Forwards
Neymar
A World Cup being lit up by a skilful Brazilian forward? That sounds familiar. Instead of Pele, Garrincha, Zico, or Ronalod Nazario, this time A Selecao have Neymar. The forward is one of the most talented players on the planet and has plenty of end product to back it up. Brazil is 9/2 favourites on Ladbrokes to win the World Cup. The performances of Neymar will go a long way in deciding whether that is a good wager.
Harry Kane
Every nation needs a goalscorer, and Harry Kane is the undisputed striker for this England side. Kane has evolved since the last World Cup and should offer more to the team by dropping deeper and playing passes in behind.
No player in World Cup history has won back-to-back Golden Boots. The closest any player has been is Ronaldo Nazario, who followed his Golden Boot-winning performance at the 2002 World Cup with a Bronze Boot at the 2006 World Cup. Considering this, it’s pretty surprising Kane is the favourite to win the award at the 2022 World Cup, with Sky Bet 2022 World Cup betting predicting the player to win 7/1. Therefore, this may not represent good value.
Kylian Mbappe
It is impossible to talk about the France team without mentioning its star – Kylian Mbappe. The speedy forward took the 2018 World Cup by storm as Les Bleus lifted the trophy, and he took home the Best Young Player Award. After leading PSG to four Ligue 1, the forward will look once again to bring the World Cup to his nation.
Mbappe will be supported at this World Cup by striker Karim Benzema, who is excellent at generating space and opportunities for other forwards from his time at Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo. If France makes it to the tournament’s latter stages, Mbappe may be one of the betting frontrunners to win the Golden Boot.
Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne
One of the most talented playmakers in the world for his club Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne, has never dominated a tournament on the international stage. At the age of 31, this could be his last chance. In his past two World Cup tournaments, De Bruyne registered an assist in his first game, which could be a wise wager for Belgium’s opening matchup against Canada.
No one can match his range of passing, vision, and crossing ability. With the talented Romelu Lukaku in front of him, De Bruyne could register the most assists, with Unibet offering 11/1 odds for that to happen.
Dani Olmo
Spain is expected to be one of the teams playing in the tournament’s later stages, powered by a tika-taka approach that needs the whole team. However, La Roja will need creativity to break down deep-lying defences, and the energetic midfielder is the player expected to take that role.
Olmo is perhaps less well known than other players on this list but has shown his talents for RB Leipzig in the past. If you’re looking for an outside bet to win the Golden Ball, Olmo is an excellent pick. You can redeem our bet365 welcome bonus to get huge value from betting on Olmo or any other 2022 World Cup wager.
Declan Rice
While Declan Rice is not the most glamorous player on this list, he may be one of the most important. England only plays two midfielders in its favoured 5-2-3 formation, and Rice is the more defensive-minded of those options. The defence will need to hold if England wants to progress deep into the tournament. That starts with Rice harrying opposition and cutting off passing lanes in midfield.
Defenders
Thiago Silva
Age just doesn’t seem to affect Thiago Silva, as he is still the heart of the Chelsea and Brazil defence. He will be 38 by the time the tournament starts but still could be one of the most crucial players. Brazil is expected to have no problems going forwards, but Silva will need to lead the defence to ensure the team progresses through the tournament.
Raphael Varane
After winning three La Ligas and four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, plus the 2018 World Cup with France, it would be hard to say Varane is underrated. However, the defender doesn’t seem to receive the same plaudits as Sergio Ramos, Virgil Van Djik, and other top defenders of his generation. However, France knows his importance, and he will be crucial to Les Blues retaining the World Cup.
Joao Cancelo
While Joao Cancelo plays left back for Manchester City, it can be hard to pin down his exact position. The fullback drifts into central midfield and makes darting runs like a winger to use his creative passing and crossing. His role for Portugal may differ, but he is still a great attacker for a defensive player. Cancelo will likely pop up with assists or goals in some of Portugal’s matchups.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford
It’s never dull watching Jordan Pickford playing in goal, with his erratic form for Everton over the years having pundits question his England spot. However, Pickford has never let England down and helped the nation overcome its penalty woes in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16 against Colombia.
England progressed to the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup and finals in the 2020 Euros in the two tournaments featuring Pickford. Considering the Golden Glove winner usually plays for one of the teams reaching the deeper stages of the competition, Pickford has a good chance of winning the award. If you’re a casual England bettor who doesn’t want to risk much of your own money, you can redeem the Coral welcome bonus for a small amount and get good rewards for Three Lions wagers.
Edouard Mendy
Playing for Senegal, a nation not expected to progress very far, Edouard Mendy plays behind some talented players, including Sadio Mane. However, if Senegal is to beat the big teams, it will need to keep clean sheets, and Mendy will need to be in excellent form. If you believe in the Chelsea goalkeeper, betting on the team to keep clean sheets could return a nice profit.
Thibaut Courtois
After his man-of-the-match display in the UEFA Champions League Final to help Real Madrid to victory, Thibaut Courtois is in excellent form. The player is the reigning Golden Glove holder after winning the award for Belgium in the 2018 World Cup. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the 6’7 giant of a keeper took home the award again.
