Sportskeeda Football 2018 awards: Best XI of World Football

2018 is drawing to a close, and so is the football (wink wink, Premier League fans). Like always, the year had numerous plotlines, surprises, triumph, agony, and whatnot. The usual summer boredom was also lightened up by the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

In the individual sense, the year was a surprise for many. Luka Modric broke the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to sweep the individual accolades this year. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah rose to prominence, and stalwarts like Messi, Ronaldo continued their excellence.

The guys at FIFA released their FIFpro World eleven, but it is void of any team balance or structure. So here is our attempt at picking out the best eleven. Consider that this is the side which would have the best chance of winning any football game.

The formation chosen is 4-3-3 as it is used by most elite sides in Europe right now.

Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid, Slovenia)

It's still easy to forget that Oblak is still just 25. With his aid, the Atletico Madrid defense has become close to impenetrable. He has won the LaLiga's Zamora trophy for three consecutive seasons, and people are finally taking his feats into account.

The Slovenian is elite in all the requirements from a goalkeeper. His positioning is unerringly accurate, his shot-stopping ability is unbelievable, and so is his control over the penalty area. Another important facet of his game is the consistency. One needs to think really hard to remember his last blunder and believe me, the sample space is very very small.

David De Gea is also just as worthy of this spot, but Oblak's consistency throughout the year sees him make the cut. Believe me, it was close.

Defenders

Spanish full-backs

Left-back: Jordi Alba (Barcelona, Spain)

Alba has been a consistent performer for Barcelona over the years, and 2018 has been more of the same. After Neymar's departure to PSG in 2017, he has taken a bigger responsibility on the pitch. It can be safely said that the Spaniard has passed with flying colors.

In the majority of the games for Barca, he has control of the whole left flank, and he excels in the role. Defensively he is as staunch as ever, and his attacking game has really flourished in the past year. Alba is one of the rare defenders who will give you great performances every week.

Center-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)

When Jurgen Klopp shelled out £75 million in January for Van Dijk, quite a few eyebrows were raised. But Dutchman has been nothing short of sensational since arriving. Liverpool's defense has undergone a radical improvement since, and it has been no coincidence.

The Reds have conceded just seven league goals this term in 19 games and they are on course to be crowned as the meanest defense the league has ever seen. Van Dijk resembles a graceful swan, ambling across the pitch making tackles and interceptions. His leadership role has also gone up a notch this season, and he has skippered the side in the absence of Jordan Henderson.

Center-back: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus, Italy)

Very few defenders, if any, have actually won games for their teams, and Giorgio Chiellini is one of them. In games against Tottenham (away) last season and Inter (home) this season, he has truly done that. He has been at the heart of Juventus and Italy sides over the decade, and his performance level has never wavered.

A big strong defender, Chiellini's experience and determination more than makeup for his lack of pace. He celebrates each tackle like a goal, and it is this passion which makes him one of the best in the world.

Right-back: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)

Now someone like Joshua Kimmich is relatively weak defensively, and a player of the ilk of Cesar Azpilicueta is found wanting in the attack. Carvajal provides a perfect blend of both needs, hence his inclusion.

He has been a consistent performer in Madrid in recent years, and it's easy to forget that he is still just 26. The Spaniard is influential on both sides of the pitch, and his attacking instincts are often overlooked. Carvajal is set to be the first choice in the Spain and Real Madrid teams for a long time to come.

Midfielders

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League

Left midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)

De Bruyne was City's star player as Pep Guardiola's side made history last season in the Premier League. The Belgian was at the heart of it all, laying on goals for the likes of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.

He had a brilliant World Cup as well, as Belgium clinched third place in Russia. This season his involvement has been limited due to injury though. But expect him to bounce back strongly, as City need him more than ever as of now.

Center midfield: N'Golo Kante (Chelsea, France)

Kante's story is a well-documented one, but it still does not fail to impress. He remains a vital player for both Chelsea and France, irrespective of manager or tactics. The Frenchman added to his trophy cabinet in the summer when he clinched the World Cup title.

He was one of the few shining lights in a dour Chelsea campaign last term, excelling in the holding midfield position. This season under Maurizio Sarri his position has been altered, but he has fit in quite well. Just like many in this list, Kante is a model of consistency and excellence.

Right midfield: Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia)

What a year it has been for Luka Modric. Won the Champions League, then lead your passionate nation to the World Cup final, and capped it off by winning the Ballon d'Or. Good 12 months in the office, right?

Modric's silky midfield play was at the heart of Real Madrid for so long, and it finally got recognised this year. Alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro, he formed a formidable midfield trio which brought so much success. The way he dictates the game from the centre of the pitch is something to behold.

Forwards

Real Madrid v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final

Left winger: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Juventus, Portugal)

How do you even stop this guy? Two leagues have tried (this year), but there's still no way. Ronaldo kicked his level up a notch in 2018, as Real Madrid brushed off their insipid league campaign to clinch another European crown. Then he scored some goals in Russia, and as of now, he's lighting it up in Italy.

The Portuguese has scored 47 goals this calendar year. His goalscoring exploits have not been affected by a change in scenery, and he has scored 10 for the Italian Champions already. He has altered his game to cope up with his ageing body, and he has done it magnificently.

Striker: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina)

It's ironic to say, but Messi's unwavering levels of excellence have actually been detrimental for him. The Argentine was placed 5th in the Ballon d'Or ratings, but the year he has had deserved so much better. Messi recorded 51 goals and 26 assists in 2018, and his contribution to 77 goals is bettered by no one.

He starred as Barcelona clinched the league and cup double in May, and the Catalans are on course to repeat their LaLiga success this time. His World Cup campaign in Russia was cut short in the round of 16, but judging a whole year by 4 games isn't fair, is it? Messi has played before in the 'false nine' position, and his position has been deep under Ernesto Valverde as well. With Ronaldo and Salah to run behind him, this attack can cause havoc.

Right winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)

The Egyptian had a 2017/18 season to remember, and he has continued that form. Salah's goal tally last season was bettered only by Messi, as he set the record for most goals in a 38-game Premier League season.

He is on course for the crown this campaign as well. Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored more league goals than Salah's 13. Liverpool are 6 points clear at the top of the table, and his goals have been a major reason why. Salah has had a stellar calendar year which no one really expected, and aged 26, he still has a long way to go.