Ahead of today’s World Cup final, here’s a statistical best XI of the 2018 tournament, using data from WhoScored.com.
There are one or two notable omissions, with no Romelu Lukaku or Kylian Mbappe in attack – though the latter could perhaps work his way in by the end of today if he has a strong final for France against Croatia.
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In fact, there are no French players at all in this line up, but Croatia captain and playmaker Luka Modric obviously gets in, as do two England players after Gareth Southgate’s side finished 4th.
Here’s the XI in full:
GK: Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark)
Outstanding for Denmark despite their last-16 exit, Kasper Schmeichel saved a late Luka Modric penalty in extra time before also impressing in that shoot-out defeat to Croatia.
CB: Yerry Mina (Colombia)
With three goals from defence, Yerry Mina is another who had a strong tournament despite an early exit, with Colombia going out on penalties to England in the last-16.
CB: Andreas Granqvist (Sweden)
Helping Sweden to the quarter-finals, Andreas Granqvist was a key part of why the Swedes managed to stay so solid and hard to beat throughout the tournament.
RB: Mario Fernandes (Russia)
A surprise performer for Russia, Mario Fernandes was not the biggest name going into this tournament but WhoScored have him down as statistically the best right-back.
LB: Marcelo (Brazil)
A bigger name on the other side as Brazil left-back Marcelo makes it in despite the five-time winners crashing out to Belgium in the quarter-finals.
CM: Luka Modric (Croatia)
Absolutely outstanding in Russia this summer, Real Madrid star Modric is an obvious pick after running the show for Croatia and helping them reach their first final.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
So unlucky not to go further with Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne has been the player to watch again this summer after also bossing it in the Premier League for Manchester City last season.
RM: Kieran Trippier (England)
A real stand-out performer for England, Kieran Trippier’s place in this XI is justified, even if he’s more of a wing-back than a midfielder.
LM: Neymar (Brazil)
One of Brazil’s better performers, though Neymar’s inclusion seems slightly bizarre as he wasn’t on peak form at the World Cup and spent more time diving than making any real impact.
CF: Eden Hazard (Belgium)
A superb player who’s had a superb tournament, but we probably would have gone for Eden Hazard on the left and his Belgian team-mate Romelu Lukaku up front after a strong campaign from the Manchester United man as well.
CF: Harry Kane (England)
More than likely to win the Golden Boot, Harry Kane has scored six goals and been superb for England on the biggest stage this summer, showing he is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the world.
