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#2: Samuel Umtiti (Defender; France)
The French are undoubtedly among the favourites to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy. With a prolific attacking lineup consisting of Antoine Griezmann, Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Kingsley Coman, the French are sure to rally up a gigantic pile of goals at the main event in Russia but their defensive weakness and a lack of experience could prove to be costly as the competition progress.
However, the runner-ups of the Euro 2016 have a solution in the face of the Blaugrana central defender, Samuel Umtiti. After making a breakthrough during the European championships at home soil in 2016, Umtiti quickly rose up the ranks at the Nou Camp, moving past experienced defenders like Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen.
Forming half of the defensive duo with Gerard Pique, Umtiti has been central to Barcelona's defensive solidarity under Ernesto Valverde.
A strong contender to be included in this season's best XI, Samuel Umtiti is France's best chance to aim for World Cup success in Russia as they are often troubled by a lack of defensive strength. Teaming up with Varane, Umtiti could possibly be a humongous reason behind France's potential success in Moscow. Can Umtiti continue his stellar run of form?
