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#3 Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Bruno Fernandes is one of the best playmakers in the world. While he is not extremely neat in possession, Fernandes has a penchant for pulling off ridiculously effective passes. He is also as adept at goalscoring as he is at orchestrating play.
Fernandes has been one of the few bright spots for Manchester United in the 2021-22 season. However, he has failed to be as effective for the Portuguese national side. After suffering a defeat in their final group stage World Cup qualifier matchup against Serbia, Portugal are now headed to the playoffs.
Out of the 10 teams that go to the playoffs, only three will qualify. Fernando Santos' men have let their levels drop in recent months and are currently suffering due to it. Fernandes is one of the biggest names in world football right now and it'll be a pity for him to miss the World Cup during his prime years.
#2 Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Robert Lewandowski is the most prolific striker on the planet right now. He has been scoring goals for fun for club and country. The Polish international has been tearing up the Bundesliga for several seasons and has done a commendable job leading his national team as well.
Poland look set to head for the playoffs as they sit second in Group I behind England. Only three points separate the two ahead of their respective final matches in the group stage. England are almost certain to win against minnows San Marino. The Three Lions already have a +6 goal difference over Poland.
The Poles will face Hungary, who have already lost their chance to qualify. As things stand, Lewandowski and co. are destined for the playoffs and it will take a miracle for them to qualify straight from the group.
Lewandowski is one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or this term and has been in spectacular form for Bayern in the 2021-22 season so far. He has scored 23 goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarians this campaign.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
This could be a hard one to stomach for all football fans. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time and this is likely to be his final World Cup since he is 36-years-old now. Ronaldo was reduced to tears as Portugal lost their final game of the group stage against Serbia to be sent to the playoffs.
Aleksandr Mitrovic scored a 90th minute winner to help the Serbs top Group A. Ronaldo, who has regularly performed rescue acts with Manchester United this season, couldn't muster a stoppage time goal this time.
Portugal are still likely to qualify for the World Cup from the playoffs but they will need to stand their ground now. They have an incredible amount of quality but the team has struggled against strong opposition in recent times.
If Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on this World Cup, a lot of the sheen would have been taken out of the tournament before a ball is even kicked.
