Predicted FIFA 18 Team of the Year

Defenders

Antonio Valencia

Valencia edges out Dani Alves and Carvajal

Among the nominees for the right back position, Dani Alves, Carvajal and Antonio Valencia were the most impressive in 2017. However, it was Valencia who really caught our eye as United’s right back.

In a team with no specialist right winger, the Ecuadorian ran up and down the pitch tirelessly, offering his team support in both attack and defence. While his crossing was excellent, his tackles and interceptions were also incredible which makes him the complete deal.

Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos has been one of the best defenders in the world for quite a few years now. He is ever-present in the different Teams of the Year and there is no reason why he shouldn’t make it this year as well.

The Spanish defender led his club, Real Madrid, to win both the league title and the Champions League last season. This season has not exactly gone according to plan so far for the Los Blancos captain, but one thing we should know by now, never write Ramos off.

Leonardo Bonucci

Bonucci will face tough competition from Chiellini and Pique

While the selection of Ramos in the team was a no-brainer, we expect Leonardo Bonucci to partner him in defence. Barcelona’s Gerard Pique or Juventus’ Georgino Chiellini might make a case for themselves but Bonucci was exceptional last year.

He helped Juventus retain the Scudetto last season before moving to AC Milan. What make him inarguably the best in business and an automatic pick for the TOTY ahead of Pique and Chiellini, are his positioning sense, intercepting abilities and passing range.

Marcelo

The once error-prone Marcelo has improved with each and every passing year. In the last calendar year, he seemed to have found the right balance between attack and defence as he inspired Real Madrid to do the double.

However, Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso could give him tough competition for the position. Alonso was terrific for the Premier League champions last season but that Madrid ended up winning both the league and the Champions League should tilt it in Marcelo’s favour.