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GK: Wojciech Szczesny (Poland)
If Poland’s place in the Round of 16 can be attributed to one man, it’s Wojciech Szczesny.
Szczesny posted a 90% save percentage through three games while making an average of six saves per 90 minutes against Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina.
The experienced shot-stopper also made two penalty saves in the group stage, including one key double-save that ensured a vital victory over the Green Falcons.
LB: Jordi Alba (Spain)
Jordi Alba was one of Spain’s best players in a group that contained Costa Rica, Germany and Japan.
Alba had one clean sheet and two assists to his name prior to La Roja’s surprise defeat to Japan, against whom he was brought on with 22 minutes remaining.
His introduction stemmed the tide of Japan’s fightback and reiterated his importance to Luis Enrique after two strong showings to start the tournament.
CB: Maya Yoshida (Japan)
Japan were the giant-killers of the group stage, having beaten both Germany and Spain to advance to the knockout stages.
A shock defeat to Costa Rica was the only setback faced by the Samurai Blue, who were led by Maya Yoshida in the heart of defence.
Yoshida tallied two interceptions, three blocks, 16 clearances and 21 recoveries across all three games, and held firm amidst the incessant pressure of La Roja.
CB: Harry Souttar (Australia)
Harry Souttar has been Australia’s rock in defence despite being only a handful of matches removed from a long anterior cruciate ligament tear recovery.
Souttar responded to the Socceroos’ opening defeat to France with dominant displays against Tunisia and Denmark, and helped secure his side’s passage through to the Round of 16.
The Scotland-born Australian’s two clean sheets – the nation’s first since 1974 – headline an impressive list that includes four blocks, 13 recoveries and 20 clearances.
RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi entered Qatar as one of the best right-backs in world football, and Morocco’s three group games only strengthened his standing.
Hakimi managed two clean sheets and an assist as the Atlas Lions reached the knockout stages for the first time since 1986, topping a group containing Croatia, Belgium and Canada.
The 24-year-old was a constant threat in transition but also displayed superb defensive work, particularly against Ivan Perisic on matchday one.
CM: Casemiro (Brazil)
Casemiro frustrated both Serbia and Switzerland as the engine in Brazil’s midfield, where he was routinely seen snuffing out any promising foray forward.
The 30-year-old even produced the winner against Switzerland and was rewarded with a rest against Cameroon after qualification was secured.
His 8.07 match rating is the third highest among midfielders to have played in multiple matches, per Opta, behind only Bruno Fernandes (8.99) and Alexis Mac Allister (8.12).
CM: Jude Bellingham (England)
Age is just a number for Jude Bellingham, and the 19-year-old proved just that against Iran, the USA and Wales.
The England midfielder was at times unplayable, particularly against the latter, and even got on the scoresheet in his side’s opening match.
Bellingham completed over 93% of his passes in the group stage and won more than half his duels to send the Three Lions through on top.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Bruno Fernandes leads the race for the Golden Ball after producing two goals and two assists in his two games played with Portugal.
Fernando Santos opted to rest the 28-year-old against Korea Republic, with Fernandes’ earlier exploits helping secure qualification through to the Round of 16.
Both Ghana and Uruguay were unable to contain Fernandes, who, alongside Bernardo Silva, covered almost every blade of grass.
LW: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Cody Gakpo has commanded global attention after scoring goals against group opponents Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar.
Gakpo became just the fourth Netherlands player to net in three consecutive World Cup games as a result, joining Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1998) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
The Oranje weren’t always convincing, in truth, but could always count on the 23-year-old to produce in the final third.
RW: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
A parried penalty against Poland was the only blemish on an otherwise outstanding group stage from Lionel Messi.
The Argentina captain scored two goals and notched one assist through the games, with two goal involvements coming in a must-win match against Mexico when a draw looked the likelier result.
Messi’s 8.17 match rating is the third highest among players who have appeared in multiple games, per Opta, trailing only Bruno Fernandes (8.99) and Theo Hernandez (8.33).
ST: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe produced three goals and an assist in two games as France secured their place in the knockout stages with one match to spare.
Australia and Denmark could not contain the 23-year-old’s blistering pace and power, though he was unable to add to his tally in a 27-minute cameo against Tunisia.
Mbappe is currently tied for the golden boot in Qatar and posts the joint-highest number of goal involvements.
