'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
“Enjoy the game and bide one’s time for the results.” After the drop of four years, Fifa world cup is almost here on the doorstep of every enthusiast, hosted by the grizzly bears of Russia. Diverse fandoms hail the most awaited football month. The world will again experience the jerseys swivelling in the air, bars flooded with two opponents’ supporters, roads blocked with people chanting their teams, or ordeal tears followed by the unnerving games.
The prodigious tournament confirms 32 teams in the field for their valour and exhilarating efforts. Qualifying for the world cup is a tough task since it takes vigorous meetings with other nations in order to earn your spot. Name value doesn't stand much in football thus you have to earn your place in the world cup.
Every 4 years the world cup comes with a lot of joy and surprises and this one ain't lacking either!
Some big nations failed to qualify for the mecca of football including four times world champions Italy, the Netherlands who finished at 3rd position in the previous world cup and runners-up in the one before that.
Chile, the reigning defending champions of Copa America, a title they won for 2 consecutive times falling short in the race for world cup finals spot was a major shock for fans around the globe.
With world cup just around the corner, every player in the world wants to be in Russia for the spectacle. Playing for your country in a world cup is the highest honour for a footballer and though some of them missed out on selection basis like Anthony martial, Leroy sane and Radja Nainggolan to name a few but there are other stars as well who won't be gracing the world cup courtesy of their country not qualifying for the big dance in Russia. Though there is no shortage of talent at FIFA world cup in Russia it is still disheartening to acknowledge the pool of players who failed to guide their country to the grandest stage of them all.
Playing 4-2-3-1 this team is full of stars and potential.
Goalkeeper- Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
The legendary Gianluigi Buffon will always be remembered as the game’s finest goalkeepers of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, Buffon has his place set in the Italian football heritage.
With 176 appearances, Gianluigi Buffon is the most capped Italian player of all time. Captaining Azzurri for the most number of times, Buffon has been a mainstay in the Italian lineup. Being part of the previous 5 successive world cups from 1998 to 2014, its a shame we won't see this legend take on the grandest stage of them all.
Buffon was the catalyst behind Italy's epic triumph in Germany 12 years ago beating Zidane led France on penalties giving Azzurri their fourth World Cup title.
Yes, Buffon hasn’t had his hands on the elusive champions league trophy but he is a serial winner. At 2006 world cup Italy conceded just 2 goals all thanks to the Juventus captain. Buffon claimed the golden glove and the prestigious FIFA trophy- impressive!
Italy failed to qualify for world cup finals in Russia which was a major shock but not witnessing Buffon at a world cup stage is disheartening. The four times FIFA winners might come back stronger but this was surely the last time Buffon was to represent Italy at the grandest stage of them all.
Centre back- Leonardo Bonucci(Italy)
Italy is known to give great defenders to the world of football. From Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta to former ballon dor winner Fabio Cannavaro, providing a world-class defender has never been a problem for the European giants.
And they did it again in the form of a towering strong lad named Leonardo Bonucci.
Bonucci surprised the world with his shock move from Juventus to AC Milan. Though he did not have the best of seasons with Rossoneri, it is hard not to be impressed with his talent. Strong, awake and reliable - he has got every ingredient to be a top defender.
At Juventus, Bonucci formed a rock solid back three alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli and was often the one credited with being the hardest one.
When compiling a list of unqualified 11 Bonucci has to be there. The former Juventus man is rock solid at times and is a nightmare for strikers.
Despite his inconsistency one thing everyone will agree with is that the Italian wears his heart on his sleeve and gives an all-out performance every time.
Centre Back - Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands)
Virgil van Dijk will surely be in contention for the best January transfers award for 2018. The towering Dutchman was monumental in Liverpool's path to champions league finals. One thing the former Southampton defender is so good is his quality on ball- something modern-day defenders lack.
Coming in with a hefty price tag of 75 million euros, Van Dijk is the most expensive defender of all time. But Jurgen Klopp knew what van Dijk is capable of so didn't hesitate in splashing that amount of money on a defender.
At 6'4" Van Dijk is an imposing figure who is a nightmare for most of the defenders around the world. He was recently awarded the Captaincy of team Oranje thanks to his domestic form.
With the Netherlands failing to qualify for the finals in Russia, Van Dijk missed a chance to stamp his authority on the international stage
Van Dijk is an amazing header of the ball as well making him a priceless asset for any team in the world. With Bonucci besides van Dijk, this looks like a stable centre backs pairing.
Right Back- Antonio Valencia (Ecuador)
Antonio Valencia is ageing like a fine wine. The winger turned fullback has easily been one of the best performers for United this season. The Ecuadorian is a tireless worker who anchors counter attacks for the Manchester club. Captained country and club many times Valencia is a veteran who has revelled at his new position.
Valencia was named the fastest footballer two years ago by FIFA study. though he is not as speedy as he used to be he still beats most of the players on the field. Providing crosses, tracking back and scoring sumptuous goals every now and then has been the forte of Manchester United's vice-captain.
Valencia has played most of his career as a right winger, he was deployed in the right back and right wing back position by Louis van Gaal. The Dutch manager is not remembered fondly by United fans but converting Valencia from a winger to fullback was a masterstroke by the Dutchman
Valencia is a fan favourite amongst the Red Devils fanbase courtesy of his commitment. He is one of the few players who always play out the full 90 minutes
Speed, strength and crossing- 3 ingredients needed to be a top fullback and Valencia has it all.
Left Back- David Alaba (Austria)
The Austrian had a mediocre season with Bayern Munich plagued with injuries. Despite not having a spectacular football season, the Bayern Munich man is still one the most versatile players on the planet.
Alaba started out as a defensive midfielder and since played in multiple positions ranging from centre back to left wing but it is as a left back he made a name for himself. Alaba was transformed into a left back by then manager Louis van Gaal ( the man knows whom to play where).
Apart from running down the left flank, Alaba is excellent at taking set pieces. Pep Guardiola often trusted the Austrian in this regard.
At Bayern, Alaba became the youngest debutant to ever play for the senior side in a competitive game and it took him just 60 seconds to come off the bench and set up Frank Ribery for a goal.
Alaba is capable of playing in multiple positions make him an asset for any team.
Every top club from Real Madrid to Barcelona have wanted the Austrian at some point of time thanks to his brilliant display for Bayern Munich.
From a teen prodigy to a global superstar, David Alaba has justified his potential.
Midfielder- Arturo Vidal (Chile)
The Chilean midfielder missed most of the season due to injury and was missed by Bayern Munich in their encounter with Real Madrid. Arturo Vidal is a dynamic box to box midfielder who makes his presence felt in the game.
Vidal has won the Serie A 4 times with Juventus and is on a roll with Bayern Munich winning 3 successive Bundesliga titles.
It was at Juventus that Vidal discovered his best position – box to box midfielder. Vidal apart from being great at tackling, interceptions, anchoring counter attacks and scoring an outrageous goal once in a while is an accurate penalty kick taker as well.
With around 100 appearances for Chile, the 31 years old has been one of the star performers for la Roja.
Vidal belongs to a rare category of players who like to be involved all the times. He had been instrumental in chile’s success at Copa America and will surely be missed at FIFA 18 in Russia. Great interceptions, long pass and a knack for goal- Arturo Vidal adds a new dimension to the game
Chile failing to qualify was largely because Vidal wasn’t available for the final few qualifying matches. This just tells us how good the former Juventus man is.
Midfielder- Marco Verratti (Italy)
When Italy lost Pirlo it was hard to imagine anyone taking the legendary midfielder's place. But Marco Verratti has been proving himself as a worthy replacement.
Being mentioned in the same breath as Andrea Pirlo is something many people will disagree with but Verratti is that good.
Apart from being great at finding his teammates on either flank, the PSG man has defensive attributes as well. Despite being of a short stature Verratti is never shy to show his aggression.
Verratti has been rightly termed as the future of Italian football. When ranking the best playmaking midfielders around the globe, Verratti is the one on everyone’s lips. It is a shame that the four times
Former world champions Italy failed to qualify for world cup finals this time meaning we won't witness a Verratti show in Russia
Even Xavi, the Barcelona legend who surely knows a thing or two about midfield labelled Verratti as a perfect fit for the Blaugrana.
Verratti has been enjoying success with PSG for 6 years and has been a constant presence in the starting 11. Any team having Verrati in midfield is dangerous to let alone he is partnered with the dynamic Vidal.
Right Wing- Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Arjen Robben won't be plying his trade in Russia this year- a sad news for fans but a great sense of relief for all the defenders especially Sergio Ramos who still remembers watching Arjen Robben run past him to score Netherlands fifth goal en route Spain's humiliating loss at the hands of Netherlands.
Robben has been a mainstay for Bayern Munich and Netherlands on the right side for many years now exploiting defences all around Europe. On his day there is no player more devastating than Arjen Robben- with his speed, sight for goal he is the perfect nightmare for all the defenders.
The former Real Madrid man was at his best in Brazil where he ripped apart defences with his scintillating speed.
Arjen Robben has been an integral part of Bayern Munich roster fn or more than 9 years now winning Bundesliga on 7 occasions along with the famous champions league triumph in the 2012-13 season where Robben scored the winning goal vs Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.
It is his ability to turn the match on its head that’ll be missed the most in Russia. We all witnessed Robben in South Africa and Brazil where the Dutch were runners-up and on the third position respectively, courtesy of the man of glass. A whole book can be written on this man but never mind let us move ahead.
Centre Attacking Midfielder- Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Alexis Sanchez moved to Manchester United from Arsenal during the January transfer window and it is fair to say that the Chilean has disappointed. With 3 goals in 18 matches, the Chilean hasn't maintained the standards he has created.
But it is fair to say that the former Barcelona forward is one of the few players in the world capable of changing the game on his own. United will be hoping to get the best out of Alexis next season.
With 119 caps Sanchez is the joint most-capped Chilean international alongside Claudio Bravo. Sanchez spearheaded arsenal attack many times scoring 80 times in 165 appearances for the gunners. Pep Guardiola is believed to be a huge fan of the Chilean and when a man like that thinks you're then you definitely are good.
The main reason Jose Mourinho bought Alexis Sanchez is that Manchester United lack match winners and Alexis Sanchez is just that.
Winning the best player of the tournament award in a tournament which had Lionel Messi as well is an achievement in itself. Sanchez did just that winning the golden ball in Copa America Centenario where chile defeated Lionel Messi led Argentina in the final on penalties.
Despite having an under-par season, it cant be denied that he is one of the best players in the world. He was instrumental in chile’s two Copa America triumphs as well as reaching confederations cup final which they lost Germany.
It was in Copa America Centenario in 2016 that Sanchez really rose above everyone else to win the best player of the tournament award. Sanchez will surely be missed in Russia.
Left Wing- Gareth Bale (Wales)
Gareth Bale didn't have the best of seasons and is now not even a regular starter for real Madrid but to think that he won't be missed at FIFA 2018 is ignorance. Gareth Bale has had his share of injuries but whenever he’s on the field he just manages to light it up.
At 28 years old Bale is already his country's top scorer of all time and has put Wales on the footballing map after years of being under England's shadow. With 29 goals in 70 outings, expect the Welshman to add to those numbers in future.
Gareth bale launched himself to the footballing arena with a delightful hattrick vs Inter Milan in the UEFA champions league. Though Tottenham Hotspur lost, Gareth bale caught the eye of football fans around the globe. with another sensational season in the English premier league which landed him the PFA best player award, Real Madrid came calling for the Welshman and rest as they say is history.
Gareth Bale has won 4 UEFA champions league titles with the Spanish giants putting any doubts about his calibre to bed. His class was on show in the recently concluded champions league final vs Liverpool in which he scored two outrageous goals to win Real Madrid's thirteenth Champions league trophy.
Bale has got every trick in his bag- speed, free kicks, crosses etc you name it and the Welshman will do it. Gareth Bale managed to guide Wales to the semifinals of Euro 2016 - a tremendous feat for a nation like Wales thus giving us major reasons why he would be missed so much at the biggest stage of them all.
Striker- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
The Gabon striker moved from Borrusia Dortmund to Arsenal in January. Aubemayang is ferocious on his day with his speed, movement and goalscoring exploits. He was the top scorer for Dortmund last season and hasn’t fared badly at arsenal as well.
Filling in Robert Lewandowski's shoes was never going to be an easy task but the Gabon international did just right. With 141 goals from 213 appearances, the blazing forward was efficient as well as creative for the BVB.
Aubameyang is one of the fastest players in the world. He along with Mkhitaryan formed a devastating duo providing assists and scoring goals for fun in the Bundesliga. It is still early days at arsenal with just 13 appearances till now, in which the Gabon striker has netted 10 times and provided an assist on 4 occasions- decent return!
When compiling a team of unqualified 11 Aubameyangis a worthy striker to this already star-packed team.
With Robben, Sanchez, Bale and Aubameyang this surely is the fastest front four ever witnessed
