Players at the 2018 World Cup: Europe XI vs Rest of World XI

FORWARD: Neymar, Edinson Cavani, and Lionel Messi

A front three of Messi, Neymar, and Cavani (MNC) would send shivers down any defense’s spine. While Cavani and Neymar already enjoy a devastating partnership at PSG, adding Messi to the mix would make it as exciting a trio as one can imagine.

The temptation to reunite the Messi, Suarez and Neymar trio was a strong one indeed but Suarez was woeful at the World Cup, to say the least.

Lionel Messi was not at his best at the World Cup. He got off to the worst possible start when he fluffed a penalty against Iceland. However, as the tournament progressed he found the magic that has become synonymous with him. He scored a sensational goal against Nigeria and backed it up with two assists against France.

Though he did not set the world ablaze with his performances, he gets in on the team due to a lack of performances elsewhere from his South American, African and Asian counterparts.

Neymar copped a lot of flak throughout the tournament for his play-acting. His play-acting aside, Neymar actually created a whole host of chances for his teammates. He created 23 chances, averaging an astonishing 5.6 chances per game.

The selection of Cavani was the easiest as he was the best non-European 'Number Nine'. He single-handedly destroyed Portugal in the Round of 16 and was a constant nuisance for defenders. Uruguay felt the absence of Cavani against France and it came as no surprise when they failed to carve out any clear-cut chances.

Neymar would start on the left, with Messi on the right and Cavani playing through the middle. If the midfield is able to feed the ball quickly to this trio, they can combine to devastating effect.

Cavani would make runs into the ‘channels’ and this would free up space for Messi and Neymar around the box. An unmarked Messi or Neymar around the box is the last thing a defending team needs.

It’s now time for the MSN to take a back-seat and let MNC have their time in the sun.

BENCH: Keylor Navas, Carlos Vela, Joao Miranda, Willian, Takashi Inui.