Back Four
Starting from the right, we have Paris Saint-Germain's now-excluded full-back, Serge Aurier. The Ivorian has been suspended by the team for recording a video that shows him insult and abuse his manager along with a bunch of his teammates but his contribution on the field must not be forgotten for he's been a beast for the Parisian side.
In the 27 games he played for Paris Saint-Germain, Aurier averaged a total of 3.5 interceptions per game and put in a minimum of 4 successful tackles to steal the ball from the opponents. Add to this his 3 goals and 3 assists and it's no surprise he's on this list even through his eccentricity off it.
In the centre of the field, Southampton's Virgil Van Dijk makes the list as a surprise addition. The 24-year-old has been superb for the Saints this season in the Premier League making an average of 2.9 interceptions per game nipping attacks in the bud. When things progress a little more, he's been able to put in an average of 2 tackles per game – many of them last-ditch – to ensure his clean sheet is intact. The Dutchman has also scored 3 goals and has received only 2 yellow cards in 41 appearances thus cementing his place in this XI.
His partner? None other than Thiago Silva. The Brazilian has been the leader of Paris Saint-Germain leading them to yet another Ligue 1 title. Silva averages 4.8 clearances in his games meaning he knows where to place himself while teams try to go past the defence. Add to this his 94.4% successful passing and it goes to show that he's still one of the best in the business well ahead of many other centre-backs.
Thiago Silva's compatriot Filipe Luis is the last of the back four on the list. The Atletico Madrid man has had another successful season for the club even after his return from English club, Chelsea. Luis' biggest strength is in his tackles averaging an amazing 3.8 tackles per game. He also boasts of an 83.4% successful passing rate which for a full-back is exceptional.
