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#4 Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
With an abundance of some of the best attacking players at the moment and an experienced back-line to boot, Belgium have all the ingredients to become the world champions in Russia.
Belgium also have a solid keeper in Thibaut Courtois to give them assurance in goal. However, performances at recent major tournaments in 2014 and 2016 showed that despite having the potential, the Belgians remain a work in progress.
The major problem is that the Belgian stars are outstanding individuals for their clubs, but don't quite gel as well for their country.
If the Belgians do gel and do realize their potential, then they will undeniably be a force to be reckoned with in Russia. If that is the case, then Courtois will have as good of a chance as anyone to win the award. The giant Belgian is an imposing presence in between the sticks, and his shot-stopping ability is good as most on the continent.
A few years ago, he was spoken in the same breath as that of David de Gea, but the Chelsea keeper is coming off a shaky season, and Courtois will have to be back at his best if the Red Devils are to stand a chance of lifting the cup.
#3 Manuel Neuer (Germany)
The man who won the award in the previous edition remains one of the strong favourites to win it this time around as well. The only reason he doesn't find himself on top of this list is due to his own injury issues.
German superstar, Manuel Neuer, has had a torrid year with injuries that has seen him sidelined since September. He just returned last week to make his first appearance in 8 months. The Bayern Munich might retain the rustiness as he heads into the World Cup and it could arguably be a bit of risky business for a tournament of this magnitude.
The commanding stopper is an intimidating presence in between the sticks. His confidence, often bordering on arrogance, is what makes him an irresistible prospect for the Germans, despite his lack of game-time.
The German has revolutionized the position with his 'sweeper keeper' talent, grabbing the attention of the world and making him an inspirational keeper. His self-assurance conveys an almost unbeatable resilience and that has what has made him one of the best goalkeepers of his time.
Germany are hot favourites to retain the World Cup crown in Russia and if they do so, Neuer might well end up retaining his own crown too.
