Senegal is not one of those classic teams that the average fan cites when it comes to the best teams in the world. For a long time they were not seriously considered the best team in Africa. But this has changed largely unnoticed in recent years.
In particular, winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year is a prime example of how good the team has become around superstar Sadio Mané. Of course, Senegal now wants to prove this on the big stage and play a good role in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar .
Senegal will face hosts Qatar, the Netherlands and Ecuador in Group A of the World Cup . The match against the Netherlands, although not the official opening match of the 2022 World Cup , is the first match of the tournament, which starts on November 21. We take a look at the squad that coach Aliou Cissé will start with in the final.
Possible Senegal squad for the 2022 World Cup, including line-up.
Senegal traditionally plays in an offensive 4-3-3. This system was often used in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and was also mainly practiced in Africa's qualifiers at the 2022 World Cup . In the continental tournament, Cissé's team also played twice in a 4-4-2 double-six, but these were the exceptions. In general, Cissé can count on numerous legionnaires from the best clubs.
Archers.
In goal, things are clear for Senegal. Edouard Mendy, 30, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, is the undisputed number 1. His substitute is Alfred Gomis (Stade Rennes). The third goalkeeper is likely to be Seny Dieng (Queens Park Rangers), who was also part of Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad.
Defenses.
The central defense is made up of captain Kalidou Koulibaly (SSC Napoli) and 26-year-old Abdou Diallo (Paris Saint-Germain). Pape Abou Cissé (Olympiacos Piraeus) and Abdoulaye Seck (Royal Antwerp) are available as substitutes.
Bouna Sarr of German record champion FC Bayern Munich is back right. Saliou Ciss (AS Nancy) is sure to start at left back. Alternatively, Fodé Ballo-Touré (AC Milan) takes a seat on the bench. Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis Sevilla) and Ibrahima Mbaye (Bologna FC) are also available as left-backs.
Midfielders.
In the African Cup of Nations, Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City) regularly received the confidence of the defensive midfield. French legionnaire Idrissa Gueye (Paris Saint-Germain) and Premier League pro Cheikhou Kouyaté (Crystal Palace) are likely to play in eighth position. Other alternatives for midfield would be Pape Gueye (Olympique de Marseille) and the only 20-year-old Pape Sarr (FC Metz).
Attackers.
Senegalese superstar Sadio Mané (Liverpool FC) is on the left wing. From time to time, the 30-year-old is also used on the right flank or as a center forward. Otherwise, Mame Thiam (Kayserispor) would be available for the left flank. Right winger Ismaila Sarr (Watford FC) has secured his place in the starting eleven. Krepin Diatta (AS Monaco) is considered his replacement.
Boulaye Dia (Villarreal FC) is likely to be the centre-forward, but he did play on the right flank at times in the African Cup of Nations. If this were also the case at the World Cup in Qatar, Famara Diedhiou (Alanyaspor) should be the first choice. Additionally, Habib Diallo (RC Strasbourg) would be available as a wild card in the Senegal squad.
Senegal national team at a glance: The most important information.
Senegal's jewels at the 2022 World Cup: The best is yet to come.
Senegal has international or even world-class players on every part of the team. And there are still outstanding talents growing up: Pape Sarr, for example, will be just 20 years old at the World Cup. Bamba Dieng will then be only 23 years old. There are young players in all parts of the team who have legally earned the expression of the jewel.
Also, many key players are still in their prime. For example, defender Diallo is only 26 in Qatar, Mané is 30. Koulibaby is 31 in Qatar. So all these players will be able to play for some time. Therefore, the jewelry can improve without pressure. Therefore, a promising future in the medium term seems to be assured for Senegal.
Senegal's chances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Senegal have received a relatively grateful group in the 2022 World Cup draw . It is against the hosts Qatar, the Netherlands and Ecuador. The European team is the favorite this season. So the Dutch should be able to secure first place in Group A if all goes well. Behind them, however, a duel between Ecuador and Senegal is to be expected when it comes to the question of who qualifies for the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 in second place.
Africans are anything but outsiders. Qatar have the weaker prospects but should be highly motivated given their home advantage. Senegal must not take this game too lightly, a loss of points here could be tragic. Overall, though, getting through to the knockout stage should be pretty doable.
Source images: FIFA.
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