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For the first time in 36 years, the Canadian Men's National Team is going to the World Cup. It's still hard to comprehend, but Canada has been absolutely phenomenal in CONCACAF qualifying, tasting defeat just once and conceding a mere six times in 13 games in the octagon.
While the likes of Mexico and the US are typically the kings of this region, the Canucks are making a loud statement. This isn't the same team of past who the aforementioned stomped on with authority for so many years. John Herdman's side is youthful, motivated, and playing the best soccer of their lives for a country that has a hunger to be on the world's biggest stage.
After officially booking their ticket to Qatar with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica on Sunday, here are 3 reasons why Canada is the best team in CONCACAF.
3 reasons why Canada is the best team in CONCACAF
Alphonso Davies
Soccer is a team sport, but there are certain players on the globe who can make a huge difference on the pitch. Alphonso Davies is one. The Bayern Munich wing-back has actually missed the last two international windows after being sidelined for his club due to a minor heart condition following his COVID-19 diagnosis. Nevertheless, Canada still took care of business. But with Davies in the side, Les Rouges are a force to be reckoned with.
The former Vancouver Whitecaps man actually plays in more of an attacking role with Canada, despite playing as a defender with Bayern. Yet, Davies is still capable of creating absolute havoc on both ends of the park for Herdman's group. Of course, we all remember this world-class goal that Alphonso scored against Panama, using his ridiculous pace and skill to absolutely embarrass the opposition:
https://twitter.com/FHFutbol/status/1459140250492669952
That's a player who is a left-back for Bayern. Yet, he's scoring goals like this. Whether he's defending or contributing in the final third, Davies is truly one of the most exciting youngsters in the world, and Canada is a much stronger squad with him. It's going to be a thrill to see what he can do in Qatar.
Jonathan David- Cyle Larin partnership
One of the most in-form strikers in Europe, Jonathan David is firing on all cylinders for club and country. With Lille, the 22-year-old has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances, attracting interest from a host of different teams, including Premier League outfit Arsenal. With Canada, David is also playing terrific, netting nine times and tallying five assists in 17 qualifiers. He's undoubtedly going to move on to a bigger club this summer, which will prove to be vital for his development heading into Qatar at the end of 2022.
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Larin, who is the all-time leading goal-scorer for Canada, is a beast for Besiktas and his country. Whether Herdman opts to go with a front three with Davies out wide or pairing Larin up top with David, he's built fantastic chemistry with his attacking partners, most notably David. The two possess tremendous link-up play and are capable of not only scoring goals, but laying on an assist for one another.
These two are strong, physical, and versatile in the final third. To be honest, there isn't a country in CONCACAF who have an attack like Canada does right now.
A mix of youth and experience
The recipe for any club is to have both exciting young players and experienced veterans who know what it's like to compete and succeed at this level. Although Canada was previously non-existent in qualifying for almost four decades, the likes of Atiba Hutchinson, Jonathan Osorio, Junior Hoilett, and others have been around for a hot minute with the national team and waiting for the moment to represent their country in a World Cup.
But when it comes to youth, boy, are they hungry. Davies, David, Tajon Buchanan, and Stephen Eustaquio are all under 25 and yet to hit their prime. All of these players are the future of Canada.
Most importantly, the Canadians have experience at the back. While CONCACAF isn't the strongest when it comes to talent, to concede just six goals is extremely impressive. Richie Laryea and Sam Adekugbe typically play left and right back, showing the necessary pace and physicality to keep up with any attackers in this region. Scott Kennedy and Doneil Henry started at center-back vs Jamaica, but it's usually Kamal Miller and Steven Vitoria. The Canucks have speed, size, and natural instincts defensively, which is going to be crucial when it comes to playing on the World Cup stage in Qatar.
Mexico isn't a team full of youth anymore. They're still a phenomenal side, while the US is also on the come-up and will likely be Canada's biggest threat for years to come in CONCACAF. But, this is now the Canucks' time to shine.
Get used to being in the World Cup, Canada fans. It's going to be a regular occurrence for years to come, led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
