Drawn alongside the Netherlands, Ecuador and Qatar in Group A, Senegal were fortunate with their section.
While it isn’t enough to make them a feasible option in World Cup winner odds, the Lions Of Teranga have a very real shot at progressing from Group A.
This is just Senegal’s third World Cup appearance, following a quarter-final showing in 2002 and a group stage exit four years ago.
They were Africa Cup of Nations champions earlier this year, however, after losing in the final three years previous. If Senegal are to repeat their 2002 heroics and upset the football betting markets, these five players will need to star.
Sadio Mane (INJURED)
- Unfortunately, Sadio Mane will now miss the 2022 World Cup after picking up a late injury. However, Senegal still have plenty of quality in the squad to do the Bayern Munich man proud in Qatar.
Even into the latter stages of his peak, Sadio Mane is Senegal’s MVP. Mane has picked up with Bayern where he left off with Liverpool, scoring six times in his first 10 league starts.
He is Senegal’s talisman, and their chances in Qatar are dependent on a big tournament from the two-time African Footballer of the Year.
In Senegal’s last international squad, Mane was the only player with more than 10 goals for the AFCON champions. Whoever the opponents, Mane is the calibre of player that defences will be very wary of.
🇸🇳 Sadio Mane has signed and donated around 100 Bayern Munich jerseys to the children of his native village in Bambaly, Senegal.
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 3, 2022
❤️ Respect. pic.twitter.com/UBT0muGiBH
Edouard Mendy
Usurped by Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea since Graham Potter took over, Edouard Mendy remains Senegal’s undisputed number one.
Named Best Goalkeeper at AFCON and The Best Men’s Goalkeeper in 2021, Mendy is more than comfortable on the biggest stage.
Senegal will hope the former Rennes stopper isn’t required too much against Ecuador and Qatar, but he will need to put in a top performance if the Lions Of Teranga are to avoid defeat against the Netherlands.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Just as Mane is the clear leader of the attack, Kalidou Koulibaly is by far the most experienced defender set to be named in the Senegal World Cup squad.
The Chelsea centre-back has had an up-and-down time since his move from Naples to west London, and he needs to at his very best if Senegal are to make it out the group this winter.
There is no top-class striker for Koulibaly to go up against in the group stage, but he could be facing Harry Kane or Gareth Bale in the last 16.
Ismaïla Sarr
There are options to support Sadio Mane in attack, even if none come close to his reputation. One potential wildcard is Ismaïla Sarr, a direct, tricky winger with combustible pace and the ability to create something out of nothing.
Whether trying to break down a stubborn defence in the group stage or attempting to pose a threat on the break in the knockout rounds, Sarr is a player who can swing a game in a matter of moments.
There is the added bonus, too, of how well he has played for Watford in the Championship this term.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the fans. They played a big part in us getting the win.” 🙏
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 3, 2022
🗣 Ismaïla Sarr pic.twitter.com/zpqR1bkHPE
Idrissa Gueye
Having recently turned 33, Idrissa Gueye isn’t the tackle and interception machine he was in his pomp.
The Everton midfielder is still the heartbeat of this Senegal side, however, making the team tick from the base of midfield and breaking up play.
Gueye isn’t a match-winner like Sarr or Mane, but Senegal need him to play well this winter.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 4th November 2022
