The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup will live long in our memories as one of the most competitive footballing events in over a decade. It was full of twists, turns, and burns, unknown players rose to acclaim and some legend solidified their position.
We have seen a lot of players wear their hearts on their sleeves, and we have seen players from less recognized clubs in football prove that they are on par or even surpass their peers in high-profile clubs.
Here are 3 Footballers From Small Clubs Who Took The Qatar 2022 World Cup By Storm
3. Borna Sosa (Vfb Stuttgart)
This Croatian Gem is only 24 years old and he has shown that he has a bright long future at the top of the footballing world. He has been a regular fixture in the Croatian’s impressive defense alongside former Liverpool man Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol.
The left footed defender has been a revelation and is regarded as one of the stars of the tournament already drawing interest from clubs like Atalanta and Newcastle who are soaring in the Premier League after their takeover.
Sosa produced nine assists in 2020/21, and a further eight in 2021/22. He struck up a particularly fruitful partnership with former teammate Sasa Kalajdzic, setting up the 6’5″ Austrian over 10 times across those two seasons.
It was reported rumored that Inter Milan’s sporting director Piero Ausilio was scouting the Stuttgart wingback in Croatia’s World Cup group stage opener against Morocco.
The Croatian has doubled his stock with his outstanding performances at Qatar and will be a hot property when the transfer season rolls around, with Stuttgart reportedly willing to sell to meet up financial goals, I look forward to seeing him play in a top side.
2. Azzedine Ounahi (Angers FC)
Azzedine Ounahi is a 22 year old Morrocan talent who plays his football in the French Ligue 1 with Angers FC and his star making performances at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World cup has had the whole footballing world talking about him.
His dribbling, First touch, composure, and industry have been captivating to watch as he alongside Hachim Ziyech, Achraf Hachimi, and Sofyan Amrabaat form a golden generation for Morrocan football.
Luis Enrique was stunned by his ability saying “I was surprised by [Ounahi]. My goodness, where does that boy come from?” inquired Luis Enrique after being impressed by the midfielder’s “spectacular” performance.
“He plays like the Spanish players. He plays really well. I was very surprised. He hasn’t stopped running, he must be exhausted.”
His dazzling performances have seen him linked to giants Barcelona, the prospect of seeing him working Closely with Xavi is so alluring and that is definitely not the only offer on the table.
Leicester are also rumored to be enquiring about his availability, which would make them have a midfield rivaling the top 6 in Youri Tielemans, Azzedine Ounahi, and James Maddison.
Ounahi is destined for greatness bar any injuries or setbacks, Azzedine sounds a bit like Zinedine, if he can accomplish 10 percent of what that man accomplished he’ll have had a great career.
1. Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
Alexis Mac Allister has been a revelation since he joined Brighton and is one of the players responsible for the meteoric rise of the Seagulls.
When he was named as a starter many people gawked at the decision due to his lack of proper exposure, many people won’t watch Brighton’s matches, unfortunately now most football fans don’t want to watch football, just the mega clashes.
He has been a class act for club and country, playing 5 matches at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, and is currently rumored to be watched by Tottenham and Atletico Madrid who are keen on securing his signature.
Brighton have gained a superstar and an asset that is in demand, it is all because of his hard work and performances in Qatar.
