Arsenal will have ten players representing their respective nations in the 2022 FIFA World Cup which is about to begin in Qatar soon. This prestigious FIFA competition is happening for the first time in the Middle East in the tournament’s history.
Let’s focus on three of those ten Arsenal players and try to see how they will fare in this 2022 World Cup.
Matt Turner (United States)
Matt Turner is having a frustrating campaign at the Emirates Stadium as he has struggled to earn enough playing opportunities under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta. However, the 28-year-old has been a regular for the Gunners in the UEFA Europa League where he has conceded just one goal and kept three clean sheets so far this season.
Turner is expected to be the United States of America’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup, barring any late injuries. He has to figure out a way to make a few world-class saves during the tournament if the USA are to secure qualification from their World Cup group.
Aaron Ramsdale (England)
Aaron Ramsdale will probably be Gareth Southgate’s first-team keeper in this edition of the FIFA World Cup. He is having an excellent season with Arsenal as he has managed to produce a series of impressive displays in goal for the North London club. The 24-year-old has conceded 13 goals and secured eight clean sheets in 16 matches for the Gunners this season across all fronts.
We can expect Ramsdale to be a regular starter for the Three Lions. Southgate would have to rely on his goal-keeping skillset if England are to have a successful tournament in Qatar.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan)
The Japan international has often played second-fiddle to Ben White in Mikel Arteta’s squad this season. The 24-year-old has still managed to be involved in 17 matches for Arsenal this season, picking up one assist in the process across all competitions.
Despite making most of his Premier League appearances off the bench, Tomiyasu deserves credit for averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per game in league football. He has even been tidy when interchanging possession with his teammates from the right flank, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 83.8% in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
Tomiyasu will no doubt play a bigger role for Japan when the World Cup gets underway on November 20. His experience and versatility will make him an important member of Hajime Moriyasu’s squad later this month.
