What the finest XI of the group would look like.
As the 2014 World Cup in Brazil approaches quickly CaughtOffside thought it would be good to determine what the best XI from each of the eight groups in the tournament would look like.
To do this we decided to get a little help from out friends at WhoScored and use club statistics from the 2013/14 season. We will play a 4-4-2 formation and note that the website only covers the major European leagues.
So here is finest team from Group A, which contains hosts Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon.
GK – Danijel Subasic – AS Monaco and Croatia – 6.89
After a two year absence Monaco returned to Ligue 1 this season and finished second thanks to owner Dmitry Rybolovlev’s millions, whilst Subasic was between the sticks for 35 of their 38 league games and will be competing with Stipe Pletikosa for a starting place at the World Cup.
RB – Dani Alves – FC Barcelona and Brazil – 7.43
Despite now being 30-years-old Alves proved this term that he is still arguably the best attacking full-back in the game and is sure to start on the right of a back four for the Brazilians.
LB – Marcelo – Real Madrid and Brazil – 7.25
In the left-back berth is a rival of Alves’ on the domestic stage, but a teammate very much in his mould for the national team and the two of them will provide great attacking support for the Samba Boys.
CB – Joel Matip – Schalke 04 and Cameroon – 7.48
Still only 22-years-old this versatile Cameroonian can also operate in defensive midfield and will be a great asset for his nation in a group they aren’t expected to get out of.
CB – Thiago Silva – Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil – 7.41
The Brazilian revolution continues in this XI as the PSG and national team captain continues to impress on both stages and will be the rock in what is usually a very attacking side under Luis Felipe Scolari.
RM – Willian – Chelsea and Brazil – 7.22
The entire team isn’t from the hosts we promise, but after a £30m switch from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 this attacking midfielder won many fans at Stamford Bridge with his hard work and tenacity.
LM – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – Mainz and Cameroon – 7.33
With 10 goals and three assists from the left flank this 25-year-old had a pretty good 12 months in the Bundesliga and will hoping to continue that form into the World Cup.
CM – Ivan Rakitic – Sevilla and Croatia – 7.60
There were few better midfielders in European football, never mind this group, than the impressive Rakitic, who spearheaded Sevilla to Europa League glory for the third time in nine years.
CM – Milan Badelj – Hamburger SV and Croatia – 7.56
It’s Rakitic’s national teammate that partners the 26-year-old in central midfield as Badelj managed to help Hamburg maintain their top flight status in Germany by the skin of their teeth in 2014.
ST – Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich and Croatia – 7.46
Continuing our Croatian theme this striker helped Bayern win the German title with a record six games to spare in 2013/14, scoring 26 times in all competitions and finishing second in the Bundesliga top-scoring list.
ST – Neymar – FC Barcelona and Brazil – 7.49
Finally and it’s our second Barca star and fifth from Brazil, as Neymar enjoyed a good first season at the Nou Camp following a £48.6m transfer from Santos and scored 15 times and provided 11 assists in 41 matches.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.