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All FIFA games, including the current FIFA 22, have released a starting lineup comprising of the best performers in a given year. This starting lineup, referred commonly to as the Team of the Year (TOTY), awards the performances of the best footballers of that particular year. These players stand apart from their colleagues and have had the most successful years comparatively.
FIFA 22 Team of the Year has some major names
Chosen by public votes, the FIFA 22 Team of the Year has some of the best performers of 2021. Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi and Ruben Dias are some of the most iconic names in modern football who find their place in the esteemed lineup.
But some footballers have missed out on a place. These five names could easily have been present, and some may even feel they should have been in the starting XI.
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#5 Joshua Kimmich
Strangely, Joshua Kimmich doesn't seem to get acclaim for the consistent and robust performances he puts in year on year. 2021 was no different for the Bayern Munich star, who transitioned from right-back to the defensive midfield position.
But it's pretty hard to know his original position when one observes Kimmich in the midfield. His tough-tackling, coupled with accurate passing, makes him one of the best defensive midfielders in the current scenario.
His omission from the TOTY XI in FIFA 22 is surprising given the wonderful season Kimmich had. In 43 appearances, Kimmich had 16 goals involved despite playing a prominently defensive role. His trophy luck may not have been as fruitful as in other seasons, but Kimmich still added another Bundesliga to his tally.
#4 Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is another shocking miss, especially after the 2021 he had. Fernandes broke the Premier League record for most goals in a season by a midfielder last season with 18 goals.
The Portuguese has often been the creative spark that has ensured that the vastly underperforming Manchester United continue to compete. Fernandes displays exceptional vision to find a teammate with a pass and has a deadly shot, which makes him one of the best in the game.
Fernandes may have been unable to break into the midfield of FIFA 22 TOTY XI but has stood out in entire Europe with his performances. He made 58 appearances across all competitions, in which he scored 28 goals and made 17 assists.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
FIFA 22's TOTY XI is comprised of Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, and Lionel Messi. A prominent name in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo is missing.
It's widely expected that the Portuguese superstar will be the 12th man in the lineup, but Ronaldo did what was expected of him, i.e., score goals. In 2021, Ronaldo became the first player to win the highest goal scorer of the season in England, Spain, and Italy. He scored 29 league for Juventus.
He wasn't too behind in the trophy count as he became the first footballer to win all domestic trophies in England, Spain, and Italy.
The second half of the year has taken him back to where it all began, i.e., Manchester United. Despite the criticism, Ronaldo has been scoring goals. He finished 2021 with 51 appearances, where he scored 34 goals and seven assists.
#2 Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy has been snubbed once again as Gianluigi Donnarumma has pipped him to the spot of goalkeeper in FIFA 22 TOTY XI. While Donnarumma was instrumental in Italy's success at the Euros, Mendy's achievements have been minor.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel may have revamped the side, but it wouldn't have been possible without Mendy's performance in goal. His peak abilities were on display in the final of the Champions League last season. He made big saves to keep Manchester City at bay making sure that the Blues lift the title.
Mendy has put in several incredible performances throughout the year that have immensely helped Chelsea reach where it has. However, his best performances came in the last Champions League, where he kept nine clean sheets, including the final.
#1 Mohamed Salah
Lionel Messi might have secured the right-wing position in FIFA 22 TOTY XI, but that can't undermine the gigantic season Mohamed Salah had. Messi had a year to remember in 2021, which ultimately won him his seventh Ballon d'Or.
Salah didn't win a club trophy in 2021. But his goals were the main reason for Liverpool reaching the UEFA Champions League despite having an injury-riddled season. Salah was at his best throughout the season, making it a nightmare for the opposition defenders to contain him.
Salah may not have been in the FIFA 22 TOTY starting XI, but he often carried the Liverpool team alone. In the 53 appearances he made, Salah struck the back of the net 37 times and helped set up 11 goals. Perhaps a trophy might have placed him in the starting lineup of FIFA 22 TOTY.
