This was initially intended to be a standard 'Team of the Tournament', but I think a squad gives a much better overall view of the World Cup, so instead I picked a 23 man squad which includes my best players from this WC with a short explanation commenting on that player's inclusion. If you agree/disagree pls comment and I will try to reply. GOALKEEPERS Thibaut Courtois (BEL) Courtois is the obvious choice here. Winner of the golden glove due to some outstanding knockout stage performances, especially against Brazil in the QF's. Jordan Pickford (ENG) The breakout goalkeeping star of the tournament, Pickford solidified his spot of England no.1 with a string of great saves vs. Sweden and a great goalkeeping performance against Colombia (which included my personal save of the tournament, in the 92nd min vs. Uribe). Outstanding individual tournament. DEFENDERS Kieran Trippier (ENG) The best right back throughout the tournament, Trippier was solid throughout the entire tournament and topped it off with a stunning free kick vs. Croatia. Mario Fernandes (RUS) One of only two Russian players to make the squad (strange considering their QF finish), Fernandes was defensively sound in all his games (except vs. Uruguay) and also temporarily kept his country in the WC with an extra time equaliser. Diego Laxalt (URU) The only left back in the squad, Laxalt was the outstanding choice for me beating off other strong candidates such as Hernandez, Strinic and Augustinsson. Laxalt's pace and power were great assets to Uruguay throughout their partly disappointing tournament. Raphael Varane (FRA) Varane was outstanding all tournament. Undeniable inclusion. Diego Godin (URU) Despite Uruguay's QF exit, I watched every minute of their tournament and I genuinely believe that Godin was impeccable , I saw no errors and not once did he get bullied and also his handling of Ronaldo in the Rof16 was one of the great performances of the WC. Harry Maguire (ENG) Another undeniable inclusion. Maguire was a rock for England defence that had some shaky performances (Young/Walker), and he was also a threat offensively. Andreas Granqvist (SWE) Sweden had a quietly impressive tournament and their veteran defender was a key contributor. He was arguably the best centre back across the whole tournament in the groups and despite a shaky game vs. England he well earns his place. MIDFIELDERS Luka Modric (CRO) Don't need to explain myself, do I? Deserved Golden Ball winner as he dragged an average squad to a WC final, best central midfielder in the world and should easily win the Ballon D'Or this year. N'golo Kante (FRA) Brilliant most of the tournament, despite having an awful final. One of the driving forces of the winners, also recovered the ball more than any other player at the tournament. Paul Pogba (FRA) Pogba shone at his third consecutive major tournament with France. Pogba was a powerhouse in the French midfield and his balls through to Mbappe were one of the reasons France created and scored. Kevin De Bruyne (BEL) De Bruyne's chance creation was invaluable to Belgium as he tops off an outstanding PL season with a starring role in the Belgians' 3rd place finish. Also scored an absolute excocet vs. Brazil. Isco (ESP) My most controversial midfield inclusion by far, Isco was the shining star in a Spanish side that was robbed of a QF spot by a heavily defensive Russian side. Isco was absolutely brilliant in all of Spain's games as he confirms to critics that he is one of the best attacking midfielders in world football. Hector Herrera (MEX) A left wing shout, Herrera was the water carrier of a Mexico side that climbed out of a very difficult group contained holders Germany and QF finishers Sweden. Herrera's energy in the Mexican engine room made the attacking feats of Lozano and co. considerably easier, especially vs. Germany. Ante Rebic (CRO) The youngster was another breakout star of the WC and was brilliant throughout the groups (especially vs. Argentina) and alongside a great season w/ Frankfurt, he looks certain to move away. ATTACKERS Harry Kane (ENG) Despite a crippling SF performance that arguably robbed England of a final performance, you cannot take the golden boot away from Kane as he provides England with their first "world class" striker since the days of 2001 Owen and 2010 Rooney. Kylian Mbappe (FRA) No explanation needed. Electric. Romelu Lukaku (BEL) If you haven't seen a bird's eye view of Chadli's winner vs. Japan (my goal of the tournament), WATCH IT. It perfectly illustrates how integral Lukaku is to Belgium. His pace and power were vitally important to Belgium especially against stronger defenses like that of Brazil. Eden Hazard (BEL) Individually exceptional (especially vs. England in 3rd/4th place play off) , Hazard's movement and creation was the beating heart of the Belgian attack. Happy to see him finish behind Modric for golden ball. Philippe Coutinho (BRA) Despite a very disappointing tournament for the Brazilians, Coutinho was the shining light, outperforming Neymar tenfold, creating and scoring frequently through all stages of the tournament, Coutinho should be in this squad. Hirving Lozano (MEX) The most notable breakout star of the WC, Lozano was always dangerous in the groups and his pace and dribbling gave an ageing Mexico side a lightning quick edge. Denis Cheryshev (RUS) Russia's best player, Cheryshev scored one of the goals of the tournament vs. Croatia and was constantly threatening. Hopefully his individual brilliance earns him some much deserved game. Close to making it: Danijel Subasic (CRO) Yeray Mina (COL) Aleksandr Golovin (RUS) Ivan Rakitic (CRO) Antoine Griezmann (FRA) Ivan Perisic (CRO) THANKS FOR READING!
