The 2018 World Cup is over and some players continued their outstanding league performances during the tournament, while some of them put on an adrenaline-inspired performance they rarely displayed during the 2017/18 season in their respective leagues.
Here are 11 players who made my team of the tournament:
THIBAUT COURTOIS – BELGIUM
Age: 26
After making the most saves of the tournament, Courtois was rightly awarded the Golden Glove award for making 27 outstanding saves.
It is no surprise Real Madrid hurriedly purchased Chelsea's premier goalkeeper just after the tournament.
BENJAMIN PAVARD - FRANCE
Age: 22
Undoubtedly one of the unexpected heroes of the tournament, Pavard established himself in Didier Deschamps starting XI.
He further cemented his place when he scored a stunning volley from outside the penalty box against Argentina.
DEJAN LOVREN - CROATIA
Age: 29
As the main man of the Croatian defence, he aggressively established himself on the field and picked up only one yellow card.
Even though he couldn’t live up to his brag of being one of the "best defenders in the world" before the World Cup final, he must be given some credit for leading the defence to the final.
VINCENT KOMPANY – BELGIUM
Age: 32
Probably his last World Cup appearance, Kompany was able to overcome his injury-laden season at Manchester City to successfully lead the Belgian defence to 3rd place position.
Even though this is not the ultimate position of the tournament, this was Belgium’s highest position in the World Cup.
SAMUEL UMTITI – FRANCE
Age: 24
Even though he looked shaky in some defensive encounters, he was one of the few defenders who were both a defensive and offensive threat during the tournament.
LUKA MODRIC – CROATIA
Age: 32
Being the only Croatian player to ever win the Golden Ball award, Modric captained his team to the World Cup Final for the first time in Croatia’s history.
Having successfully completed 439 passess, Modric’s presence in the midfield could not be understated.
NGOLO KANTE – FRANCE
Age: 27
Kante’s presence in the midfield was a game-changer for France in every match.
His presence in defensive and attacking positions placed him virtually everywhere on the field.
He recovered the ball 61 times, which was more than any player in the tournament.
KYLIAN MBAPPE – FRANCE
Age: 19
After his scintillating performance filled with speed, skill and finesse, it was not surprising he won the Young Player award.
He was a constant nightmare for defenders throughtout the tournament.
Even though he scored just 4 goals at the end of the tournament, they were world class goals for a player his age.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN – FRANCE
Age: 27
Finishing the tournament with a decent 4 goals and 2 assists, Griezmann’s set pieces added to his quality contribution to France’s tournament success.
The Athletico Madrid talisman ended his successful tournament campaign by taking home the Man of the Match honours at the World Cup Final.
IVAN PERISIC – CROATIA
Age: 29
Having covered the most distance at the tournament, 72 km, Perisic’s contribution complemented the efforts of Modric and Lovren all the way to the Final.
His performance dazzled defenders along the wings where he posed a great threat in every match.
He would definitely find a place in every World Cup squad.
HARRY KANE – ENGLAND
Age: 24
Kane’s Golden Boot award was no surprise. Even though his team did not win any medal, he played his role as the leader of the squad with 6 goals at the end of the tournament.
Even though he did not replicate the same performance like he did for Tottenham Hotspur in the 2017/18 season, he remained a constant goal threat throughout the tournament.
FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
This is my team of the tournament. Which players made your starting 11? And which formation will you use?