Qatar vs Ecuador, FIFA World Cup 2022: Top Players To Watch Out For

FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick-off with a match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday, 20 November at 9:30 pm IST. Ahead of the tournament opener, let's have a look at top players to watch out for.

FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick-off with a match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday, 20 November at 9:30 pm IST. Ahead of the tournament opener, let's have a look at top players to watch out for.

Qatar's Akram Afif, since last season (September 2021), has been directly involved in more goals in the Qatar Stars League than any other player (31 – 14 goals, 17 assists) and has provided more assists in the Qatar Stars League than any other player (17). Pic: AFP

Qatar's Almoez Ali scored nine goals back in the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 to help lead Qatar to their first title win. He was also the top scoring player for Qatar in that competition. Pic: AFP

Qatar's Hassan Al Haydos hasn't been on the losing side in any of his last 37 matches in the Qatar Stars League, scoring nine goals and assisting 14 in the process. Haydos is also all-time Qatar appearance record holder. Pic: AFP

With 67 touches in the opposition’s box, Michael Estrada was joint-second in this regard in the 2022 CONMEBOL qualifiers, ranked behind only Marcelo Martins (86). Pic: AFP

No Ecuadorian player regained possession in the middle third of the pitch during the 2022 CONMEBOL qualifiers more than Carlos Gruezo (67) - the fourth-highest total in the competition. Pic: AFP

Félix Torres made more clearances for Ecuador during the 2022 CONMEBOL qualifiers than any other player, clearing the ball 34 times in the competition. Pic: AFP