Best Current North American XI in Football

Right Centre-Back - Nestor Araujo (Mexico)

If this article had been written a couple of years back or was based on past achievements, Jamaica's Wes Morgan would have been the obvious choice. However, even though he was instrumental in Leicester City's title triumph, he has since not been at his best.

Thus joining his countrymate Layun, is Mexican defender, Nestor Araujo. Currently, at Celta Vigo where he has made 33 appearances in his first season, Araujo has already made his name in Mexico with CD Cruz Azul, where he made 65 appearances and at Santos Laguna where he made 151 appearances.

Araujo was a part of the Mexico side that won Gold at the 2012 Olympics. He is a well-rounded centre back who is good in possession and has impressive passing ability. He has been capped 30 times by Mexico and with Araujo's ability, he will earn many more.

Left Centre-Back - John Brooks (USA)

Completing the "half Mexican-half American" defence is US International John Brooks. Similar to Fabian Johnson, Brooks is a German-born player but has represented the USA 37 times. Blessed with blistering pace and power, Brooks is a towering defender.

At club level, he has made 131 appearances for Hertha Berlin and is currently at Wolfsburg, where he has made 44 appearances. His reported €17 million move to Wolfsburg in 2017 made him the most expensive US football player at the time. He is quick, strong, relentless in his defensive duties and like his centre-back partner in this XI, comfortable in possession.

Thus, Araujo and Brooks should form a solid defensive base for the team to attack from.