The best players so far at the tournament in Brazil.
With the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil concluding on Thursday, here are the 10 statistically best players so far in the tournament, with stats courtesy of WhoScored.
10. Mathieu Valbuena, France – 8.13
Having helped the French to successive victories over Honduras and Switzerland with an assist and a goal, Valbuena was rested for the final Group E match with Ecuador with Les Bleus already through.
9. Alexis Sanchez, Chile – 8.13
One of more surprising success stories at the competition so far has been the Chileans, with this FC Barcelona forward being the sting in their tail during wins over Australia and Spain.
8. Miralem Pjanic, Bosnia & Herzegovina – 8.20
Although his side were eliminated from Group F, AS Roma midfielder Pjanic showed why he had such a good year in Serie A in 2013/14 with his assured performances.
7. Neymar, Brazil – 8.39
The expectation of the host nation has fallen on one young player’s shoulders, yet Neymar has taken everything in his stride and is joint top-scorer currently with four strikes.
6. Oscar, Brazil – 8.40
Another Brazilian now and an attacking midfielder who has looked sharp for his country and Chelsea will be looking forward to welcoming him back after this tournament.
5. Robin van Persie, Netherlands – 8.56
Like Valbuena this striker has also only played two matches, although that was due to suspension, but still managed to score two goals.
4. Karim Benzema, France – 8.57
Despite having struggled in previous tournaments the French look like a strong early force, with Real Madrid ace Benzema having netted three times already.
3. James Rodriguez, Colombia- 8.68
Without the talismanic Radamel Falcao many wondered how the Colombians would get on, but his AS Monaco teammate Rodriguez has been brilliant, with three goals and two assists.
2. Arjen Robben, Netherlands – 8.95
During the Dutch side’s opening game 5-1 rout over Spain, Robben recorded the fastest ever time for a footballer as he went onto score his second, with three goals in total and an assist so far in the tournament.
1. Lionel Messi, Argentina – 9.20
Having failed to score at the 2010 World Cup many thought this four-time Ballon d’Or winner would fail on the international stage once again, but Messi’s four goals and three Man of the Match awards have proven any doubters wrong.
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