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The World Cup is finally here. A few months later than normal but here nonetheless. The team at RotoBaller has you covered for all your World Cup needs. We'll bring you DFS articles, game previews, and betting picks throughout the competition.
To get things going, we're previewing different international clubs every day through the big kick-off on Sunday, November 20. Today we continue the previews with Senegal.
We'll be covering a brief snapshot of the nation's World Cup history, what to expect from the nation, a few highlighted players from the nation, and their predicted starting 11.
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Preview
The Lions of Teranga suffered a devastating blow before World Cup play kicked off. Sadio Mané sustained an injury in Bayern Munich's 6-1 victory on November 8. Senegal, ranked 18th in the world by FIFA, will be without their star winger for the World Cup. Stacking up against the odds, Senegal aims to make the World Cup quarterfinals for the second time in program history.
Netherlands headlines Group A, where Senegal lands along with Ecuador and Qatar. The Dutch are the heavy favorites to win the group, while Senegal is the projected group runner-up. Senegal and Netherlands kick their tournament off against each other on Monday, November 21st. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, Senegal, is by all means not lacking in talent. Over half of their 2018 World Cup starting lineup returns, including world-class goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The group that Senegal lands in is quite favorable. The Lions of Teranga are well positioned to place top two in group play. If Senegal were to take second in their group behind the Netherlands, they would then play the Group B winner which is expected to be England. Iran, Wales, and the USA round out the rest of Group B. Senegal will need some things to fall in their favor in order to make a deep run in the tournament.
Prediction: Second in Group A, lose in the round of 16
Who is Starting for Senegal's Squad in the 2022 World Cup?
Predicted Starting 11 (4-5-1): E. Mendy, F. Mendy, Cisse, Koulibaly, Ballo-Toure, Diatta, I. Sarr, P. Sarr, I. Gueye, N. Mendy, Dia
Alternate Options By Position:
GK: Gomis, Dieng
DF: Jakobs, Diallo, Sabaly
MF: Kouyate, Loum, Name, Gueye, Ciss
FW: Mané, Dieng, Ndiaye, Diedhiou, Jackson
Who Are Senegal's Best Players To Watch?
Defense: Kalidou Koulibaly - CB (Chelsea)
Senegal's first match against the Netherlands will mark Kalidou Koulibaly's 65th appearance representing his nation. Koulibaly originally represented France before switching over to the Lions of Teranga. The 31-year-old center back is known for his field awareness, physicality, and well-rounded play. He is the captain of Senegal in this World Cup
Before joining Chelsea in July of this year, Koulibaly played his peak years at Napoli. At the pinnacle of his play, few defenders were better than the Senegalese footballer. Koulibaly was named the best defender in Serie A during the 2018-2019 season. The eldest defender on the Senegal roster, Koulibaly is the rock that solidifies Senegal heading into their third-ever World Cup.
Midfield: Idrissa Gueye - CM/CDM (Everton)
Idrissa Gueye is three games away from tying Senegal's record for most appearances representing the nation. With 96 caps, Gueye was listed as the vice-captain to Koulibaly by head coach Aliou Cissé. At 33 years old, Gueye is the eldest member of the team and has passed his prime. The stingy center-mid was an integral piece in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League runner-up finish in 2020.
Gueye completed the most tackles in the 2016-17 Premier League season. Known for his defensive awareness and ball-winning skills, Gueye remains one of the most cerebral players in the world. The defensive midfielder commands Senegal's starting eleven and is the X-factor in how they perform in the tournament. Idrissa Gueye has shown signs of age recently, but the 33-year-old must piece together a masterful display for Senegal to make a legitimate run.
Forward: Ismaïla Sarr - RW (Watford)
Ismaïla Sarr and Watford have alternated between the Premier League and the English Football League over the last four years, as they have squandered to stay above relegation. Just 24 years old, Sarr has already accumulated 48 caps for the Lions of Teranga. His ten goals representing Senegal are tied for the most on Senegal's roster heading into the World Cup.
The 6'1" winger will need to step up in the absence of Sadio Mané. Sarr is arguably Senegal's most significant asset on the attack. Mané leaves big shoes to fill as he is the nation's leading goalscorer of all time. No one can match his playmaking ability, but Ismaïla Sarr is one of several young Senegalese footballers with a grand opportunity. Watford's right wing will need to spark Senegal's attack for Senegal to be a threat in this year's World Cup.
