Chelsea goes into the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup as favourites, but Tomas Tuchel would have to fight off competition from some of the best players from other top teams to land his dream trophy.

The German tactician surprisingly won the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League at the expense of Manchester City, who had highly rated players on display.

Count down to the FIFA Club World Cup billed to kick off in February. We’re taking a look at some of the best players that would be on display.

Football does not rotate around Europe alone, and this goes a long way to show that there are even more competitive teams outside the Western World.

North American representatives CF Monterrey has one of the best squads and has consistently preserved its best legs over the years. The Mexicans are currently one of the most successful teams in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Elsewhere in South America, the Brazilian Arsenal in Palmeiras always has a way of replacing dead woods each year. The Brazilian club and the rest of the teams in the country top-flight have found a way to knock off traditional heavyweight like Boca Juniors and River Plate to the top price.

African representatives Al Ahly have some exciting players who could spring up surprises. Al Hilal, who relies on the heavy contingent from Brazil and some European runaways, are also not left out.

Ranking the best players to watch in the FIFA Club World Cup 2022

1. Luan – Palmeiras

Laun is a Brazilian who plays as a defender for Palmeiras. He formed a brick wall in the 2021 season and took off from where he stopped last season.

GOOOOOL DO PALMEIRAS, LUAN

PALMEIRAS 2-0 PONTE PRETA#Palmeiras pic.twitter.com/AbNb3jcTjf

— Diego Henrique Bonelli (@Bonelli1990) January 27, 2022

He is impressively one of the most consistent players in the team and had averaged at least 6.5 throughout last season.

Luan is 28 years old and prefers to play with his right foot. One area to look out for is the disciplinary record since last season, which is impressive for a defender.

MORE: List of FIFA Club World Cup winners

Luan is an excellent ball controller who has little or no weakness as a defender. It is safe to say he was one of the best players behind the club’s 2021 Copa Libertadores triumph.

2. Thiago Silva – Chelsea

Many football fans taught Chelsea that signing the former Paris Saint-Germain defender was a total waste of time or a lost idea.

But, it has turned out different for the folks who never expected much from the Brazilian defender. This season Thiago Silva has already placed himself high above all Chelsea defenders.

Thomas Tuchel knew his importance and decided to hand him the defensive command line, the lapses that have consistently flawed the team had reduced.

At the moment, the 37-year old has notched an average rating of 7.1 since November 2021, and his lowest ever was recorded during Chelsea’s Premier League draw against visiting Liverpool.

Silva plays deep inside his half, and it is rare for him to move outside his half.

3. Matheus Pereira – Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia

Brazilian footballer Matheus Pereira is one of the best players in midfield for Al Hilal Saudi Arabia.

Trusted by head coach Leonardo Jardim who won the 2016–17 French Ligue 1 with AS Monaco, sees the Brazilian as the precursor in the middle of the park.

The Brazilian moved to Al-Hilal in 2020 and commanded a starting shirt. The former West Brom and Sporting CP man is leaving the dream of his career in the Saudi Arabian football league.

He is a deep playmaker who mixes high pressing style to his game, which has helped him dominate the opposition half. Matheus Pereira brings the experience from European football to the Saudi League.

4. Raphael Veiga – Palmeiras

Raphael Veiga was Palmeiras best midfielder last season. The Brazilian attacking midfielder who plays with his left foot is well known for his ability to dictate the game’s pace in the middle of the park.

This goes a long way to show he was the midfield maestro in the club’s quest for the Copa Libertadores in 2021.

Statistically ranking the Brazilian, he was not only helping his team with good cutout passes, but he was also scoring goals and providing the needed assist in the process.

In an all Brazilian final in the 2021 Copa Libertadores, Raphael Veiga was on target and finished the game with a rating of 7.4.

Raphael Veiga finished last season with an impressive 7.5 rating across all competitions, including the Copa Libertadores campaign. He is one of the players to watch at the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.

5. Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea

Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku joined Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel plea to solve goalscoring issues. So far, the former of Inter Milan has been impressive.

So far, Lukaku has scored four goals in his last ten matches for Chelsea in all competitions. Lukaku is known for his anchor play and good finishing abilities. 

6. Gustavo Scarpa – Palmeiras

Gustavo Scarpa was in commando form throughout the last season alongside Raphael Veiga. The duo decided how the midfield was run. It proved vital, most especially during the Copa Libertadores Final.

Gustavo plays with his left foot and is known for his attacking style of play. His concentration is at the left flank, where he could easily make ball-winning runs and provide good assist for the forward line.

Last season was a hit, and Gustavo has already begun the 2022 season with the same spirit. The 28-year old is known for his ability to provide assist consistently.

7. Maximiliano Meza – CF Monterrey

Argentine footballer Maximiliano Meza has been one of the best midfielders at CF Monterrey this season. The 29-year old midfielder is well known for his attacking play and crosses, which has helped the club.

I’m sorry Nicolo

Maximiliano Meza has stolen the #NutmegOfTheWeek award 🥇

Absolutely disgraceful meg 😈🔥pic.twitter.com/KBXaoyVSoQ https://t.co/3MZ2vF14qc

— Uncle $harma 🎙️ (@RSharmzz) October 29, 2021

Maximiliano may not be your regular goal-scoring midfielder, but he’s good at crosses that have led to goal scoring opportunities. In his last ten matches for Monterrey, he scored twice and provided three assists.

On January 15, CF Monterrey humiliated Club Necaxa 4-0 on the road, with Maximiliano Meza assisting the first goal and scoring the game’s second goal.

8. Muteb Almufarrij – Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia

Muteb Almufarrij is one of the fearless defenders of the Saudi League. He is known for cutting off dangerous balls from high pressing attacks.

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The Saudi Arabian plays deep inside his half and is always ready to repel an attack. At least, this has been the reason for his constant high match ratings.

9. Hakim Ziyech – Chelsea

Being left out of Morocco’s 2021 AFCON squad came as a shock but ended with lots of blessings for the Chelsea forward, who had some lapses at the beginning of his career at the club.

Ziyech is currently one of Chelsea’s best attackers, known for his accurate long-range shot at most times just outside the 18-yard box of the opponent.

2021 wasn’t a great year for the 28-year old.

So far in 2022, Hakim Ziyech best performance was during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, where he finished the game with a high rating of 8.0.

Moving forward, Hakim provided an assist during Chelsea’s 5-1 bashing of Chesterfield in the FA Cup. The deep playmaker was busy in the flank and constantly provided good balls forward for Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku.

10. Nasser Al-Dawsari – Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia

Young but vibrant, Nasser Al-Dawsari has continued to fill his confers with lots of praises from the club’s fans, lauding his confidence and fearless approach to his game.

The 23-year old Saudi Arabian footballer plays at the left-wing. He is not necessarily concerned about going forward but rather a supporting role.

So far, Nasser Al-Dawsari average rating per match stood at 6.90, with many improvements from him, resulting from the trust in him by coach Leonardo Jardim.

11. Mason Mount – Chelsea

Mason Mount has become a new figure at Chelsea since last season. The 23-year old English Midfielder who prefers to play with his right has continued to grow in his position.

Mount has been consistent in the first team and has constantly recorded an average rating of 6.0. In the last ten matches for Chelsea, Mount has provided three assists, including the 2-0 Premier League defeat of Tottenham Hotspur.

Mason Mount is one of the best Chelsea players to watch at the FIFA Club World Cup.

12. Mohamed El-Shenawy – Al Ahly Egypt

Mohamed El-Shenawy is arguably one of the best African based goalkeepers over the last few years. The Egyptian has been in between the sticks for the record Champions since moving to the club from Petrojet in 2016.

So far, Mohamed El-Shenawy’s saves and efforts have helped Al Ahly with two CAF Champions League and two Super Cup trophies. He’s also won the Egyptian Premier League and the FA Cup with the club.

The 33-year old goalkeeper has an average rating of 6.0 in almost every game he’s played in the CAF Champions League and domestic matches.

13. Rony – Palmeiras

Rony’s remarkable performance for Palmeiras cannot go unnoticed. The Brazilian attacker proved vital in last season’s Copa Libertadores triumph.

In the 2021 season, he played 28 matches and had an average rating of 6.0. He also contributed immensely to the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores impressive outing.

14. Taher Mohamed – Al Ahly Egypt

24-year old Egyptian forward Taher Mohamed is a big threat whenever he is on the move. He plays more of a direct role and is always well-positioned for the right pass to arrive.

In summary, Taher Mohamed is that forward who could score when he is not expected to do so. He was on target in the CAF Super Cup win over Raja Casablanca.

Taher Mohamed, a goal threat, is expected to lead Al Ahly to victory at the FIFA Club World Cup.

15. Joel Campbell – CF Monterrey

Former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell has found his best form in the Mexican Liga MX with CF Monterrey. The Costa Rican has been impressive so far this season.

Campbell did not play much for Arsenal during his European adventure. He was on loan at several clubs, including Real Betis Balompié, Frosinone, Sporting CP, Villarreal CF, etc.

16. Erick Aguirre – CF Monterrey

Erick Aguirre is one of the best defenders at CF Monterrey. The 24-year old has consistently kept his place in the first team and is gradually becoming an untouchable figure in the first team.

Erick Aguirre is the right footer who’s capable of breaking play entirely. He’s also known for his defensive mindset, which has helped him.

17. Victor Sá – Al Jazira UAE

Victor Sá is a Brazilian footballer who plays a forward for Al Jazira FC. Sá is one of the biggest names at the club.

The 27-year old attacker joined the club from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2019. He’s also played for other European clubs like LASK and Kapfenberger SV.

Victor Sá was on target in Al Jazira Presidents Cup loss to AL-Wahda.

18. Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea

Mateo Kovačić is one of the best players at Chelsea this season. The 27-year old doesn’t score many goals. Kovačić is one of the most outstanding players in the English Premier League.