ULTIMATE WORLD CUP XI
DEFENSE
GK
SPAIN
DAVID DE GEA
Manchester United's keeper led the EPL in clean sheets (18) and in absurd saves (countless).
RB
GERMANY
JOSHUA KIMMICH
Pep Guardiola shaped the versatile Bayern star—now he's blossomed into a top talent.
CB
GERMANY
MATS HUMMELS
He's dangerous going forward and on set pieces, all while neutralizing a foe's top threat.
CB
SPAIN
SERGIO RAMOS
A penchant for cards? Yes, but also for expert marking and for popping up with clutch goals.
LB
BRAZIL
MARCELO
No fullback in the world has the Real Madrid star's attacking skill and ability on the ball.
MIDFIELD
AM
BELGIUM
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
The attacking spark for Man City's epic season had 12 goals, 21 assists in all competitions.
DM
FRANCE
N'GOLO KANTE
The Chelsea dynamo covers acres of space and is always up for a ball-winning tackle.
AM
EGYPT
MOHAMED SALAH
Liverpool's linchpin set an EPL record for a 38-game season with 32 goals. He's for real.
F
BRAZIL
NEYMAR
The electric PSG wiz has unfinished business after an injury-shortened '14 WC at home.
F
FORWARDS
PORTUGAL
CRISTIANO RONALDO
At 33, he remains lethal as a finisher. He can still find that top gear if needed.
F
ARGENTINA
LIONEL MESSI
Ho hum: another 45-goal year for Barça after single-handedly sealing Argentina's WC berth.
