How did Yorkshire-Based Players Fare at the World Cup?
The World Cup brings so much excitement to the entire globe and people all over the Earth are glued to their screens to see how well their country is faring even if they have little to no interest in football; they may have even seen new betting offers that helped the enjoyment!
However, it is a global festival like no other and it is many football fans’ favourite time. One month of solid football, with some of the world’s best talents on show each and every day. This World Cup has been intense with four games played a day but it has not deterred many from watching all the games; in some cases, there have been split screens to enjoy the matches that clashed!
As well as being able to watch their country, people also like to see how their club layers have done at the World Cup. With this World Cup halting the English season just before Christmas it has certainly been the case for fans of Leeds United and Sheffield United who have players representing various countries in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
With both sides in the top two divisions, it has been a joy to see Yorkshire teams represented on the biggest stage. It is a shame that other Championship sides Rotherham United, Hull City, and Huddersfield Town did not but club fans will be focussing on their team improving on recent performances rather than a player playing in the World Cup!
So which players made the cut? Which players played well and which ones did not play so well? Did all the players play? Let’s take a look.
Illiman N’Diaye- Senegal and Sheffield United
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been an ever-present player for Sheffield United since they returned to the Championship and has been a major factor in them being so close to the top of the table. This was noted by the Senegalese boss Aliou Cisse and he made the plane to Qatar.
N’Diaye made two starts for Senegal after coming off the bench against Qatar and assisting Bamba Dieng for the all-important goal in a 3-1 win. This earned him a start against Ecuador where he put in a steady performance in their epic 2-1 win to set up a tie with England.
With many Sheffield United fans anticipating N’Diaye to be the dangerman, they were left disappointed (but not so disappointed with an England win) that he endured a rather forgettable game and he was hooked at half-time.
Tyler Adams- USA and Leeds United
Captain America himself! Adams was ever-present starting four games the USMNT and has attracted much attention along the way. Leeds United fans will not have been surprised that Adams enjoyed such a good World Cup because he had been playing so well for the Yorkshire side.
Taking the armband Adams put in high-quality performances in the heart of midfield against Iran and their opening game against Wales. He commanded the centre midfield and played every single minute of the USA’s campaign before falling short in the Round of 16 against the Netherlands.
Inter Milan are just one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in Adams despite only signing for Leeds at the start of the season.
Brenden Aaronson- USA and Leeds United
Another one of the Jesse Marsch American revolution, Aaronson signed for Leeds at the start of the year, and the tricky attacking midfielder has been a big part of the Leeds United side. However, at this World Cup he has been used as a bit part player.
As stated, USA played four games and Aaronson did take part in all of them but only as a substitute. The biggest chance he had to impress was coming on at halftime against Iran but he was limited to a handful of minutes against Wales, England, and the Netherlands.
Adam Davies- Wales and Sheffield United
The backup Sheffield United keeper was the third choice during the Wales campaign and did not feature at all. However, he may have gotten his chance after first-choice Wayne Hennesey was sent off against Iran but manager Rob Page decided to play Danny Ward instead.
Rasmus Kristensen- Denmark and Leeds United
It was an incredibly disappointing World Cup for Denmark who departed a lot earlier than they thought they should have done. However, the right-back featured and started in every single game in the group stage.
Another new recruit for Leeds this summer Kristensen has been used a lot by Marsch. He did impress against France but crashing out in the group stage will not live long in the memory for the 25-year-old Dane as he sets sights on returning to Leeds and helping them avoid the dreaded drop.
Dan James- Wales and Leeds United (on loan from Fulham)
An honourable mention to the Leeds United player who played in all three of Wales’ games. However, the pacey winger was unable to really influence the games as Wales really struggled.
He came closest in the England game by shooting just wide making Jordan Pickford scramble to his far post.
