AS Monaco Stars on Show at Qatar World Cup

The 2022 World Cup is here and football fans around the world will be glued to their televisions over the next month, as some of the finest players on the planet represent their countries with the aim of lifting the most prestigious trophy in international football.

As one of the elite teams in Europe, AS Monaco will also have some of its squad playing in Qatar. It might even be that some of them end up winning the competition, or claiming the top goalscorer award. Here is a rundown of all the Monaco players out in Qatar – and their chances of game time and glory.

France Squad

Ligue 1 is an international and cosmopolitan place these days. But, alongside players from countries all over the world, Monaco always has a few in the France national squad. Former stars, such as Kylian Mbappe, will be there, of course. But the current squad will also be well represented.

Both Axel Disasi and Youssouf Fofana are just starting off on their international careers and may not get too many minutes in Qatar. But they could provide expert cover for Les Bleus, especially if they go far in the tournament. A strong and rounded squad is just as important as a star player in international football.

Senegal Squad

Senegal will also have some representation from the principality. Ismail Jakobs was born in Germany and had been previously involved in the Germany U-21 set-up. But he has now chosen the country of his parents and already has two international caps to his name. He will now be part of the Senegal squad in Qatar.

Krepin Diatta will be an even more important part of the Lions of Teranga team though. He has proved irreplaceable in the Monaco midfield this season and provides the same kind of service for his national side. Without Sadio Mane, Senegal will be looking to players like Diatta to create chances for the strikers in the team.

Senegal have a very good chance of making it through to the knock-out rounds at this World Cup and Diatta could be the key for the team to go far in the tournament.

Samurai Blue

Takumi Minamino has become a huge favorite of the fans at the Stade Louis II after making the move from Liverpool in the summer. His fluid movements through the middle of the pitch have been a feature of Monaco’s play this season – and he is an integral part of the Japan national team too.

Although Jurgen Klopp was a huge admirer of Minamino, he didn’t really get enough game time at Anfield. His move to Monaco has boosted his career and he has been able to show just why he is one of the most experienced players in the Japan squad.

The Samurai Blue, as the Japan national side are known, have done well in the past at World Cup finals but are not fancied to do as well this year. His performances will surely be crucial to their success in Qatar.

Swiss Striker

The final Monaco player looking to shine in Qatar is actually the most capped of all at the club. Breel Embolo seems to have been part of the Switzerland international set-up forever – making his debut just after turning 18 in 2015. He has gone on to pick up 59 caps and score 11 goals for his country.

Embolo has been a very important part of the Monaco team this season, scoring seven goals that places him only behind Wissam Ben Yedder in the goal charts. He is the main man up front for Switzerland though – and will need to be on top form to help his country progress from a group that also includes Cameroon, a dangerous Serbia side and the World Cup 2022 favourites, Brazil.