Sportskeeda Football 2018 awards: Best XI of World Football

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.