Saturday, November 23, 2024
Brock's Only Independent Student Newspaper
One of the only worker-owned and operated newspapers in Canada

Men’s Canadian soccer players to watch at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

|
|

Over the past 18 months, the Canadian men’s soccer team has surprised many.

From remaining undefeated in World Cup qualifying for a whole calendar year to finishing top of the table in the Concacaf region, Canada is turning many heads at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

With their first appearance at the World Cup since 1986, this Canadian team is slowly turning the country into a soccer nation. Canada has an elite talent in the game to thank for their success thus far at the international level.

Alphonso Davies is a 22-year-old born in a refugee camp in Buduburam, Ghana. In 2005, Davies and his family emigrated to Canada, where he learned the game of soccer at a free after-school program at the age of five.

He began his professional career at the age of 16, becoming the third youngest player in MLS history to sign a contract. After a breakout year in his 2018 season with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Davies was bought on the transfer market by the German superteam, Bayern Munich. Although he did not play much in his first season with Bayern, he would start to make an impact on the squad in the 2019-2020 season, winning the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League.

Davies is now an athletic left back and winger who frustrates opponents with his athleticism, speed and stamina, allowing him to chase down balls to regain possessions, as well as go on runs to support in the counter-attacking offence. His powerful shot and his ability to change pace are also a weapon on the offensive side of the pitch.

Though Davies is the best all-around talent on the Canadian squad, their striker, Jonathan David is another young talent that their group F opponents have to look out for. David currently plays for LOSC Lille in Frances’ Ligue 1, but many English Premier League clubs have been linked to David such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

His ability to attack spaces and find holes in defences backlines makes him lethal on the counterattack. David is also impressive in the quick decisions he makes on and off the ball. His reflexes and decision-making inside the box lead to many dangerous chances, as he ranks in the 83rd percentile for non-penalty goals per 90.

Sticking to the theme of young Canadian talent, Tajon Buchanan is a 23-year-old forward who plays in the Belgian first division for Brugge KV. His dribbling ability is arguably the best on the team as he constantly beats defenders one-on-one leading to counterattacks and great offensive possessions for Canada. His work rate on both offence and defence makes him a valuable piece in Canada’s formation as he often comes back to support the three defenders, strengthening the back line.

Though Buchanan does struggle with finishing. If he were to improve that aspect of his game, he too may be a highly sought-after target for top European leagues.

Shifting to the oldest player on the team, midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, is just a few months away from his 40th birthday, though he is still a valuable piece to this Canadian men’s national team. Hutchinson’s poise on the ball and ability to keep attacking players to the outside is key in Canada’s formation, as he plays in a defensive midfielder role. His figure matched with his sound positioning makes it easy for Hutchinson to intercept passes and move the ball back upfield on the counterattack.

Canada has many players to look out for at the 2022 World Cup and beyond. Although Canada may have been eliminated from advancing to the round of 16 – with a 4-1 loss to Croatia on Nov. 27 – the steps these players have taken over the last 18 months has shown the world that they are not a team that should be taken lightly.

Canada’s final match of the 2022 World Cup is on Dec. 1 against Morocco at 10 am and can be watched on TSN or CTV.

More by this author

RELATED ARTICLES

Projecting Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster 

After years of waiting to watch Canada’s hockey superstars compete against the world’s top talents in a best-on-best tournament, the 4 Nations Face-Off is under three months away with Canada set to open their tournament against Sweden on Feb. 12. The only question that remains is which players will be suiting up in red and white come February, and which players will miss the cut on a very talented roster. 

Badgers Women’s basketball dominates with fourth consecutive win  

The Badger Women’s basketball team is on fire, claiming their fourth consecutive victory with an impressive 73-59 win over the Waterloo Warriors on Nov. 9 at the Bob Davis Gym.  

How A.I. is transforming the world of sports

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is gradually becoming a part of our everyday lives, shaping how we work and communicate. In the world of sports, A.I. has taken on an increasingly vital role, transforming everything from player performance analysis to injury prevention and fan engagement. As A.I. technology continues to advance, its impact on sports is expected to grow, changing the game for athletes, coaches and fans.  

Climate change threatens the future of outdoor sports  

As climate change intensifies with each passing year, its impacts are reaching deeper into every corner of our lives, including the world of outdoor sports. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is beginning to reshape how and where these sports can be played.  

Maya Turner continues making history becoming first woman named Canada West Football All-Star 

Maya Turner’s inspirational story continues to be written, achieving another accolade being named as a 2024 Canada West All-Star, becoming the first woman to earn football all-star honours in any U Sports conference. 

Heyes and the Badgers shine from three in win over Waterloo 

The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team beat the Waterloo Warriors 78-66 on Nov. 9, dominating from the three-point line at the Bob Davis Gymnasium. 

Football’s hidden dangers to players’ health  

As one of the world’s most popular sports, American football comes with high stakes that extend beyond the game. The intensity and physical demand put players at significant risk for injuries, many of which have lasting, life-altering impacts — with brain injury being one of the worst.  

Racism Black athletes face in sports today  

In the world of sports, media coverage often shines brightest on athletes’ accomplishments, yet for Black athletes, it frequently casts a shadow of bias and scrutiny based solely on race.