FIFA 18 TOTY: 5 players who deserved a place in the team

The FIFA 18 Team of the Year (TOTY) is officially out and it is definitely quite impressive. Every football and gaming fan would look at the eleven players selected and think they're capable of winning pretty much every major trophy in the world. The attack is potent to say the very least, with Harry Kane's insane goalscoring form at the forefront. The magic of Lionel Messi and the finesse of Cristiano Ronaldo aren't far behind which make this a dangerous trio up front.

The midfield is full of creativity and pace, with Kevin De Bruyne the prime playmaker in a three-man midfield that includes N'Golo Kante and Luka Modric pulling the strings. The team also has a four-man back line with Leonardo Bonucci and Sergio Ramos as centre backs, Marcelo as left back and Dani Alves at right back. The team is completed with the inclusion of David De Gea in goal, a goalkeeper whose pedigree cannot be doubted and one who has proved himself beyond doubt as the best stopper in the world today. However, a few players who might be disappointed to not make the cut are:

#5 Gianluigi Buffon (Goalkeeper)

Gianluigi Buffon recently retired from international competition

Gianluigi Buffon is a true legend of world football. From a FIFA World Cup trophy to numerous Serie A titles, the Italian has won pretty much all that is there to win. Despite retiring from international competition recently, he still has plenty left in the tank to offer Juventus. Buffon won the Serie A again in 2017 and perhaps deserved a place in the team because of it. His Champions League final appearance against Real Madrid surely made a case for him to be included in the team but De Gea's sheer brilliance for Manchester United in goal keeps this veteran out of the TOTY.

#4 Kyle Walker (Defender)

Kyle Walker has been brilliant at Manchester City

Kyle Walker made a big money move to Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season and has since settled down at the Etihad. The defender has made 2017 his own with impressive performances for the Citizens and the team currently sits at the top of the Premier League table with a comfortable lead. Prior to that, Walker performed exceptionally for Spurs too, prompting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. Walker's pace and defending ability would have been welcome in this team but it's a shame that he misses out.

#3 Dele Alli (Midfielder)

Dele Alli has been instrumental for Tottenham Hotspurs

Widely considered as one of Europe's top young players, Dele Alli has proved himself as one of England's best playmakers and has been somewhat unfortunate not to have won any major trophies yet. His 18 Premier League goals last season were pivotal for Spurs as they performed admirably in the league and this season too, his partnership with striker Harry Kane is pretty much the talk of the town. His lack of trophies could possibly be the reason why he has been omitted but this young player is sure to be on everyone's radar for years to come.

#2 Eden Hazard (Forward)

Eden Hazard won the Premier League with Chelsea

Perhaps slightly unfortunate to miss out on TOTY, Chelsea's Eden Hazard will be scratching his head wondering how he didn't make it to the team. He had a near perfect 2017, with Chelsea lifting the Premier League trophy and Hazard being a top contributor. The Belgian has since been continuing his good form with three goals already in the Champions League for the Blues and six in the Premier League. His skill and ability to leave defenders in the cold would have been another reason for his inclusion in the team for sure.

#1 Neymar Jr. (Forward)

Neymar moved to PSG from Barcelona in 2017

Neymar is surely unlucky to feature in this list. The Brazilian has proved himself beyond doubt as being one of world football's most talented as well as most sought-after performers in recent history. If he wasn't already doing enough, the forward made headlines around the world following his absolutely mental £222M move from Barcelona to PSG. Neymar continued his good form in PSG and kept on scoring just like he did in the Barcelona jersey. He had pace, skill, assists and goals in abundance and his current form was enough for him to deserve a place in the TOTY. But alas, the perseverance of Kane, Ronaldo and Messi proved a little too much in the end and Neymar missed out on a spot by the tiniest of margins.