MIAMI, Florida – From start to finish, there were many standout performers in the Third Round of Concacaf World Cup, but the following 11 stood out the most at their respective positions.
GK Keylor Navas (CRC) – The legendary Costa Rican shot-stopper was pivotal to Costa Rica’s late surge in which they earned 19 out of a possible 21 points in their final seven matches. Navas played in 13 matches, made 38 saves and completed almost 88 percent of his passes.
DF Francisco Calvo (CRC) – Calvo was a mainstay in matchday Best XIs throughout the Third Round of CWCQ, so it is not a surprise to see him among the top-ranked defenders. Calvo played in 13 matches with the Ticos, making 49 clearances, 14 steals and completing over 91 percent of his passes.
DF Walker Zimmerman (USA) – Zimmerman emerged as the top center back for the U.S. during qualifying with his commanding performances on the back line. Whether it was an aerial duel or a 50-50 ball on the ground, Zimmerman usually came out the victor. He had 23 clearances, nine steals and picked up a goal and an assist.
DF Cesar Montes (MEX) – Mexico finished WCQ with five straight clean sheets thanks in part to Montes. The Monterrey man was impeccable with the ball at his feet, completing almost 95 percent of his passes, while making 24 clearances to go with 15 steals.
MF Hector Herrera (MEX) – The winner of the Best Player Award in the 2021 Conacacf Gold Cup continued his excellent form into WCQ, playing in 10 matches and scoring a goal and an assist. Herrera also completed more than 87 percent of his passes and made four clearances to go with 14 ball recoveries.
MF Stephen Eustaquio (CAN) – Eustaquio was a big part of Canada’s first World Cup qualification in 36 years, playing over 1,000 minutes over the course of 12 games, totaling 13 steals, 11 shots, three steals and two assists.
MF Edson Alvarez (MEX) – Alvarez always seemed to pop up as one of the top-ranked players on each matchday. His work-rate was second to none in helping Mexico allow just eight goals in WCQ, with 10 steals and five clearances.
MF Christian Pulisic (USA) – Pulisic finished the Third Round of CWCQ tied with Canada’s Jonathan David for the most goals with five, but he also added strength on the defensive end with three steals, while completing 75 percent of his passes in 10 games.
FW Cyle Larin (CAN) – Larin won’t ever forget this round of CWCQ, as he finished as the top scorer with six goals, giving him 13 across all rounds. In 10 matches Larin took 19 shots and also made five clearances.
FW Jonathan David (CAN) – David was a thorn in the side of defenses throughout WCQ and brought his best in the Third Round. He played in all 14 games for Canada, finishing with five goals and four assists in 1,124 minutes. He also chipped in with four steals.
FW Joel Campbell (CRC) – Campbell was a strong presence for the Costa Rican attack, scoring two goals and collecting an assist to go along with seven steals, two clearances and completing 87 percent of his passes.
