Football doesn't really follow the calendar, but 2022 is now at an end. And in this article, we will take a look at the best XI of 2022, featuring some of the players that impressed all throughout the year.
Best XI of 2022: Who makes the line-up?
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
The Belgian was given the Yashin Trophy for his performance in 2021/22, and he was one of the key players behind Real Madrid's La Liga and UCL title wins last year. His performances between the sticks have continued to be essential for Los Blancos this season too.
RB: Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
The Moroccan was outstanding in PSG's league title win last year, and has carried over the form to this campaign. Moreover, the miraculous World Cup run with Morocco also helped establish him as the best right-back in the world right now.
CB: Gosko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)
The Croatian was outstanding throughout the World Cup, and also helped RB Leipzig win their first-ever trophy in the DFB Pokal. At only 20, Gvardiol is showing immense potential to develop into an elite defender down the line.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
After a quiet 2021, Van Dijk is back to his best. While he might not have been able to win the UCL with Liverpool, he still won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with the Reds. As a result, he is the second central defender in the best XI of 2022.
LB: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
Hernandez was one of the most important players for AC Milan as they reclaimed the Serie A title. He was also very influential in France's bid to defend their World Cup title, and is arguably the most in-form left-back in the world right now.
CM: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Despite being 37 years old, Modric is bossing the midfield like people a decade younger than him. He helped Real Madrid win their 14th UCL and the La Liga title, while also earning third place in the World Cup with the national team.
CDM: Casemiro (Real Madrid/Manchester United)
Although the Brazilian struggled a bit in getting adjusted to Manchester United, he is now showing exactly why the Red Devils signed him. The maestro of physical midfield is now one of the top midfielders in England, after conquering Spain.
RM: Lionel Messi (PSG)
What a revival Messi has had after last year. The Argentine is one of the most deserving players in the best XI of 2022, especially after completing football with the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
ST: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund/Manchester City)
With 21 goals in 15 games, Haaland has been nothing short of phenomenal since his arrival in England. After making the switch from Dortmund this summer, the City number 9 is without a doubt the best in his position, finding the back of the net every week.
ST: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Benzema won his maiden Ballon d'Or on the back of a season which saw him emerge as a talisman for Real Madrid. His all-round performance in attack has helped him have the season of his life, alongside the recognition that he deserves so much.
LM: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Although he fell short of a second World Cup title, Mbappe has been proving why he is one of the best in the world with his display in big games. The France star was remarkable at the World Cup, and scored a hat-trick in the finals. Moreover, he also won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot last campaign, and is still in the running for a debut Champions League title this time around.
Ballon d'Or
Our 2nd top goalscorer of all time
Top scorer LaLiga 21/22
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