Breaking down Barcelona’s 2022 World Cup representation

Just eight days remain before the commencement of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and it is safe to say that the hype is real before the awaited event. Most participating nations have already released the official rosters of players travelling to Qatar to take part in the prestigious event, and Barcelona’s heavy representation comes as no shock.

A total of 16 Blaugrana players have been called up to participate in the competition in Qatar, the joint highest representation of any European club alongside Manchester City.

The federation having the most Barcelona players in, unsurprisingly, Luis Enrique’s La Roja side for the Catalans, most aptly fits the manager’s ideology.

The likes of Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Gavi are expected to be regular starters for the Spanish National Team this month, while Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba could feature as either starters or first-choice backups.

Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati are the final two Azulgranas on Enrique’s list; the latter is expected to feature as bench players, while the former will likely form the first-choice defensive duo alongside Aymeric Laporte or Pau Torres.

Louis Van Gaal has called up both of Barcelona’s Dutch stars, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay for the World Cup. With the former will be the heart and soul of The Oranje’s midfield, Depay will serve as a crucial component of the struggling Dutch attack.

The forward has 42 goals in 80 caps for the Dutch side and is just eight goals away from becoming the top-scorer of all time for the National Team.

France will be back in action in Group D, defending their crown from the 2018 edition. Didier Deschamps has called up Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde for the event.

Despite his great form, the winger may not be a regular starter owing to the manager’s formation and philosophy, but he will see plenty of minutes off the bench, nevertheless. Meanwhile, Kounde’s situation is uncertain, and his involvement will depend on not only the formation but the fitness of his compatriots.

Raphinha will be in action for the Brazilian National Team, who are one of the favourites to win it all, and will be a regular starter on the right wing ahead of the likes of Antony and Rodrygo.

Unlike in the previous edition, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will seriously push for a starting spot for the Germans in the World Cup given his imperious form for Barcelona. Yet, he will likely have to warm the bench, playing second fiddle to arguably the GOAT keeper – Manuel Neuer.

Ronald Araujo’s inclusion in Uruguay’s squad came as a big shocker to many, especially given that the defender has not completely recovered from his fitness setback.

It was later reported that he would play no part in the group stages and only involve on the field if his team qualifies for the knockouts.

Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen are the final first-team players taking the flight to Qatar for Poland and Danish National Teams respectively. Needless to say, both are undisputed starters and amongst the most established and experienced players on their sides.

Barcelona loanee Ez Abde will be in action for the Moroccan side starting next week. He has been a standout performer for Osasuna this season and has made the most out of his loan move. A good display in Qatar would reopen the doors to Catalonia for him.