With the World Cup now complete, here are the 11 players that have earned a place in my Team of the Tournament.
GK – Vozinha
The Veteran goalkeeper announced himself in this year’s World Cup after a series of outstanding performances. Most notably against eventual winner’s Spain, where he kept a clean sheet to earn a vital point against a truly phenomenal side.
Against all odds, Cape Verde progressed to the Round of 32, where they pushed eventual runners-up Argentina to extra-time. Despite losing 3-2, Vozinha and Cape Verde made a statement in their performances across the campaign.
RB – Pedro Porro
Six appearances, two goals, five clean-sheets, Pedro Porro was fantastic in Spain’s indestructible defence. After a poor season with Spurs, the Spanish full-back has showed his real quality in this year’s World Cup, resulting in going back home with the trophy.
CB – Pau Cubarsi
The Young Player of the Tournament award was well deserved for the Spanish youngster. After eight appearances, Cubarsi and Spain accumulated seven clean sheets across the tournament, as well as only conceding one goal throughout their successful campaign.
CB – Aymeric Laporte
Alongside Cubarsi, Laporte was superb throughout the tournament. His experience and composure helped organise Spain during the biggest moments of the tournament, which led to their success in the final.
LB – Marc Cucurella
An all-Spanish defence highlights how outstanding Spain were in defence and throughout the whole tournament. Cucurella wasn’t just reliable at the back but also was a huge presence in attack. The newly signed Real Madrid player scored three goals during his campaign and gave Spain great attacking outlets from the left hand-side of the pitch.
CDM – Rodri
Rodri, the heartbeat of Spain’s midfield. With a World Cup, Euros, Champions League and Ballon d’Or to his name, Rodri has truly completed football. His ability to control the game and pick-out passes which are simply majestic to the eye, shows why he is the official Player of the Tournament.
CM – Jude Bellingham
Bellingham was England’s driving force throughout the tournament. Seven goals and one assist in eight games, alongside his ability to show up in the big moments, shows how vital he is to England.
CM – Michael Olise
Olise broke the assist record with an outstanding eight assists throughout his campaign. The previous record was set by the great Pele in the 1970 World Cup, with six assists. It wasn’t just the assists that made Olise shine, his quality on the ball was world-class throughout the tournament.
LW – Kylian Mbappe
The tournaments top goal-scorer. Mbappe’s 22 goals in 22 World Cup appearances saw the French superstar become the all-time leading goal-scorer after his brace against England. A fantastic tournament from the French captain, who once again showcased his world-class ability on the biggest stage.
RW – Lionel Messi
At 39-years-old, it may well be the last dance at a World Cup for Messi. However, if it is to be, he will go out with a World Cup trophy and 21 goals to his name across his career in the competition. Despite the heartbreak in the final, the Argentinian magician demonstrated his quality once again with 12 goal contributions and moments of brilliance that seemed impossible.
ST – Erling Haaland
Haaland made a statement at his first World Cup. It was Norway’s first appearance at the tournament since 1998, and they made it one to remember. From the row celebrations to knocking out five-time winner’s Brazil, Haaland was the main man throughout it all. Seven goals in five games for Haaland highlighted why he is regarded as one of the best strikers in world football.