We are now through the first round of matches at the FIFA 2022 World Cup and have been able to dig into our data after some impressive performances.
Here is our Team of the Round for the opening set of games.
Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais, Saudi Arabia
No goalkeeper faced more gradable shots in the opening round than Al-Owais with 10. Despite the 2.34 expected goals, Argentina scored just once against the Saudis, partly thanks to Al-Owais' shot-stopping performance.
Right-back: Silvan Widmer, Switzerland
The Mainz right back looked fantastic in all aspects, producing an 84.3 crossing grade, 83.6 challenge grade and a competition-leading 94.8 50-50 grade to earn a well-deserved place on the team.
Center-back: Dayot Upamecano, France
Upamecano's 92.4 passing grade leads all players in the World Cup, while his 86.0 challenge grade ranks second among center-backs. The Bayern Munich man is one of the easiest selections for this team.
Center-back: Nayef Aguerd, Morocco
The West Ham defender put on a solid performance against Croatia. He graded above 70.0 in every facet and didn't receive a single positioning downgrade throughout the game, proving that the best center-back performances often fly under the radar.
Left-back: Antonee Robinson, U.S.A.
Robinson’s defensive abilities have been on show in the Premier League this season, and the opening match saw him continue his form with the highest challenge grade of any left back. He was also noticeable at the top of the pitch against Wales, as he earned a 75.4 crossing grade for the game.
Midfielder: Jude Bellingham, England
Bellingham displayed everything that has all the big clubs in the world clamoring for his signature. He showed the complete repertoire for any midfielder, producing an 80.0 challenge grade and an 87.2 passing grade, not to mention the towering header to open England’s scoring.
Midfielder: Pedri, Spain
It took just over 4 minutes for the 2021 Golden Boy Award winner to lift a perfect pass over the Costa Rica defense to create a chance that unfortunately didn’t end in a goal. Pedri's 90.9 passing grade ranks third among all players so far.
Left wing: Ousmane Dembélé, France
Dembélé showed all the attributes of a top winger, earning a 77.9 dribbling grade and 88.8 crossing grade, thanks to a perfectly placed cross for France's third goal against Australia.
Attacking Midfielder: Antoine Griezmann, France
Griezmann once again put on a stellar display in the national shirt. His distribution was fantastic, shown by a tournament-leading six key passes, and he was the only player to earn four grades over 80.0. To top it off, his 98.6 crossing grade on seven crosses is currently the highest grade in any facet in the tournament so far.
Right Wing: Bernardo Silva, Portugal
Bernardo Silva put on a performance that Manchester City fans have grown familiar with over the years. Whether it was his passing, crossing or even his tackling, he was able to generate an 80.0-plus grade in all three facets.
Centre Forward: Richarlison, Brazil
It would be impossible to leave Richarlison out of the Team of the Round. Two goals — the second being the most iconic goal of the tournament so far — helped him clinch an 87.1 shooting grade, the highest of the tournament through the first round.
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