Kylian Mbappe emerged as France’s star player during their run to the World Cup 2018 title. And as Les Bleus look to defend their title at World Cup 2022, Mbappe appears to be even more key to their hopes of retaining their crown.
Meanwhile, who are the key players in France’s three Group D foes and can they lead their respective teams to victory?
Read on below as SBOTOP examines in close detail the key players for each team in World Cup 2022 Group D.
France – Kylian Mbappe
The World Cup 2022 odds have France among the favourites to win the tournament, and having so many fantastic players to call upon is a major reason why. But among the galaxy of stars at Didier Deschamps’ disposal, Kylian Mbappe clearly shines as the brightest.
Despite the drama he has brought – particularly to his club Paris Saint-Germain – both on and off the pitch over the last few months, it is undeniable that Mbappe is a truly sensational player who is worth all the headaches.
Mbappe already showed in France’s run in World Cup 2018 just what a crucial impact he can make in a major tournament. At just 19 years old, Mbappe scored four goals en route to Les Bleus lifting the title. But Mbappe was a massive disappointment in Euro 2020, which saw the French fall in the round of 16.
Even with the combustible nature of Mbappe and the entire French team, they are still quite clearly a force to be reckoned with, especially if the key to their team – Kylian Mbappe – can unlock his true potential once more in Qatar.
Australia – Mathew Leckie
The Australia of the present are not the Asian powerhouse of years past. Gone are the days of Socceroos like Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Brett Emerton starring in the Premier League, then representing their nation in the World Cup stage.
These days, it’s Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie leading a Socceroos squad that is a tad short on talent. That’s why they needed to go through the inter-confederation play-offs to make it to their fifth World Cup in a row.
The Aussies haven’t won in each of their last two World Cup appearances, though, and if they stand a chance of quenching their thirst for victory in Qatar, then Leckie will be a key player for them.
The 31-year-old forward is the team’s most prolific goal threat with 13 goals in 73 appearances. The Melbourne City man moved back to the A League after over a decade in the Bundesliga, and his return to goalscoring form could be a huge boost to the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign.
Denmark – Christian Eriksen
It’s incredible to think that a year and a half after his near-death experience at Euro 2020, Christian Eriksen will be coming into World Cup 2022 as a still-crucial member of Denmark’s plans.
But the Manchester United man remains far and away the most dangerous attacking force Denmark have on their squad, and he will have to continue carrying a heavy burden offensively.
Not only will he be tasked with providing opportunities for his teammates, but he will also be expected to contribute when chances are presented to him in front of goal. He is quite capable of that, though, as he is just one goal shy of becoming just the fifth Dane to break the 40-goal mark.
Denmark will do at the World Cup what they’ve done during coach Kasper Hjulmand’s mostly successful reign, which is to be quite solid at the back and rely on Eriksen to help them eke out goals. As long as Eriksen is fit and in decent form, then the Danes stand a decent chance of getting the latter in Qatar.
Tunisia – Wahbi Khazri
Unlike their other African neighbours, Tunisia have not been able to consistently produce top-class individual players. And yet, the Eagles of Carthage are off to their second straight World Cup finals, which is a testament to their overall strength as a team.
Nevertheless, Tunisia will still be heavily reliant on the talents of captain Wahbi Khazri. The 31-year-old is Tunisia’s second-leading scorer of all time with 24 goals in 71 caps and like Eriksen, much rests on Khazri’s shoulders in terms of carrying the load offensively for his country.
Youssef Msakni (17 goals in 87 caps) will do his best to deliver some World Cup 2022 highlights, but Khazri is the more dynamic attacker who has done it on the big stage, and it won’t come any bigger than World Cup 2022.
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