The FIFA Team of the Year

 by Wilf Brown

Kylian Mbappe

The year of 2022 has been full of shocks, upsets and fairytale stories in the world of football. We have experienced the first ever world cup in the Middle East, a tense Premier League finale, and a dominant Real Madrid lifting the Champions League trophy. To truly bring this year to a close in terms of football, the FIFA Team of the Year (also known as TOTY) has been announced, and I wish to address my thoughts and feelings on the ‘Best team of 2022’.

In goal for the TOTY is the Belgian international Thibaut Courtois, who has been key for Real Madrid’s success this year, and is arguably the sole reason why they defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final. I completely agree with him being in this team. In the position of right-back is the PSG player Achraf Hakimi, who has been instrumental in Morocco’s world cup campaign, assisting his nation in becoming the first ever African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. I believe that there was no obvious choice for right-back in this team, but, at least, Hakimi is the closest thing to that. At left-back is Theo Hernandez, who will be walking out of his stellar year with a Serie A (Italian League) medal, with AC Milan, and a runners-up medal in the World Cup. However, in my opinion, Joao Cancelo would have been a better option, as I believe that although Hernandez had a great year, Cancelo had a fantastic one. At the posts of centre-backs, Eder Militao and Virgil Van Dijk have both been phenomenal players this season, providing solid reinforcement at the back for their clubs. 

I am completely in agreement with the selection of the midfielders for the TOTY, as I believe that all the strongest players have been chosen. The midfield comprises of England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been essential for club and country this past year. To highlight his rise, he is close to a move to the Premier League, wanted by many clubs. In addition to Bellingham, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne also makes the team. De Bruyne has been the playmaker of his team this year, winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. To add to his achievements, he currently has the most assists out of anyone in the league. Alongside them both is the ageing Luka Modric, who is probably appearing in the TOTY for the last time in his sublime career. This year, the Croatian has earned a Champions League winners medal, a bronze medal at the World Cup and a LaLiga Medal. He has been crucial for every team he has played for. 

I am also in total agreement with the attacking line-up. The first player is Kylian Mbappe, who is greatly known as the world’s next best player. In 2022, Mbappe won the World Cup golden boot, Ligue 1 golden boot, Ligue 1, came 2nd in the World Cup (and scored a hat-trick in the final), and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In my opinion, he absolutely deserves to be in the TOTY. Next up, is Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon D’or this year, so without a doubt, should be in this team. He was Real Madrid’s main goal provider, in both league and Champions League, scoring 27 goals in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League, making him top scorer in both. He has played phenomenally this year. Last but not least is a player that many consider to be the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. Messi’s career has finally been written off, with him winning the World Cup for the first time. He was Argentina’s main goal provider and assist provider, and scored two goals in the World Cup final against France. He has also been vital for his current club PSG, helping them win the league last season. 

To conclude, I believe that FIFA’s team of the year is essentially correct, although I would make one or two adjustments in some areas. The 12th man is yet to be decided, but personally I think that the Norwegian striker Erling Haaland will win, as he has been on absolute fire throughout this year, and is set to break records. Anyway, that’s my opinion…