By Mitch Wilks
With the big shots separated from the weak links as the knockout stages of the World Cup are determined, it’s time to do some rankings.
It took some massive defensive showings for teams to book their spot in the last 16, and we got exactly that. So without further ado, here are the 10 most impressive defenders in Qatar after matchday three.
10. Dayot Upamecano (France, -4)
Upamecano will return to round of 16 | Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImagesSimply put, Upamecano didn’t play as France lost 1-0 to Tunisia. That reflects well on him, however, and underscores how important he is to Les Bleus.
9. Pervis Estupinan (Ecuador, -1)
Estupinan maintains his place in the standings | James Williamson – AMA/GettyImagesEcuador failed to find a win against Senegal on matchday three, but the loss isn’t a total reflection of Estupinan’s tournament so far; the Brighton full-back was solid.
8. Jurrien Timber (Netherlands, new entry)
Timber looked good | BSR Agency/GettyImagesAssuming it was against Qatar, you can only play what’s in front of you, and Timber did it brilliantly on matchday three.
A performance that highlighted exactly what he can offer when he’s in top form.
7. Nayef Aguerd (Morocco, -)
Raise your hand who rules the World Cup… | Matthias Hangst/GettyImagesA successful World Cup campaign is perfect for Aguerd, who has seen his 2022/23 season cut short by injuries.
Morocco conceded just one goal in the group stage and the West Ham man was instrumental in that.
6. Harry Maguire (England, +4)
Maguire is playing a big role | Marc Atkins/GettyImagesMaguire hasn’t stolen titles to levels of good, but has always fared well for England.
And when you consider all the noise around him before the tournament, you really can’t ask for much more. Don’t put a foot wrong again.
5. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, new entry)
Hakimi was brilliant | Fantasist/GettyImagesA masterful performance against Canada pushes Hakimi up the table firmly into the middle of the pack.
Morocco have been powerful so far, but the Paris Saint-Germain man needs to maintain this level if he is to progress further into the tournament.
4. Romain Saiss (Morocco, – )
Fantastic Captain | Catherine Ivil/GettyImagesOk, no more Moroccan rumors after this, we promise.
Truth be told though, their defense was so good. And Saiss played his part in that. A composed display sees him retain fourth place.
3. Harry Souttar (Australia, new entry)
Souttar loves life | Stuart Franklin/GettyImagesStoke City is huge. Literally, when talking about your Australian defender Souttar.
The towering centre-back was absolutely instrumental in helping his nation qualify for the knockout stages and reached the finals of the group stage. The Potters on tour.
2. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal, new entry)
Koulibaly starred | Fantasist/GettyImagesThe performance of a true leader projects Koulibaly into second place in the standings.
He showcased a commanding display against Ecuador and deserves a chance to shine in the knockout stages.
1. Josko Gvardiol (Croatia, +2)
Don’t mess with Josko. | Marc Atkins/GettyImagesIf the world hadn’t already been eyeing Gvardiol, it surely does now.
He was instrumental in helping Croatia keep a clean sheet in their goalless draw against Belgium and is quickly establishing himself as one of the best young defenders in the game. His price keeps going up.
This article was originally posted on 90min.com as World Cup 2022 Defender Power Ranking: Matchday 3.
