With the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup firmly underway, many players have produced standout performances in the competition.
The tournament’s progression from the round of 16 towards the quarterfinals provides the perfect opportunity to pause and look at who has turned heads with their contributions on the pitch.
Goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou – GK, Al Hilal
The former Sevilla shot-stopper registered two clean sheets in three group games, and managed the second best save percentage in the group stage behind only Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois.

However, Courtois’ failure to stop a penalty in Real Madrid’s opening game against Al Hilal keeps him from a spot in the Team of the Tournament so far.
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi – RB, Paris Saint-Germain
The Moroccan defender has continued his fine form from last season, even managing to get his name on the scoresheet in PSG’s round of 16 triumph over Inter Miami.
Hakimi has dominated on the pitch, his presence and experience bolstering PSG’s defence and his ability to advance up the pitch allowing for offensive versatility.
Rayan Aït-Nouri – LB, Manchester City
One of Pep Guardiola’s new signings, Aït-Nouri has proven his worth. He has linked-up well with Jérémy Doku on the left of the pitch and stood out among a star-studded line up in City’s 5-2 thrashing of Juventus in their last group stage game.
Nicolás Otamendi – CB, Benfica
Despite his side’s exit from the tournament at the hands of Chelsea, Nicolás Otamendi has proven his pedigree at the Club World Cup.
The veteran defender played a crucial role in shutting down Bayern Munich’s attack in their group stage encounter, with the Argentine registering the most aerial duels won during the group stage.
Alessandro Bastoni – CB, Inter Milan
Alessandro Bastoni has established himself as one of the world’s best, helping guide Inter to the UEFA Champions League final. The Italian’s ability to advance up the pitch combined with his classic defensive style make Inter a dangerous team on the counter-attack.
Midfielders
Enzo Fernandes – CM, Chelsea
Having provided two assists for his teammates at the tournament, Enzo Fernandes is living up to his price tag for The Blues. The midfielder has been in fine form for Chelsea, netting in their opening fixture against LAFC.
He has started all of Chelsea’s four games at the tournament so far and continues to be the spark for his side in midfield.
Richard Ríos – CM, Palmeiras
Ríos has been crucial to Palmeiras’ success at the Club World Cup. The Colombian international has shown both imposing physicality and impressive technique in the midfield so far, proving his well-rounded game belongs on the big stage.
Michael Olise – CM/RW, Bayern Munich
Although he has played on the right wing this tournament, Olise slots into the midfield for the Team of the Tournament So Far.

Entering his second season at Bayern, the French international looks in a class of his own. His incredible individual performance against Boca Juniors cemented his place in the side, while he also bagged a brace against Auckland City.
Forwards
Thembinkosi Lorch – LW, Wydad AC
Thembinkosi Lorch stood out as Wydad’s best player at the tournament. The South African put on a masterclass against Manchester City, giving Pep Guardiola’s defenders a tough time.

Despite Wydad’s exit from the tournament, Lorch has certainly turned heads with his attacking play and ability to create chances.
Igor Jesus – ST, Botafogo
Brazilian striker Igor Jesus has impressed at the Club World Cup, earning himself a move to
Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The attacker scored twice in the group stage, including the winning goal in Botafogo’s miraculous win over European Champions PSG. In addition, only Otamendi won more aerial duels in the group stage.
Pedro Neto – RW, Chelsea
Pedro Neto has come into his own under manager Enzo Maresca. The winger has netted in all three appearances for Chelsea at the tournament so far, including an extra-time goal in Chelsea’s round of 16 win over Benfica.
His pace, ability to finish and create opportunities for teammates make him a dangerous threat for any defence to deal with.
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