Sportskeeda Football 2018 awards: Best XI of World Football

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.