Dream Team

PEOPLE have been saying “this is the Belgium Golden Generation’s last chance” for about three tournaments now but the 2022 World Cup really does feel like the last-chance saloon for this particular crop.The Red Devils finished third in Russia and Dream Team World Cup bosses will definitely be backing them to progress from Group F, where they’ll meet Morocco, Canada and Croatia.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the star players, potential flops and bargain options among Roberto Martinez’s squad.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Belgium take on Canada in their opening fixture at the World Cup
STAR PLAYERS
With an ownership of 39.2%, Kevin De Bruyne is currently the most-popular midfielder among Dream Team World Cup gaffers and it’s hardly a surprise.
The Man City playmaker is arguably the best player in his position in the world right now – he’s registered 12 assists in all competitions at club level already this season.
De Bruyne averages a goal involvement every 104 minutes for Belgium – he’ll be Dream Team World Cup’s most-expensive midfelder when prices are finalised but immense quality comes at a price.
The last 18 months have been the best of Thibaut Courtois’ career from an individual perspective – he was a key contributor to Real Madrid’s latest Champions League triumph.
If you back Belgium to keep clean sheets in Qatar then you’re probably best off going straight to the source as the ageing defenders in front of him may be shuffled.
Up top, Romelu Lukaku remains the main man, despite limited involvement for Inter this term.
The hulking No9 has scored 68 goals in 102 appearances for Belgium – at 29 years old he’s already one of the most prolific goalscorers in international football history.
His preparation for the tournament may not be ideal but by the time the action is under in Qatar, Lukaku will be the focal point for a team stacked with creative talent – it’s always tempting to back the striker on the end of De Bruyne’s crosses.
Hazard warningCredit: getty
POTENTIAL FLOPS
Eden Hazard was one of the best players on display at the last World Cup but the last three years have been miserable for the ex-Chelsea star.
Constantly dogged with injuries, he’s looked a shadow of his former self in a Real Madrid shirt – he’s mustered just four goals in 51 La Liga outings since 2019.
As Belgium captain, Hazard will surely start in Qatar but, realistically, how many Dream Team World Cup points is he going to earn given his current form?
The truth is that Leandro Trossard is more deserving of a spot in the starting line-up – Martinez may be able to fit both in.
Axel Witsel is unlikely to flop as he’s a reliable anchor in the middle of the park but his profile simply isn’t conducive to Dream Team World Cup success – stay clear of defensive-minded midfielders.
Incredibly, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are both still knocking about for the national team.
Both excellent centre-backs in their prime, they have 264 caps’ worth experience between but Father Time comes for all players eventually and the pair will not be relishing the prospect of taking on the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vincius Junior and company if they progress to the latter stages of the tournament.
A familiar faceCredit: getty
BARGAIN OPTIONS
True bargains are hard to come by when shopping around the top teams but there some assets capable of providing value for money in Belgium’s ranks.
Youri Tielemans’ provisional price range of £3m – £3.5m feels generous given the Leicester man’s quality.
If he’s finalised at the lower end then he could well be worth a whirl as there have been plenty of goals and assists to share around among Martinez’s side in recent times.
It’s a similar story for Thomas Meunier, who has a sharper eye for goal than almost anyone else in his position.
If the Borussia Dortmund man continues as Belgium’s right wing-back then £3.5m – £4m could be reasonable – he’s been a notable performer at the last two major tournaments.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

IF you want to gauge how football literate somebody is then simply ask them their opinion of Neymar.This is a useful litmus test.
If they focus primarily on the Brazilian’s penchant for diving and his perceived prima donna attitude over his outrageous talent then that should raise red flags.
If they dare label him ‘overrated’ then that’s your cue to disregard their footballing intellect entirely.
You don’t have to like Neymar, the way he carries himself on the pitch (and off it) may rub you up the wrong way, that’s fine, but if you allow your assessment of his character to blur your opinion of him as a footballer then you commit foolish mistake.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Neymar is a divisive character but he really shouldn’t beCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
Forget detailed analytics for a moment – although the spreadsheet enthusiasts will tell you PSG’s No10 is freakish talent – and consider this: every player can be judged in terms of style and substance.
There are individuals who look slick and effortless on the pitch but perhaps don’t boast the necessary quantifiable returns to be ranked among the game’s greats.
Then there are players who are mightily effective but are somehow lacking in aesthetic beauty – this isn’t a major flaw by any means but we must remember that sport is something to be enjoyed, an entertainment product we seek out between the hours donated to work or sleep.
In both aspects, style and substance, Neymar excels.
The 30-year-old needs just two more international goals to equal Pele’s all-time record of 77 for Brazil having already surpassed the likes of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Zico, Romario and Ronaldo.
He has over 600 goal involvements in his professional career at a rate of one every 82 minutes.
His trophy case has been reinforced many times over, not least in 2015 when he won a memorable treble with Barcelona – his goal in the Champions League final to seal the feat was his 39th of the season.
Style and substanceCredit: getty
His numbers alone are astonishing and yet it would be a crime to judge Neymar on stats as he is one of the most entertaining players to ever grace a pitch.
He is one of the greatest dribblers of all time and he is blessed with a distinctly Brazilian flair for showmanship: rainbow kicks, nutmegs, spins, backheels, that midair rabona first touch thing he does.
His highlight reel ranks alongside those of the most skilful players in history.
And yet he is mocked for the doing the very same things that made Ronaldinho a hero to millions – a bare-faced hypocrisy – because he is not seen as affable as his compatriot.
To deny Neymar the footballer is to deny a joyous phenomenon.
However, while many the of the sticks used to beat the Selecao’s No10 are hollow, criticism of his failure to deliver Brazil a major international trophy are partially valid.
The 2013 Confederations Cup is his only honour in international football – the Copa America and the World Cup have both eluded him.
More generally, Brazil’s lack of success on the grand stages in recent years has caused much pain and frustration in a country that is arguably more entwined with the sport than any other.
Brazil crumbled at the 2014 World Cup after Neymar was sidelined with injuryCredit: getty
As his nation’s best player, Neymar has often had to shoulder the responsibility and it will be no different this winter with Brazil the bookmakers’ favourites to triumph in Qatar.
2014 was Neymar’s first World Cup – Dunga famously ignored a public petition calling for his inclusion in the 2010 squad – and he was brilliant on home soil, scoring four goals and providing two assists before his campaign was cut short by an injury sustained in the quarter-final.
You don’t need reminding what happened when Brazil met Germany in the semi-final without their top scorer or suspended captain Thiago Silva…
Neymar was pretty good again in 2018 although his inclination to buy free-kicks instead of riding challenges disrupted his side’s rhythm at times – still he scored two goals and provided an assist before being dumped out by Belgium in a quarter-final remembered for an Eden Hazard masterclass.
2022 may not necessarily be Neymar’s last chance to claim Brazil’s sixth World Cup but it’ll be the last tournament that coincides with his peak years – he’s been sensational for PSG this term.
If he were to inspire the Selecao to glory then perhaps he would finally earn the reputation he deserves as a generational footballer – surely even the most stringent naysayers would nod their approval if he were to sprinkle the true samba style on this winter’s tournament?
Dream Team World Cup gaffers will probably need a Brazil or three in their XICredit: getty
Nearly a quarter of Dream Team World Cup managers are backing him to do something special – his ownership of 24% makes him the fourth-most popular forward in the game.
Tite’s side face Switzerland, Serbia and Cameroon in Group G and are heavy favourites to progress to the round of 16 having won their last seven games in a row, scoring 26 goals in the process.
With a provisional price range of £6.5m – £7m, Neymar is one of the most-expensive players in Dream Team World Cup but he is likely to end up a fraction cheaper than the likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe when prices are finalised next week.
Is 2022 Brazil’s year? All eyes on Neymar for the answer.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP gaffers should definitely be considering Netherlands assets carefully when constructing their XIs.The Oranje are undefeated in their last 15 games, a run which includes meetings with Belgium, Germany and Denmark.
Not only are they playing some great football under Louis van Gaal, they were gifted a relatively friendly World Cup draw in Group A alongside Ecuador, Senegal and hosts Qatar.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Netherlands squad and single out their best players, potential flops, and bargain options.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Memphis Depay has scored goals for fun in internationals recently
BEST PLAYERS
Virgil van Dijk is the established leader at the back but gaffers might be better off backing Denzel Dumfries.
The Inter Milan wing-back was one of the stars of Euro 2020 and his attacking threat makes him an extremely tempting option – he’s scored five goals and provided four assists in his last 19 international appearances.
In midfield, most eyes will be on Frenkie de Jong but the Barcelona star operates in deeper areas – gaffers should focus on playmakers and wingers who come alive in the final third.
Steven Berghuis is a better fit, he’s scored eight goals and provided six assists for Ajax already this season – the 30-year-old is an underrated talent outside his homeland.
Total Football is in the Dutch DNA and the current squad pack a serious punch in attack.
Goals are flowing freely for Steven Bergwijn and Cody Gakpo this season but Memphis Depay remains the main man.
The 28-year-old has been starved of action at club level recently but he’s scored 21 goals in his last 20 outings for Netherlands – he’s a dark horse for the Golden Boot.
Dumfries deserves to be a popular selection among Dream Team World Cup bosses
POTENTIAL FLOPS
Obviously there are no genuine flops heading to Qatar with Netherlands but there are some Dream Team trap doors to swerve.
For example, gaffers should be aware that Matthijs de Ligt is not a certain starter despite the fact Van Gaal prefers three centre-backs.
Nathan Ake is highly likely to start to left of Van Dijk which leaves De Ligt battling it out with Stefan de Vrij and Jurrien Timber on the right-hand side of the back three.
The Bayern Munich defender may well get the nod but it’s not a sure thing, so tread lightly.
Ryan Gravenberch was a Netherlands regular last year but a transfer to Bayern has killed his momentum, he’s played just 165 minutes of league football this season and will likely be benchwarmer in Qatar too.
BARGAIN OPTIONS
Value for moneyCredit: getty
It’s rare to find a true bargain among the top teams as quality usually comes at a price but there is one value-for-money option in the Dutch ranks.
As previously mentioned, Ake is likely to start as the left-sided centre-back and so his provisional price range of £3m – £3.5m looks potentially generous.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal are not to be underestimated but Netherlands will fancy their chances of keeping clean sheets against Qatar and Ecuador – the Man City man is definitely a viable option.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

THERE’S a reason the Lionel Messi/Cristiano Ronaldo debate has been flogged to death.Football fans will always be intensely invested in the world’s absolute best players and there can be doubt that the Argentine No10 and the Portuguese No7 will be remembered as two of the greatest to ever grace a pitch.
With both icons on the brink of their last World Cup, there has been a lot of talk in recent times about which players will rise to power in the next decade?
The names put forward most frequently are Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, with good reason.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Dream Team World Cup’s most-popular playerCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
Between them, the pair have scored 62 goals in 73 Champions League appearances and have quickly risen to become the primary goal threats for PSG and Manchester City respectively.
It already feels as if the two will forever be linked in the same manner as Messi and Ronaldo – it’s likely we’ll see them battle it out for the Ballon d’Or several times over in the coming years.
How conscious Mbappe and Haaland are of their rivalry is unclear but it would surprising if they hadn’t given it at least some thought – elite sportspeople tend to be ultra competitive.
So far this season, the Norwegian poacher has gained considerable ground in the culture war – which is not to say PSG’s No7 has underwhelmed, far from it.
Mbappe has 18 goals and five assists from 19 games this term but Haaland has dominated the spotlight having plundered 23 goals (and three assists) from just 16 outings.
2022 has been a huge year for Haaland so far
It’s generally accepted that the Premier League is the most competitive domestic league in the world which is why Man City’s new No9 has garnered such praise for making a mockery of its Golden Boot race – he’s seven goals clear of Harry Kane at this stage.
Haaland’s ruthless efficiency displayed on a new stage has been the overriding theme of the 2022/23 season for many – pretty much every supporter in Europe has guessed at how many goals he’ll score by the end of the campaign.
Couple this with Mbappe having to share the limelight with Neymar and Lionel Messi in the French capital, both in great form currently, and it’s no wonder the dynamic of the emerging duopoly has shifted.
But the Frenchman has the perfect opportunity to readdress the balance this winter.
Norway failed to qualify for the World Cup so Haaland will not have the chance to enhance his reputation at the planet’s most-watched sporting event.
In contrast, Mbappe represents the holders and, by extension, one of the favourites.
For the 23-year-old, it’s also a return to the stage on which his reputation ballooned in 2018.
Mbappe’s first World Cup couldn’t have gone any betterCredit: getty
He scored four goals as Les Bleus conquered all in Russia, including one in the final, and was named Best Young Player at the tournament.
An impressive and (most importantly) ultimately successful World Cup campaign goes a huge way to defining a player’s career- Diego Maradona and Pele’s legacies as all-time greats are shaped by their performances on the biggest international stage.
Mbappe ticking the achievement off his checklist in his teenage years formed the foundation of his reputation as heir to the throne – especially considering World Cup glory has evaded Messi and Ronaldo.
Another magnificent campaign in Qatar would cement his claim to the crown and may cause a few Haaland admirers to reconsider their allegiance.
The PSG forward may also feel he has some demons to exorcise after a disappointing showing personally, and from Didier Deschamps’ side collectively, at Euro 2020.
Mbappe has scored 28 goals in 59 France caps
As expected, Mbappe is proving to be a popular man among Dream Team World Cup gaffers.
He currently features in 39.7% of provisional teams created so far, making him the most-selected player in the game, narrowly ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.
France start the defence of their crown against Australia and will also face Tunisia and Denmark in Group D – the latter beat them home and away earlier this year so keep an eye on that match-up.
Needless to say, Mbappe will fancy his chances of cashing in against Australia and Tunisia – Dream Team World Cup bosses that proceed without him for those fixtures will be taking a risk.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP managers will obviously be desperate to include some big names in their XI this winter.However, the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne are sure to break the bank once player prices are finalised next week.
That means gaffers will need to identify some cheaper, value-for-money options to balance the books – remember, teams with a total value over £50million won’t be eligible to score points.
With that in mind, we’ve picked out three affordable defenders capable of punching above their weight in Qatar.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Netherlands will be confident of going deep in Qatar
Nathan Ake

Provisional price range: £3m – £3.5m
Country: Netherlands

Louis van Gaal has options aplenty at centre-back with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Stefan De Vrij, Matthijs de Ligt and 21-year-old Ajax prospect Jurrien Timber also at his disposal.
But what casual fans may not realise is that Ake is the leading candidate to start as the left-sided centre-back in the preferred 3-4-1-2 formation.
Factor in the Netherlands’ favourable group (Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal) and whether the Manchester City defender is confirmed at £3m or £3.5m, he will be reasonably priced.
Granted, the Oranje haven’t been as tight at the back as they would have liked in recent times but they’ve played some brilliant football and will be hopeful of clean sheets against Ecuador and the hosts – the AFCON champions will pose a greater threat.
Joachim Andersen
Great Dane!Credit: getty

Provisional price range: £3m – £3.5m
Country: Denmark

If the Crystal Palace centre-back is finalised at the top end of his provisional price range then ‘value for money’ might be pushing it but he would probably be worth a whirl at £3m.
Denmark are firmly in the territory of ‘Dark Horses’ having beaten France home and away this year.
No European nation boasted a better record than Kasper Hjulmand’s side in qualifying and, more relevant to this conversation, three goals conceded gave them the best defensive record.
Andersen has started every Denmark game this calendar year so there’s no need to worry about selection dilemmas.
Group D is intriguingly poised with the Danes set to meet Didier Deschamps’ mob again, as well as Tunisia and Australia.
Antonee Robinson
An outside-the-box option

Provisional price range: £1.5m – £2m
Country: USA

Now this is a genuinely dirt-cheap option.
The Fulham left-back is a key player for his country, potentially even more important than Barcelona/Milan’s Sergino Dest on the opposite flank.
Instinctively, Group B feels like a potentially cagey one, even group favourites England have prioritised control over attacking intent at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.
USA have their limitations but they’re fit, strong and disciplined – they’ll probably be harder to beat than most casual fans think.
It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see them register a clean sheet against Wales and/or Iran and given that Robinson contributed two goals and three assists in qualifying, he’s got an outside chance of reaching double figures in terms of points before the end of the group stage.
Obviously this punt comes with risk but that’s what you get when you shop around the bargain aisle.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP gaffers will mostly be selecting players who represent countries with a realistic chance of lifting the trophy in Qatar.So in the build-up to the opening game – which is now just 11 days away – we’re analysing the top eight favourites according to the bookmakers.
We’ve already dug deep into France and today it’s Spain’s turn under the spotlight.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Spain are among the favourites to taste World Cup glory in QatarCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
BEST PLAYERS
Alvaro Morata has his detractors but while it’s true the 30-year-old is not the most clinical finisher around, Luis Enrique appreciates what the striker offers in other aspects of the game.
Excellent in the air and well-suited to La Roja’s possession-based approach, Morata has the benefit of being the focal point for a team full of creative talent.
If you back Spain to thrive in Group E (Costa Rica, Japan, Germany) then Morata, who scored the winner for Portugal in his last last international outing, should be a good selection from a Dream Team World Cup perspective even if you don’t see him as one of the team’s most-important players – remember, points are everything.
At 19 years old, Pedri is already one of the best midfielders in the world and his exemplary technique will be crucial in determining how slickly Spain go about their business.
However, Dream Team World Cup bosses should note that the Barcelona starlet is not one of those midfielders who deals in regular goal involvements.
His career is still in its infancy but he’s yet to score more than five goals in a season and he’s also still awaiting his first goal in international football.
Pedri is a generational talent but his style is not suited to Dream Team World Cup where goal involvements reign supreme – see also: Gavi.
Spain’s first-choice keeper
Unai Simon should be first-choice goalkeeper and with a provisional price range of £3.5m – £4m he may end up a fraction cheaper than his peers from the other favoured nations – helpful.
POTENTIAL FLOPS
These players are only potential ‘flops’ in the realm of Dream Team World Cup.
For example, Ansu Fati is an exciting talent and as an ambitious winger he fits the profile Dream Team World Cup managers should be seeking out.
However, the 20-year-old is likely to be used as second-half substitute – he can be effective against tiring legs – and will therefore be restricted in terms of point-scoring opportunities.
Rodri and Sergio Busquets are both pushing to start as the deepest of Spain’s three midfielders but, again, neither are attack-minded enough to rack up plentiful points.
An underrated gem?Credit: getty
BARGAIN OPTIONS
It’s rare to find a true bargain among the top teams as quality usually comes at a price but there is one relatively affordable option in Enrique’s ranks.
If Pablo Sarabia is priced at the lower end of his provisional range (£3.5m – £4m) then he could offer good value for money.
The PSG midfielder has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 24 caps since his senior debut in 2019.
That breaks down further to a goal involvement every 105.3 minutes for Spain!
The 30-year-old is one of the unsung heroes of his national side in recent years and he’s likely to be overlooked the vast majority of Dream Team World Cup managers in favour of more recognisable names.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

EVER since Lionel Messi was not much older than a toddler, when he jinked past his first opponent in a vaguely familiar style, the legacy of Diego Maradona has cast a shadow over him.As an Argentine footballer, living up to the nation’s most outrageous talent is a near impossible task.
And yet, in many ways, Messi has surpassed Maradona, scoring more goals, providing more assists, winning more trophies and doing it all with a stylistic panache at least equal to that of El Pibe de Oro.
However, only one No10 has delivered a World Cup for Argentina almost single-handedly (not a deliberate Hand of God reference).

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

How will Messi perform at his last World Cup?Credit: getty/DREAM TEAM
Maradona’s campaign in Mexico in ’86 is the stuff of legends, remembered as the greatest ever showing from an individual on the biggest stage sport has to offer.
His mazy dribble against England in the quarter-finals is regularly cited as the best goal of all time and so when Messi scored an eerily similar goal for Barcelona against Getafe in 2007, the pressure on the latter to flourish into the second coming was cemented for eternity.
For a long while, Messi has known that no matter what he achieves at club level, he will not be as revered in his homeland as Maradona unless he delivers a World Cup.
He came ever so close in 2014, inspiring the Albiceleste to the final in Brazil where they were ultimately defeated by Germany through Mario Gotze’s extra-time strike.
Messi was named Player of the Tournament, just as Maradona was in ’86, but without the trophy the comparison was nothing.
Maradona’s 1986 World Cup campaign is the stuff of legendsCredit: getty
Barca’s all-time top scorer broke his international duck in 2021 when Argentina beat Brazil in the final of Copa America.
Messi finished as top scorer and top assist provider in the tournament, an effort wholly appreciated by his compatriots, but the standards expected of the all-time greats are stratospheric.
The Copa America triumph was one to celebrate but it did not exorcise the demons of 2014 – only victory in Qatar, Messi’s last World Cup, could do that.
So how likely is it that the 35-year-old will write a fairytale ending to his story, a triumph that would probably cement him as the outright greatest player in history, if he isn’t already?
Lionel Scaloni’s side are second-favourites to succeed in Qatar according to most bookmakers, and deservedly so.
By the time the tournament gets underway, Argentina will have gone almost three and a half years unbeaten in all competitions.
Argentina’s hopes rest on Messi’s shoulders once againCredit: getty
This is in stark contrast to several of the fancied European giants (France, Germany, England, Spain) who have all suffered more defeats than they would have liked in the last year or so.
Messi and company have been drawn in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland – a reasonably favourable set of fixtures all things considered.
However, one factor to consider is that Argentina have played very few European teams in recent times because of Covid restrictions – although they did beat Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima, a meeting between the champions of South America and Europe.
And rather ominously, Messi scored all five goals in his side’s 5-0 win over Estonia earlier this year – something of a warning shot to every team set to frequent Qatar this winter.
Dream Team World Cup gaffers are seemingly confident that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will impress at his last World Cup – his ownership of 30.2% makes him the sixth-most popular player in the game at this stage.
Given a provisional price range of £7m – £7.5m, Messi could well be Dream Team World Cup’s most-expensive player when prices are finalised next week but his price tag evidently isn’t much of a deterrent.
The 2014 World Cup final still haunts Messi and ArgentinaCredit: getty
Dream Team World Cup managers should also note the legendary No10’s superb form for PSG this season – he’s scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in just 17 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Messi is one of those players who could seriously hurt you if you leave him out of your XI, especially with Argentina set to take on Saudi Arabia in their first group game.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

Most read in Dream Team More

DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP gaffers are busy selecting their provisional teams ahead of the official squad announcements.Unlimited transfers are available right up until the tournament gets underway which means you can tinker away to your heart’s content as there is plenty of time to correct any errors before scoring starts.
And one potential error worth flagging is the widespread selection of Diogo Dalot.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN!

A popular man among Dream Team World Cup gaffersCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
The 23-year-old currently features in 15.9% of teams, making him the fifth-most popular defender in the game at this stage.
On the surface, it’s understandable why Dalot boasts such a big ownership.
With 79 points to his name, he’s the joint-third best asset in his position in Dream Team’s classic Season game right now.
After an initial wobble, Manchester United have been relatively disciplined at the back under Erik ten Hag and Dalot has been one of the Red Devils’ most-consistent performers.
The ex-Porto full-back is one of the first names on the team sheet at club level this term and having started the Season game at just £2.5m, he’s been one of the best bargain options of 2022/23.
However, all those who have picked him in Dream Team World Cup so far are overlooking one massive factor: Joao Cancelo.
Be aware of Portugal’s pecking order
Manchester City’s No7 may have played predominantly as a left-back under Pep Guardiola in recent times but his preferred position is right-back, a role he fulfils for Portugal.
Cancelo has been one of the best players in the world in his position in the last two or three years and while it could be argued he hasn’t always translated his club form to the international stage, it’s highly likely Fernando Santos will select him to start at right-back when his side embark on their campaign in Qatar.
That leaves Dalot as a back-up option, a very capable back-up option who offers Portugal helpful depth, but a back-up option nonetheless.
Some gaffers may think that Cancelo could play at left-back to accommodate Dalot on the right but that would be a new ploy for Santos, something he’s unlikely to try for the first time at a major tournament.
Besides, Portugal have PSG’s Nuno Mendes and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro competing for the left-back spot, two talented options.
Essentially, while it’s not unthinkable that Dalot could start for Portugal at the World Cup, it’s unlikely – and gaffers should generally avoid benchwarmers.
Dalot scored a brace for Portugal earlier this yearCredit: getty
One potential spanner in the works is Dalot’s performance against Czech Republic in the Nations League in September, when he scored a brace as part of a superb all-round display.
Perhaps it’s this performance that Dream Team World Cup bosses have in mind when choosing their provisional teams – beware this bear trap.
If you want an alternative in the same price range then consider Nathan Ake, who will almost certainly start for an impressive Netherlands outfit gifted a favourable group.

PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN!

Most read in Dream Team More