World Cup 2018: Team of the Tournament

Central Midfielders

N'golo Kante (France)

As always, N'golo Kante dominated the midfield

Who knew a relatively unknown player would go from the French second division to winning the Premier League twice, winning the PL player of the season and winning the FIFA World Cup - all in the space of 3 years?

During France's on pitch trophy celebrations, Kanté was too shy to touch the trophy and didn't want to impose on others, so N’Zonzi had to ask the rest of the French team to let him take a picture with the trophy. What a guy. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/SldkZyPqeN

— World Cup (@EPLBible) July 15, 2018

The defending midfielder was France's best player in the group stage when they weren't as good going forward, and after that, he settled into a more relaxed, conventional role. Kante played every minute of every game until the final, where he was subbed off in the 55th minute as a precaution after he had received a yellow previously.

Paul Pogba (France)

The best form in recent years?

A lot was expected of Paul Pogba prior to the tournament, and then there were calls to drop him from the Starting XI after a few below-par performances in the friendlies just before the WC. But now, it is safe to say that Paul Pogba has lived up to his reputation, and then some more.

He did not have an assist or a goal before the final, but then scored France's third goal to become the first ever Manchester United player to score in a WC final - which of itself is a crazy record. Amid rumors that Manchester United fans wanted him out after not being good enough, this should calm them down.

Luka Modric (Croatia)

Winner of the Golden Ball

It was a close fight between Rakitic and Modric for the spot, but I have decided to go with the Golden Ball winner of the World Cup. Luka Modric, after a CL winning season with Real Madrid and a season where he was the team's best player, finally delivered the goods for the national team.

Barring the game against Iceland, Modric was a part of every other game almost for every minute - including three consecutive 120-minute games. His penalty miss against Denmark did not prove to be too costly for the team, but the heartbreak in the final could not be avoided.

Modric was responsible for only 2 goals and 1 assist during the tournament but was head and shoulders above most of the players across the tournament. I doubt anyone would feel that his award was undeserved.