The initial group stage of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup has concluded, and it’s time to spotlight the players who have truly shone through the 48 matches.
Utilising our internal evaluation system, we’ve identified the top performers who featured in two or more of their team’s three fixtures and played at least half of the available minutes in those encounters.
Here’s our selection for the Team of the Group Stage:
Goalkeeper
Nathan Garrow (Auckland City) – 7.9
Following Conor Tracey’s hefty defeat where he conceded 10 goals to Bayern Munich, Garrow was brought in for the subsequent matches, and the promising New Zealander seized the opportunity.
Despite letting in six goals against Benfica, he showcased his talent with 10 crucial saves, followed by another impressive 10 saves in the 1-1 stalemate against Boca Juniors.
Defenders
Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica) – 8.0
The experienced Otamendi has seamlessly continued his excellent form from our Team of the Season, proving invaluable to Benfica during the Club World Cup.
His performance included four tackles and nine clearances against Bayern, a solid presence in defence, an assist against Auckland, and a last-gasp equaliser against Boca Juniors, redeeming himself after an unfortunate own-goal.
Alexander Barboza (Botafogo) – 8.2
Argentina’s Barboza has distinguished himself as the standout defender of the tournament, thriving on the grand stage against teams like PSG and Atletico Madrid.
His high ratings reflect his defensive prowess, averaging 3.7 tackles and 11 clearances per match while winning most of his aerial battles.
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) – 7.8
Under the guidance of new manager Christian Chivu, Bastoni has thrived at Inter, maintaining the form that made him a standout in Serie A last season.
Defensively dependable, his crowning moment was a brilliant goal against River Plate, where he skillfully evaded two opponents before finishing from just outside the penalty area.
Midfielders
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 8.3
As our highest-rated player of the season, Olise has continued to impress, sharing the top spot for the Club World Cup as well.
He wreaked havoc against Auckland City with two goals and two assists, later netting the decisive goal against Boca Juniors with a stunning finish.
Leandro Barreiro (Benfica) – 7.9
After spending most of the season on the sidelines, Barreiro showcased his abilities during the Club World Cup, scoring twice within two minutes against Auckland and putting in a strong performance against Bayern, winning six out of nine duels.
Ruben Neves (Al Hilal) – 7.8
European spectators have quickly acknowledged Neves’ quality in the tournament’s early phases, as he masterfully orchestrated play for Al Hilal.
He scored from the penalty spot in the drawn match against Real Madrid, delivering five key passes in three games with only 19 misplaced out of 216 attempts.
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) – 7.8
Operating in a free role behind the striker, the 20-year-old Yildiz has emerged as Juventus’ pivotal player in the USA.
With three goals and an assist already to his name, all of exceptional quality, the Turkish prodigy has showcased his immense talent.
Forwards
Angel Di Maria (Benfica) – 8.3
As he prepares to bid farewell to Benfica, Di Maria is enjoying a spectacular send-off, shining brightly in the tournament.
Though all of his three goals have come from the penalty spot, the 37-year-old has also provided five key passes and completed six successful dribbles. Even as he departs European football, he continues to display class on the pitch.
Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus) – 8.0
Carrying on from a strong finish in Serie A and scoring for France against Spain, Kolo Muani has maintained that momentum in the tournament.
He kicked off the competition in style, netting two goals in the first half against Al Ain, and created two significant chances against Wydad, one leading to a goal.
Luiz Araujo (Flamengo) – 7.9
Flamengo has emerged as one of the standout teams of the tournament, with former Lille player Araujo playing a pivotal role.
He contributed with a goal, an assist, and three key passes against Esperance in their opening game, proving a constant threat in their match against LAFC.
_______________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup – Every Game Free, exclusively on DAZN.
Sign up here to start streaming.
_______________________________________________
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage:Â SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
