Roster Prediction 2.0: Who can take Canada to the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022?
After a 4-0 home win on Curacao, the Canadian men’s team ended in a 2-1 loss against Honduras in June. This was not the most productive period for Canada, both on and off the field. A labor dispute has resulted in the cancellation of an already rescheduled friendly against Panama. Qatar FIFA World Cup fans to buy Canada Football World Cup Tickets from our website.
Which was scheduled with less than a week’s notice due to the cancellation of the game against Iran. Combined with two Concacaf National League games that contrasted in field conditions and atmosphere, the Canadians had an unforgettable week.
But there is still a period in September Canada to prepare for the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022. This will be the final round to test any tactical wrinkles and, most importantly, close any gaps in the standard 23-man or expanded 26-man roster, subject to FIFA’s final decision on roster size.
With that in mind, here’s an updated, in-depth map of who has supported or hindered their business from boarding flights to Doha. Here’s a refresher on the first roster projections of March.
Goalkeeper
• Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade)
Maxime Crepeau (LAFC)
• Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)
In that regard, nothing has changed. Although Milan Borjan started both games, Maxime Crepeau and Dayne Saint Clair should keep their places on the roster if they remain starters for their respective clubs.
However, the future of Borjan’s club will be an interesting storyline between now and November. He reportedly received an offer from an undisclosed MLS team in December after an altercation with Red Star Belgrade coach Dejan Stankovic at the time. Both appear to have dropped the axe as Borjan was eventually reappointed as a starter and helped Red Star to a sixth consecutive Serbian Premier League title and another Serbian cup this season.
But Borjan, who still has a year contract with Red Star and is 34 years old, can set his sights on a new challenge at the club level. He is unlikely to leave and jeopardize his chances of starting at the World Cup, but it is something to keep an eye on this summer.
Whose stocks are affected?
When only one keeper starts the window and is number 1 on the team, it is unfair to judge if someone’s form has been compromised. What we do know is that the three goalkeepers will be locked into the World Cup unless they get injured or relinquish their respective clubs.
Left Back
• Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor)
That’s where FIFA allows countries to name 26-man rosters, and Canada rightly does so. If it’s still the standard 23 players, it’s easy to name Sam Adekugbe and Alphonso Davies as the only left-back options. An additional slot, if any, can now be opened on that side. FIFA World Cup 2022 fans to buy Canada Vs Morocco Tickets from our website.
While Raheem Edwards got a well-deserved call-up in this window thanks to his stellar performance at LA Galaxy, he didn’t play in any Nations League games. In the game against Honduras, former Toronto FC player Richie Laryea was chosen as left-back and Adekugbe rested before the game.
Even with the possibility of three extra spots, it’s unlikely that John Herdman will summon ‘new’ faces unless they absolutely blow him away in the coming months.
However, Adekugbe will almost certainly be on a plane to Qatar FIFA World Cup, he was often one of Canada's best players. He formed new chemistry with Davies on the left wing against Curacao and played regularly for 90 minutes. At worst, Laryea moves to that flank, or Davies is pulled further.
Whose stocks are affected?
Edwards himself did nothing wrong. He was just late. In addition, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Christian Gutierrez was regularly called up during World Cup qualifiers. Still, he hasn’t played enough minutes in Vancouver so far to warrant a return to the team. But if either side goes through at this stage, it will be Edwards because of his club form.
Center Back
Kalmar Miller (CF Montreal)
Scott Kennedy (Jan Regensburg)
Steven Vitoria (Moreirense)
Doneil Henry (LAFC)
Joel Waterman (CF Montreal)
If there’s one position that could benefit from a bigger depth chart, it’s the centre-back. Herdman likes to alternate between three-man and four-man defences, and the top four seems like the best option at this stage. Football World Cup fans to buy Belgium Vs Canada Tickets from our website.
However, Canada lacks right-footed options as a central defender. Apart from Alistair Johnston, no one else on the recent team can adequately fill that role. If Doneil Henry wasn’t a direct replacement for Steven Vitoria, he could have done it.
It also depends on the formation. Having a central defender who can easily play from behind is crucial when using a three-man defence when in possession of the ball. That’s where Joel Waterman comes in. Waterman was on the protracted list for this window but missed out on the final squad.
RIGHT BACK
• Alistair Johnston (CF Montréal)
• Richie Laryea (Nottingham Forest)
Johnston is the obvious choice as a centre-back and right-back. In this window, he emphasizes why. He worked well with Tajon Buchanan on the wing, became a good defender, made some great crosses in the penalty area and defended heroically from the ball. Johnston then returned to central defender against Honduras and despite conceding two goals, he didn’t really make a mistake.
Laryea, meanwhile, made two appearances in two Nations League matches – as a substitute and as a starter. After patiently waiting for his debut, Laryea played five games for Nottingham Forest, but that didn’t change his position in Canada. The 27-year-old has performed at a high level for the national team and Herdman is counting on him as usual.
Neither player should have any problems in the end.
Whose stocks are affected?
The fact that Johnston now regularly plays as a right-back for CF Montréal adds an interesting wrinkle to this battle on the right. His offence, especially his cross, has improved a lot this season and if Johnston continues to build the chemistry with Buchanan, Herdman may have no choice but to move the former Nashville SC player to the sidewalk.
This can have a knock-on effect on Laryea. That will not result in his elimination, but his playing time in Qatar could be shortened. However, with three games and three very different opponents at short notice, Herdman will have to give it his all – including Laryea. Qatar World Cup 2022 fans to buy Football World Cup Tickets from our website.
Defensive Midfielder
Stephen Eustaquio (Porto)
Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas)
Samuel Piette (CF Montreal)
Liam Fraser (KMSK Deinze)
At this point, there is no need to explain or justify the addition of Stephen Eustaquio’s. He is arguably Canada’s most important player.
So did Atiba Hutchinson. At 39, he could break the record for oldest field player to appear at a World Cup, but he doesn’t play like a 40-year-old. His composure, anticipation and leadership are all crucial for Canada to make noise in Qatar.
Samuel Piette’s last appearance before June was against Honduras in January. He injured his ankle and did not return to CF Montréal until the end of April. He’s a trusted veteran and a solid defence, so when he’s healthy, he’s on the plane.
Little is known about Liam Fraser’s status, but he was an excellent central midfield coordinator, pushing the ball and breaking the line in the process. These are invaluable tools for second-half substitutes when Canada has to tear down a stubborn defence.
Whose stocks are affected?
Fraser’s stock took a hit when Piet returned to the market. Calling up four defensive midfielders may not be necessary, but they all have different qualities. In addition, Hutchinson did not have enough time to play 90 minutes in all three games. A save is necessary, which is why the Deinze midfielder can advance.
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