As 11 representatives from Tottenham Hotspur participated at the World Cup, we decided to rank them based on their displays at football’s grandest stage.
- Richarlison made a mockery about all the question marks aimed at aim as Brazil’s striker heading into the World Cup by scoring 3 goals
What’s more impressive is that two of his strikes are potential contenders for Goal of the Tournament, as other aspects such as his link-up play, pressing and footwork stood out as well.
Numero uno and very well-deserved, might we add.
2. Harry Kane still finished 2nd despite penalty miss
Yes, Harry Kane’s penalty was a howler. But all round, the England captain led the line in brilliant fashion.
Dropping deep and running the show for the Three Lions, Kane arguably enjoyed his best major tournament under Gareth Southgate, as his impact was there for all to witness.
3. Hugo Lloris is worthy of 3rd spot for still being ever-reliable for France
While France have largely been untroubled at the back, Hugo Lloris has come up clutch every time he has been called upon. Against England, an argument can be made that had it not been for the Tottenham No.1, Les Bleus would have exited the tournament.
The mark of a top goalkeeper is to make the most crucial saves when called into action and Lloris has done so at the World Cup, which is why he deserves 3rd spot in our rankings.
4. Ivan Perisic rescued Croatia against Japan, which catapults his name in our list
Perhaps the biggest compliment one can give to Ivan Perisic is that his bullet header to level the scores in Croatia’s Round of 16 clash against Japan was Cristiano Ronaldo-esque.
While some may be surprised by why Perisic has been ranked at 4th spot, it is key to remind many that Zlatko Dalic’s men have struggled up top. However, Perisic delivered when it most mattered, and is expected to in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina as well.
5. Son Heung-min needs his credit for singlehandedly securing South Korea’s qualification into the knockouts
As South Korea’s clash against Portugal looked set to finish 1-1, Son Heung-min left several opposition defenders for dead with his searing pace in the dying embers of the contest before threading through a sumptuous through ball to assist Hwang Hee-chan’s winner.
The Spurs winger perhaps put in the best assist of the competition and that too right at the death, which led to South Korea qualifying for the Round of 16. Just for that moment of magic, the 30-year-old earns 5th spot in our rankings.
6. Rodrigo Bentancur gets 6th spot, mainly because of Uruguay’s failings
While Uruguay were arguably one of the World Cup’s biggest disappointments, their only potential bright spark was Rodrigo Bentancur.
The 25-year-old took the shine from Federico Valverde, as he still showed shades of his usual self at Spurs.
For instance, Bentancur’s excellent display in Uruguay’s 2-0 loss against Portugal is a prime example. Even in the 0-0 draw against South Korea, the ex-Juventus midfielder was the best of a bad bunch.
7. Cristian Romero finishes 7th for an unconvincing World Cup campaign
Some may see Cristian Romero book his place in a World Cup semi-final and be puzzled by why he has finished 7th. But assessing Romero’s tournament is an insight into why he has flattered to deceive.
In Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, it was the former Atalanta defender who was at fault for the opener. While against Australia as well, the 24-year-old was part of a backline that looked almost guaranteed to concede at one point.
Nicolas Otamendi has outshone him in Qatar, while it is telling that he lost his place to Lisandro Martinez against the Netherlands. Overall, an average tournament for the Tottenham colossus.
8. Pierre Emile-Hojberg gets 8th spot as part of a disappointing Denmark side
Heading into the World Cup, Denmark were most fans’ dark horses. As the Danish disappointed, it seemed like not a single player wishes to stand up and be counted.
Amongst them is Pierre Emile-Hojberg, who was uncharacteristically anonymous throughout the competition.
9. 9th spot is deserved for Ben Davies as part of a poor Welsh defence
Whilst conceding 3 goals to England is not the end of the world from a Welsh perspective, leaking 3 in two games to USA and Iran certainly is.
And Davies was one of the leaders of one of the worst backlines in the tournament, which is why he cannot earn a high ranking from us.
10. Eric Dier and Pape Matar-Sarr share 10th spot
Considering both Tottenham players made two appearances off the bench, there is no way to split them.
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