World Cup: a superb eleven of great players excluded from the Portuguese team of the World Cup 2022

Portugal may have flown under the radar this year, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's best attempts, as their squad depth is absolutely ridiculous.

As demonstrated by their first 3-2 victory over Ghana, Portugal currently have one of the best teams in the 2022 World Cup and could be a solid bet to go far in the competition.

We reviewed their squad and compiled an amazing XI which was left by Fernando Santos.

GK: Anthony Lopes

Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes has been part of the Portugal squad since 2015 and has usually played as a substitute for Rui Patricio.

The 32-year-old recently lost his place in the squad with Jose Sa and Diogo Costa selected ahead of him.

AR: Nelson Semedo

Portugal are as stacked at right-back as England.

Former Barcelona player Nelson Semedo would have always struggled to get ahead of Joao Cancelo and Diogo Dalot, right?

Now playing for Wolves, he has struggled with form lately. Being sent off against Brighton probably didn't improve his chances either.

CB: Jose Fonte

If Pepe can still do a job for Portugal at 39, so can José Fonte at 38.

Fonte was a key player for Portugal in their Euro 2016 triumph and continues to do business for Lille in Ligue 1 these days.

QUIZ: Can you name the Portuguese XI of Ronaldo's competitive debut, 2004?

CB: Goncalo Inacio

2022 may have come a little too soon for Goncalo Inacio, but he has a great future ahead of him.

The 21-year-old has been a regular at Sporting Lisbon since he was a teenager. He has progressed through the Portugal youth international ranks, but is yet to receive a senior cap.

CEO: Ricardo Pereira

There was a time when Ricardo Pereira was ranked among the best full-backs in the Premier League.

The problem is that he can't stay in shape. Since the 2019-20 season, he has missed 59 games due to injury and is currently out with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

CM: Joao Moutinho

Joao Moutinho has been a veteran of the Portuguese team over the years, with 146 caps in total.

He even played for Portugal in the Nations League just a few months ago. Santos decided against taking the 36-year-old and opted for younger players instead.

CM: Renato Sanches

Perhaps a decision to sit on the PSG bench wasn't the wisest choice with a World Cup ahead. Renato Sanches has only started two league games this season and was subsequently snubbed by the national team.

Nevertheless, we will always fondly remember the time he passed the ball to a billboard.

MAO: Fabio Vieira

Fabio Vieira's time will eventually come.

The 22-year-old has been in and out of the Arsenal squad so far this season. The majority of his appearances have been in the Europa League and he already has four goals for the Gunners.

RW: Pedro Neto / Daniel Podence / Goncalo Guedes

Take your pick on the right side as all three Wolves wingers have been snubbed.

Let's face it, Wolves have been pretty bad this season. They are currently bottom of the Premier League and have only managed to score eight goals in 15 appearances.

It's probably not a huge surprise that none of their attackers were called up.

OL: Jota

Celtic's Jota can consider themselves unfortunate not to have been selected. The 23-year-old was part of Portugal's initial 55-man squad but didn't make the final squad.

After an impressive 2021-22 campaign, he has continued his impressive form this season. With seven goals and six assists to his name, the Celtic star narrowly missed out on Ricardo Hort...