MY WORLD CUP 2018 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Naturally, there will be some debatable inclusions. There were a few very close ones for me and this is why I have also included my runners-up for each position. Though I debated on certain players for a while. I am pretty satisfied with my decisions and I am sticking to it. 

Below is my choices/team selection, for the World Cup 2018 team of the tournament, playing in a 4231 formation. 

GOALKEEPER

JORDAN PICKFORD – ENGLAND 

There maybe a few to contest him but I have never seen an English keeper in my lifetime have such an impact in a tournament. Though he is the most expensive British keeper and third most expensive keeper ever. Nobody expected him to have such an impact and an influential tournament. From his heroics in the penalty shoot out against Colombia to a few fantastic saves in that same game, especially against Sweden and even a few against Croatia. He definitely left a lasting impression. 

Runner Up – THIBAUT COURTOIS – BELGIUM

RIGHT BACK

KIERAN TRIPPIER – ENGLAND 

For me, England’s best player at wing back. Minimal international experience and not even double figures of caps coming into the tournament. However, he played with the composure, attacking threat and defensive solidity of a player with over 50 caps and two internationals tournaments under his belt. That superb free kick in the Semi Final surprised everyone and further showed his quality. 

Runner Up – BENJAMIN PAVARD – FRANCE

LEFT BACK

LUCAS HERNANDEZ – FRANCE 

To think, before the tournament begun he only had five caps and only made his full debut three months before the tournament started. He featured in all seven games at the World Cup finals and played 90 minutes in six of them. Looked unfazed in most of the games, hardly put a foot wrong and was solid and consistent all the way to and during the final.

Runner Up – DIEGO LAXALT – URUGUAY

CENTRE BACK

RAPHAEL VARANE – FRANCE 

He was as solid as you could get. Obviously helped by his team-mate and CB partner Umtiti. However, he was absolutely dominant in the air and a rock on the ground. Especially in games against Uruguay and Belgium, where the opposition had a lot of the ball. Even in short spells against Croatia. He seemed to be a magnet to the ball and that proverbial French resistance. 

Runner Up – HARRY MAGUIRE – ENGLAND

CENTRE BACK

DOMAGOJ VIDA – CROATIA

The CB positions looked the weakest for Croatia with him and Lovren. I’m sure other teams would have targeted this. However, they played against Messi and Kane and shut out both of them. Vida’s energetic and warrior like nature won me over. As well as unexpectedly scoring a goal in extra time in the QF against Russia and scoring a pressured penalty in the shoot out.

Runner Up – DEJAN LOVREN – CROATIA

CENTRE MIDFIELD

PAUL POGBA – FRANCE 

Absolutely came of age in the tournament. After a mediocre club season. He really emerged as a leader for his country, taking on the defensive responsibilities, especially against Belgium, as well as making himself a nuisance in attack. He seemed to grow in confidence as a player, as the tournament went on, which culminated in a tremendous performance and goal in the final. 

Runner Up – IVAN RAKITIC – CROATIA

CENTRE MIDFIELD 

LUKA MODRIC – CROATIA 

Led his team by example. He didn’t so much grow through the tournament or exactly come of age. More just showed his class as the tournament went on. Pulled the strings from midfield and dictated play for his team. Stepped up when his team really needed him, especially against the likes of England and was influential throughout. Fully deserved the golden ball award. 

Runner Up – CASEMIRO – BRAZIL

RIGHT WING 

KYLIAN MBAPPE – FRANCE 

Only the second teenager after Pele to score twice in a World Cup knockout stage. Only the second teenager after Pele to score in a World Cup final, enough said. His electric and explosive pace made him a constant threat. Showed he can finish at the highest level. But what was more impressive for someone so young was his intelligence. As more often than not, on the biggest stages of them all in football, he didn’t seem to be phased or overwhelmed and seemed to make the right decisions at the right time. 

Runner Up – IVAN PERISIC – CROATIA

ATTACKING MIDFIELD CENTRE

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN – FRANCE 

Three man of the match awards. Four goals and two assists. Had a superb tournament. Played that attacking support role superbly, with that added defensive awareness that helped the team. Also, unselfish in his running and tireless work for the team, then showed that bit of quality to create goals and composure to slot in three penalties. 

Runner Up – PHILIPPE COUTINHO – BRAZIL

LEFT WING

EDEN HAZARD – BELGIUM 

Another that really showed his class as the tournament went on. He had few critics to silence or expectations to live up which brings pressure. But I feel he Really led the team by example, looked and played like the team depended on him and he knew it. During the tougher games in the tournament, he did not shirk any responsibilities, especially against the likes Brazil and France. Where he seemed to the main man. Three man of the match awards. Three goals and two assists in the World Cup still doesn’t even tell the full or whole story.

Runner Up – DENIS CHERYSHEV – RUSSIA

FORWARD

ROMALU LUKAKU – BELGIUM 

Four goals from open play in the tournament was impressive. Led the line very well and was a real presence upfront for his country. Maybe even silenced some doubters with his thrilling performance against the likes of Brazil and the part he played the last second winning goal against Japan. Probably slightly upset he didn’t score in the knockout stages, but I definitely feel no other forward at the tournament had a better all around game and impact than him. 

Runner Up – HARRY KANE – ENGLAND

2018 WORLD CUP TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Pickford 

Trippier   Varane   Vida   Hernandez 

Pogba Modric 

Mbappe     Griezmann    Hazard 

Lukaku