Defenders
Right-Back: Hector Bellerin
It was as a result of Mathieu Debuchy being sidelined with injury that helped Hector Bellerin burst onto the scene for the Gunners in 2014. The Spaniard rapidly earned the reputation of one of Arsenal’s hottest young properties on the right-hand side of defence, establishing himself as the first-choice right-back and recapturing the attention of boyhood club Barcelona, in the process.
(Video Courtesy: Score 90 YouTube Channel)
Bellerin is remarkably pacey, having been clocked running the 100m in 4.41 seconds, 0.23 seconds faster than Usain Bolt. He tracks back efficiently and keeps some of the sharpest wide men in the game under wraps, whilst he’s also adept at delving forwards and sparking danger in the final third.
In 2022, Bellerin will be 26-years-old and will be close to the prime time in an average player’s career; there really are few players who come close to the Spaniard.
Other notable mentions: Dani Carvajal, Sergi Roberto, Serge Aurier
Centre Back: Presnel Kimpembe
Having signed a very lucrative deal with French champions PSG at the end of last year which saw a pay rise of 2,350%, Presnel Kimpembe has risen through the ranks rapidly at one of Europe’s most formidable clubs. With all the financial firepower PSG have in their arsenal, it’s in their existing youth system that they found a gem.
Of his 20 appearances for the club, 13 have come this season, during which he has made the joint second highest average number of defensive actions per game (6), meanwhile maintaining the highest average pass completion rate of any other PSG player.
(Video Courtesy: WorldOfFootballHD YouTube Channel)
The youngster still has a great deal to learn but alongside the likes of Thiago Silva, he is gaining invaluable experience of high-level football and by 2022, could be one of the most well-rounded defenders in the game.
Other notable mentions: John Stones, Raphael Varane, Aymeric Laporte
Centre Back: Marquinhos
It’s testament to the work of the PSG coaching staff that the two centre-halves in the ‘Team of 2022’ both ply their trade in the French capital. Marquinhos, still by no means a veteran, has more experience than Kimpembe and is currently valued at £27 million by Transfermarkt.
(Video Courtesy: Defence is an Art YouTube Channel)
The Brazilian defender has won Ligue 1 on three occasions and the Coupe de France twice, having played close to 100 games for PSG during which time he has established himself as one of the sharpest young defenders across the continent. He too would have worked closely with Brazilian counterpart Thiago Silva by 2022 and have accumulated a lot of experience domestically and continentally.
Other notable mentions: Jose Gimenez, Kalidou Koulibaly, Eric Bailly
Left-Back: David Alaba
At present, one of the most valuable defender in the world, David Alaba is a crucial cog in the Bayern Munich wheel. Over the years he has played in midfield, on the flank and at the heart of defence but, as difficult as it may be to identify, his ‘primary’ position is at left-back.
(Video Courtesy: BayernCompHD YouTube Channel)
The 24-year-old will be hitting the peak years of his career by the time the 2022/23 season arrives and given that he’s already being dubbed one of the greatest full-backs in the world, we are in for something pretty special.
For the Bavarians, Alaba has played over 150 games and there are seldom ninety-minutes where he doesn’t perform at a high standard.
Other notable mentions: Alex Sandro, Layvin Kurzawa, Jose Luis Gaya
