World Cup 2022: Projecting Canada's Lineup
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There’s only one man on Canada's roster who was old enough to be around when Canada was last at the World Cup 36 years ago: Atiba Hutchinson. But, he probably won’t be able to tell you any memories from it at just three years old.
As we look ahead to one of the country’s biggest soccer games ever against Belgium at the World Cup in November, we predict Canada’s starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade)
Fresh off winning his fifth Serbian SuperLiga title in a row with Red Star Belgrade, Milan Borjan remains an integral part of Canada's team, especially after such a fantastic run of form in the World Cup qualifiers. The 34-year-old is a fantastic shot-stopper and his form with Red Star means he is almost certain to start.
Right-Back: Richie Laryea (Toronto)
A 4-4-3 formation is likely for Canada to fit Alphonso Davies into the attack. This will leave Richie Laryea of Toronto filling in at right-back. The Canadian is on loan from Nottingham Forest this season, but he hasn’t disappointed in the MLS. What’s more, considering Nottingham is struggling to win in the Premier League, Laryea will at least pick up some form ahead of the World Cup with Toronto.
Left-Back: Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor)
Sam Adekugbe’s consistency was crucial for Hatayspor last season as it climbed up the league in the Super Lig, jumping above giants like Galatasaray en route to a sixth-place finish in their first-ever top division season. What’s more, he played more minutes than any other player on the Hatayspor team last season.
This campaign, he’s looked promising again as an offensively-minded left-back and John Herdman will use Adekugbe to then be able to deploy Davies further up the field.
Center-Back: Steven Vitoria (Moreirense)
Steven Vitoria is one of the oldest players on the squad but he remains integral for GD Chaves in the Primeira Liga. In fact, after playing every second of all four games, Vitoria has scored a goal and charge Chaves up to sixth in the league. His form and experience make him vital for Canada.
Center-Back: Kamal Miller (Montreal)
Montreal has been excellent in the MLS this season and it looks set to be in the playoffs before the World Cup if it can carry on its current form. Much of this has been down to Kamal Miller on defense and he now sees his team sit second in the Eastern Conference. Miller has also scored a goal already this campaign and will be a starter at center-back for Canada.
Center-Midfield: Stephen Eustaquio (Porto)
Despite barely playing for Porto this season, Stephen Eustaquio remains one of the most important players for Canada with his experience in Europe. The defensive midfielder adds solidity in midfield for Canada and he will be equally as important as the forwards at the World Cup given how Canada will barely see the ball in games against Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.
Center-Midfield: Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge)
Tajon Buchanan was one of the key players to watch for Canada this season. He is, however, still injured and has not played yet for Club Brugge in Belgium. He has plenty of time to get fit, and he will be a starter for Canada if he can do so in time for the World Cup.
Center-Midfield: Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas
Hutchinson might be 39 at the World Cup, but with his experience as the captain for Canada and his club Besiktas, he will start and wear the armband for his country once more. He is, however, playing a lot less this season, which is no surprise considering his age.
Right-Wing: Cyle Larin (Club Brugge)
Canada’s all-time top scorer, Cyle Larin, is now at Club Brugge and he is yet to score for his new side after previously scoring 31 goals from 83 games for Besiktas. Canada will be hoping he can turn his form around ahead of the World Cup.
Striker: Jonathan David (Lille)
Jonathan David continues to be the top scorer active in Europe as a Canadian, and he is now boasting of two goals and two assists in five games for Lille. The striker scored 15 goals last season after netting 13 in the Ligue 1 title triumph for Lille in 2020/21, and he continues to get better at just 23 years old.
Left-Wing: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Davies needs no introduction and he will be the first name on the team sheet for Canada as he looks to score goal number 13 for his country already.
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