascendant young players in world football. Since opting to represent his country of birth, Musiala has collected 17 caps. 

Even in a squad with tonnes of attacking talent, Musiala is at the forefront of Germany’s plans.

A total of 11 goal involvements in just nine Bundesliga starts illustrates Musiala’s talent, a player capable of contributing as a scorer and creator, of helping his team with and without the ball.

Kai Havertz

Scorer of a brace against England in Germany’s final match of the September international break, Kai Havertz now has 10 goals in 30 caps.

With former Chelsea teammate Timo Werner struggling for form at club level, Germany might look to Havertz to lead the line in Qatar.

His form has been up and down at Chelsea, but Havertz has the physical and technical game to bring the best out of Germany’s other attacking talents.

Joshua Kimmich

Previously used out on the right, Joshua Kimmich is back in his best position for Germany. One of the premier central midfielders in world football, the Bayern Munich man can control games for Die Mannschaft. 

Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka are in contention to join Kimmich in the midfield two.

All three could play if Flick opts to pack the middle third. Kimmich is the anchor, though, and the player responsible for making this Germany team tick.

Kimmich Germany

David Raum

David Raum looks to have cemented his place on the left of Germany’s defence with a string of starts in 2022. Full-back has been something of a weak spot for Germany in recent years. 

Able to support the attack, Raum has proven to be a solid defender at club level with RB Leipzig.

Compared to many of his teammates, his experience in big matches is relatively limited, and it’ll be fascinating to see how he copes in Qatar.

Thomas Müller 

A former World Cup Golden Boot winner, Thomas Müller skippered Germany in the last international and is a reminder of the previous, successful generation.

His colleagues from 2010, 2014 and 2018 have either retired or been replaced, but Müller continues to flourish at the highest level for club and country.

His role has evolved, yet he remains a goal threat, with six international goals since the start of 2021. Müller’s tournament knowhow is invaluable to a relatively young Germany team.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 2nd November 2022

November 2, 2022
World Cup 2026
Body

Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

Sam Cox