2022 World Cup defender power rankings: Matchday 2
Plenty of clean sheets have been kept thus far in Qatar, and some top individual performances have played a big part in that.
Here are 90min’s picks for the best defenders two matches in.
Once again, Maguire is proving to be twice the player for his country than he is for his club. He was everywhere at the back for England against USA.
When Martinez has been on the pitch – for half an hour against Saudi Arabia and from the start against Mexico – Argentina haven’t conceded a goal, which isn’t a coincidence.
Playing as a wing-back, Estupinan gave the Netherlands a torrid time, being the biggest attacking threat on the pitch.
West Ham have barely played Aguerd this season but that may change after the World Cup given how good he’s been in his first two matches, helping his team keep clean sheets.
Upamecano has been rock solid at the back for France, dominating his aerial battles and doing well on the ball.
Despite facing two decent sides in Serbia and Switzerland, Brazil have never really looked like conceding a goal, thanks in large part to Thiago Silva who has led his defence excellently.
Morocco have scored two goals and have Saiss to thank for one of them, and haven’t conceded any which is also largely down to their captain, who has been flawless.
Gvardiol is widely considered to be one of the best young centre-backs around and he’s showing why, impressing in each of the first two matches.
Alba is proving he’s not over the hill yet, setting up a goal in both of Spain’s first two matches and being one of their best players.
Since replacing his brother early on in France’s first match, Hernandez has been a revelation, getting two assists and being one of his nation’s biggest threats.