“Here We Scout” with Fabrizio Romano: Global Cup Standouts to Target for Knockout Stage
The first wave of group-stage matches from the world’s biggest sporting event is finished, and there was no shortage of highlights! There were also lots of takeaways for Sorare: Global Cup ’22 when it comes to setting your roster for the next phase of the competition.
With Global Cup Matchday 3 underway — which covers the final slate of group matches, Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 — here are standout players at each position to target in your lineups for the knockout stage, which kicks off Saturday, Dec. 3.
Andries Noppert | Position: Goalkeeper | Team: Netherlands | Cost: 12 points
The Dutch keeper conceded just one goal in two games and displayed top leadership in key moments. Noppert is one of the early surprises of the tournament, averaging 60 points per Global Cup Matchday. Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal trusts Noppert, and it’s paid off as he’s been rock solid in both matches. In 2020, Noppert spent time as a free agent; now he’s a starter at SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie and is proving a lot of people wrong.
Theo Hernandez | Defender | France | 16 points
Theo Hernandez, who took the place of injured brother Lucas, is thriving for France. The left-back has been the top player of Global Cup so far, tallying 100 points in each of his two matches and showing off his impressive speed, passing, attacking prowess and chemistry with Kylian Mbappé. Just like with club team AC Milan, Theo Hernandez is a difference-maker for Les Bleus and should be in your Global Cup lineup moving forward.
Enzo Fernandez | Midfielder | Argentina | 14 points
Fernandez’s importance to Argentina was made clear in the Mexico match: Leading El Tri 1–0 at the end of a must-win game, the 21-year-old scored a brilliant goal to secure the victory. It showed that beyond bringing quality and an aggressive mentality, Fernandez can produce goals. “I’m not surprised by Enzo,” said Lionel Messi after the match. “I know him and I see him train every day. He deserves it, because he’s a spectacular player”.
When discussing “modern midfielders,” Fernandez has to be included given his style and skillset. Benfica has instilled in him a European mentality and approach to go along with great structure as an Argentine player inspired by Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate. He’s averaging 51 Global Cup points through two matches, and is one to target for the remainder of the tournament.
Richarlison | Forward | Brazil | 12 points
Though Richarlison had a subdued showing against Switzerland, the Tottenham striker was man of the match for Brazil in its opening win over Serbia, turning in a two-goal, 78-point Global Cup performance. His fine form can be attributed to his approach: Richarlison is focused but relaxed, enjoying the moment but also fighting for the squad. And that’s exactly what Brazil manager Tite needs on a team full of stars.
Extra player to round out your roster:
Sofyan Amrabat | Midfielder | Morocco | 9 points
Morocco is undefeated and one of the surprise teams of the tournament, having upset Belgium and battled Croatia to a draw. Amrabat is a big reason for the team’s success: Against Belgium he covered more than 11 kilometers (nearly 7 miles) while posting 95% passing accuracy. He’s also averaging 54 points per Matchday in Global Cup.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui has labeled Amrabat “a top player,” and the midfielder will help determine how far the team advances. If you’re looking for a high-value roster addition, Amrabat is an early breakout to target.
