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Defenders
Benjamin Pavard (France)
Pavard hasn’t always looked comfortable at right-back for France this tournament, given that he is naturally a centre-back, and that is where he played for Stuttgart all of last season, but his strike against Argentina was not one of a right-back.
His half volley was sensational, and worthy of a place in the quarter finals. It was probably the goal of the tournament so far, and a moment of brilliance from the last man France would have expected it from.
Harry Maguire (England)
What a brilliant tournament Maguire is having so far. Two years ago, the Leicester man travelled to France as a supporter to see England play in the European Championships, and now he is a key man in the squad.
It’s not just his defensive stability that’s impressive with Maguire, it’s his ability to bring the ball out of defence and into midfield. This was crucial against Colombia, because he was able to help England outnumber Colombia in the centre of the park, and control play.
John Stones (England)
There have regularly been doubts over Stones in the centre of defence. His ability is undeniable, but it’s been his decision making that has often come into question.
Not on Tuesday night though, when he produced a brilliant defensive performance to help send England into the quarter finals. We didn’t see too much of him on the ball, but he did an excellent job of keeping the dangerous Radamel Falcao quiet.
Ilya Kutepov (Russia)
There was so much negativity surrounding this Russia team going into the tournament, but they have proved all their doubters wrong by reaching the quarter finals. They put in a fine defensive display against Spain, and Kutepov was right at the heart of that. Admittedly, they weren’t tested by Spain the way they would have expected to be, but Russia kept things tight, and denied Spain too many chances to create an opening.
