Combined XI of players who didn't qualify FIFA World Cup

Defenders

Right Back: Antonio Valencia (Ecuador)

The Ecuadorian skipper will not be able to lead his country in Russia

Manchester United's winger-turned-fullback Luis Antonio Valencia was unable to inspire his national team Ecuador to progress to the World Cup in Russia. Ecuador finished a disappointing eighth in the South American World Cup qualifying section (CONMEBOL).

The Ecuador skipper is one of the most influential players of his national team but he will have to watch this edition from back home after he was unable to guide his nation to what would have been his third World Cup.

Other Right-backs missing out: Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)

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Left Back: David Alaba (Austria)

Alaba will miss yet another international tournament after Austria's poor performances in the qualifiers

One of the best left-backs in the world, David Alaba would walk into most national teams apart from Brazil and Spain. However, Alaba will be unable to showcase his talents in front of the global audience in the World Cup stage after Austria only finished fourth in their group of six.

Alaba is the best player of his country and is versatile and skilful enough to play in various different positions on the pitch and he usually plays in the midfield for Austria. The Bayern Munich player who has collected a large haul of trophies in Germany has had a dismal international career with Austria's dismal Euro 2016 campaign his only experience of a major tournament.

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Centre Backs

Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)

Italy will miss Chiellini's assurance in the back four

Giorgio Chiellini made his international debut in 2004 but was not part of Italy's victorious World Cup campaign in Germany in 2006. But since the Euro 2008, Chiellini has established himself as Italy's first choice centre-back and one of the best centre-backs in world football.

The Italian is a rock at the back and there are few players that match Chiellini’s passion for defending. He flies into crunching, but perfectly-timed tackles and seemingly loves nothing more than throwing his body on the line to stop shots on goal.

Chiellini would have been hoping to sign off in style from the international arena after suffering numerous heartaches in international tournaments. However, Italy missed out on the plane to Russia after they were shockingly eliminated by Sweden in the playoffs.

As a result, the 33-year old announced his retirement from the international game with 96 caps under his belt.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Virgil van Dijk will have a tough job on his hands to get the Netherlands back to one of Europe's elite teams

It’s upsetting that Netherlands, who finished third in the World Cup just four years ago, have since failed to reach two major tournaments in succession.

Netherlands are facing uncertain times due to a talent drain as the youngsters are not good enough to replace the golden generation of Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt.

Virgil van Dijk will play a key role in getting the Oranje back on track under Ronald Koeman as he has already been handed the captain’s armband by his former Southampton manager.

The tall centre-back's commanding presence at the back will be crucial to Netherland's revival and the presence of the most expensive defender in world football will be missed at the World Cup this year.

Other Centre-backs missing out: Gary Medel (Chile), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)