FIFA World Cup 2018: Best XI
What's the story
The FIFA World Cup is a stage where nothing can be taken for granted and the team that finally triumphs makes a place among the pantheons of great.
The 2018 World Cup has been full of surprises and drama, with some memorable matches and individual performances along the way.
Combining the best performers this year, here we look at the Best XI.
Formation
Structure of the team
The 2018 edition has seen the second highest number of goals ever scored in a World Cup after 1998 and 2014.
What one desires from the best XI is a blistering attack and a solid mid-field along with a defense that is impenetrable.
Hence, the formation should be 3-4-3 and the team must play attacking football.
Defense
Guarding the fortress with panache
If the defense is strong, a team can play freely, without the fear of conceding when not in possession.
The stand-out custodian, this World Cup, is definitely Belgian's Thibaut Courtois. His ball distribution and more than 20 saves this term makes him the goal-keeper of the team.
The three defenders will be Lucas Hernandez, Varane and Trippier, who have been remarkable.
Mid-fielders
In control of the game
Strong holding mid-fielders are essential to creating chances and allowing the attackers to keep the pressure on, and thus N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba of France make the cut.
The Golden Ball winner Luka Modric has been in exceptional form in this campaign, guiding his team to the final. Thus, he definitely deserves a spot.
Another attacking mid-fielder is Eden Hazard of Belgium.
Forwards
Scoring goals and winning hearts
The three forwards of this team shall be Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku.
Kane is lethal in front of the goal and his Golden Boot is a testimony to the same.
The pace, agility and dribbling definitely gives the teenager Kylian Mbappe, a place among the best.
Lukaku's 4 goals gives him a spot in this squad.
Observations
A point to keep in mind
Everything that happens in a match is a result of 22 different personalities at work for 90 or more minutes.
The best team does not mean the most successful team. Players have to work with each other for the team to continue producing results.
And as Cantona said, "You only make good music when you know how to play in an orchestra".