5 players who will become the differentiator in the 2022 World Cup Final

DBasia.news – Lusail Stadium will be the final stadium for the 2022 World Cup final which will be held on Sunday (18/12) at 22.00 WIB. The defending champion, the French national team, will face the Argentine national team in the final match.

Two players have received more attention as they can be a differentiator for their team and both are on fire, or in good performance, they are Lionel Messi (35) in Argentina and Kylian Mbappe (23) in France.

The two players who play at PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) are currently both at the top of the list of top scorers with five goals, plus Messi with three assists and followed by Mbappe who has two assists.

However, when all the spotlight is on them there is the potential for the X factor or an unexpected player to become the star in the final, like Mario Gotze when Germany won the 2014 World Cup when they won over Argentina. Here are five unexpected players who could make the difference in the 2022 World Cup final:

1. Julian Alvarez

The 22-year-old player was brought by Lionel Scaloni to Qatar not as a substitute. Julian Alvarez proved it through scoring four goals in the World Cup and should be wary of France’s back line.

Alvarez works hard when he tries to take possession of the ball from the opponent, chases the ball, and is even fast in making transitions. His development was also aided by Pep Guardiola’s upbringing at Manchester City.

“Every player did well, but if I had to choose, I would give this (Man of the Match) award to Julian Alvarez. He had an extraordinary game,” Messi praised Alvarez after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Croatia.

2.Antoine Griezmann

Though aging, (31 years old) Antoine Griezmann knows exactly what is needed to survive at the world’s top level. Griezmann underwent a role transformation well from winger to attacking midfielder or playmaker.

In France’s 4-2-3-1 tactic, Griezmann became a link and creator of attacks in the midfield. He has already provided three assists and his play could prove to be a factor in the final, as the Argentina defense focused on Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.

3. Ousmane Dembele

Hasn’t scored a goal but has provided two assists. Ousmane Dembele is less striking than Kylian Mbappe, but just like at Barcelona, the 25-year-old player can also be a differentiator with the quality of his playing.

Dembele is not only a great ball dribbler but also a reliable attack creator. He can attract the opponent’s attention with his movements and that can be a warning for Argentina, especially on the left side of Argentina’s defense.

4. Enzo Fernandez

The 21-year-old Benfica midfielder is not a regular goalscoring midfielder, but he remains a concern with his talent for controlling Argentina’s midfield. Enzo Fernandez maintains strength in that area both defensively and offensively.

Like Aurelien Tchouameni in France, Enzo Fernandez can also score goals from speculative kicks outside the penalty box. A vigilance for France’s defense.

5. Olivier Giroud

France’s all-time top scorer and has also gained four goals at the 2022 World Cup. Olivier Giroud is like a fine wine, considering that Giroud is currently 36 years old.

Giroud isn’t fast but he is a real target man that even Argentina doesn’t have. If the ball goes to him, Giroud can contain it while waiting for the movement of his team-mates and even convert chances into goals.