4 players who missed out on 2018 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award shortlist

The FIFA World Player of the Year award was started in 1991 and it ran until 2009. It was merged with Ballon d’Or in 2010 and became the FIFA Ballon d’Or award. This partnership lasted for six years. In 2016, FIFA decided not to renew the deal and resurrected the FIFA World Player of the Year award - but this time as FIFA Best Men’s Player Award.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award on the previous two occasions with Lionel Messi finishing as runner-up. On Tuesday, FIFA announced the 10-man shortlist for the 2018 Awards. Unsurprisingly, the World Cup in Russia played a big part in this year’s shortlist.

Usual suspects Ronaldo and Messi made it on to the list. However, there was no room for some of the in-form players in the world right now. Players, coaches, fans, and media will vote on the award and the final three-man shortlist will be announced in September.

The 10 Nominees for the 2018 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Juventus), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City / Belgium), Antoine Griezmann (France / Atletico Madrid), Eden Hazard (Chelsea / Belgium), Harry Kane (Tottenham / England), Kylian Mbappe (PSG / France), Lionel Messi (Barcelona / Argentina), Luka Modric (Real Madrid / Croatia), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool / Egypt), and Raphael Varane (Real Madrid / France)

On that note, let's take a look at the top four players who missed out on 2018 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award shortlist.

---

#4 Ivan Rakitic

Rakitic playing for Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final

Ivan Rakitic is one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment. The Croatian international has played more matches (71) than any other player during the 2017/18 season.

He played a huge role in Barcelona's domestic double (La Liga and Copa del Rey) last season. Also, he helped Croatia to the final of the 2018 World Cup. Given the amount of football he has played over the last 12 months, it was really amazing to see how he managed to maintain a great level throughout the season.

Although he scored only five goals and assisted five more in all competitions for Barcelona and Croatia this season, he was irreplaceable throughout the 2017/18 campaign. A technically gifted player, Rakitic brings stability and balance to the midfield. His work rate and fitness were exceptional all through the season.

He can defend well and at the same time, possesses great abilities going forward. Ernesto Valverde and Zlatco Dalic showered praise on him for his phenomenal performances throughout the season.

#3 N’Golo Kante

N'Golo Kante playing for France at the 2018 World Cup

Unsung hero of France’s 2018 World Cup campaign, N’Golo Kante is arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football at the moment. An old-fashioned deep-lying midfielder, Kante never stops running.

Along with Paul Pogba, the 27-year-old played a huge part in their World Cup win. He dominated the midfield and allowed players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud to express themselves in the final third.

He provided defensive cover to Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti, which allowed French fullbacks, Pavard and Hernandez, to go forward and attack. Kante’s greatest strengths are his positional awareness, tackling, disrupting opponents passing rhythm, and the ability to read the game.

Although Chelsea finished fifth in the Premier League last season, Kante was one of their best performers.

#2 Paul Pogba

Pogba led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup final

He might not be a hero at Old Trafford but he certainly was a hero in Russia for his national side. Pogba played a stellar role for France in the World Cup and led them to their second World Cup title. He also scored a stunning goal in the final against Croatia.

While he was often criticized at Manchester United, he finished the 2017/18 Premier League season with six goals and 10 assists. This was an exceptional return for a player who predominantly plays as a central midfielder.

Pogba is a treat to watch with the ball at his feet. He is exceptional in the air and possesses great technical abilities. His work-rate is phenomenal and he contributes a lot at either end of the pitch.

#1 Neymar

Neymar didn't have the best World Cup with Brazil

Arguably the biggest omission from the shortlist. According to FIFA, the world’s most expensive player does not feature in the list of top 10 best footballers in the world at the moment. Neymar finished third in 2017 but was not able to make the shortlist this year.

Despite winning three domestic trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s underwhelming World Cup resulted in his omission. Neymar scored 27 goals and assisted 16 more for Paris Saint-Germain last season but missed the last three months of the season because of an injury.

Although he scored a couple of goals in the World Cup, he wasn’t at his usual best. Brazil lost to Belgium in the quarter-finals and was eliminated from the tournament.