Which players would make the World Cup XI based on form in the group stages? We have used the Sky Sports Power Rankings to find out…
The rankings are updated after each round of games and reflect players’ form based on points awarded for 32 different matchday stats.
Using the latest Power Rankings chart, we’ve assembled the top-ranked players for each position in a 4-5-1 formation. Let us know if you agree with the selections @SkyFootball or in the comment section below…
GOALKEEPER
Uruguay stopper Fernando Muslera is the only ‘keeper at the tournament to have played all three games and not conceded a single goal – claiming his starting place ahead of Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel.
England’s Jordan Pickford ranks 26th out of 41 goalkeepers, while Manchester United’s David de Gea sits in 38th after making a costly error in Spain’s 3-3 draw with Portugal.
Panama’s Jamie Penedo shipped a tournament-topping 11 goals during the group stages to finish his nation’s maiden World Cup campaign rock-bottom of the Power Rankings chart.
Just missed out: Kasper Schmeichel, David Ospina.
DEFENCE
Colombia centre-back Yerry Mina is the first defender on the team-sheet – breaking the deadlock in a 3-0 win over Poland and scoring the match-winner against Senegal.
Uruguay’s Jose Gimenez partners Mina after scoring a late winner in the opening game with Egypt and completing 11 interceptions – behind only Wilfried Ndidi (12) – and winning six tackles.
Former Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov eases into the starting line-up after scoring a rocket free-kick during Serbia’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica, while Russia’s Mario Fernandes claims the left-back spot with 12 aerials won and an assist.
Just missed out: Andreas Granqvist, John Stones, Diego Godin, Thiago Silva, Marcos Rojo, Kieran Trippier.
MIDFIELD
Isco is the top-ranked central midfielder – scoring during Spain’s 2-2 draw with Morocco, creating seven chances and providing considerable guile in midfield with 32 duels won and 276 passes completed.
Luka Modric secures his place in the XI after sealing a 2-0 win over Nigeria from the penalty spot and doubling Croatia’s lead during their remarkable 3-0 win over Argentina last week.
CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin also makes the XI – despite only playing two games.- having consistently covered remarkable distances, scoring a stunning free-kick against Saudi Arabia and assisting twice.
Just missed out: Wahbi Khazri, Hirving Lozano, Eden Hazard, Denis Cheryshev, Juan Quintero, Ivan Rakitic.
ATTACK
Brazil duo Philippe Coutinho and Neymar occupy the flanks, collectively scoring three goals, assisting twice and creating 21 chances – with the South Americans rekindling form after a sluggish 1-1 opening draw with Switzerland.
Up top, Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player on the team-sheet with a tournament-topping 10,810 Power Ranking points – edging Golden Boot rivals Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane.
Just missed out: Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane, Luis Suarez, Artem Dzyuba, Heung-min Son, Diego Costa.
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Sourse: skysports.com
