World Cup 2018: Best South-American XI

Midfielders:

Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

Javier Mascherano is normally deployed as a centre defensive midfielder in Argentina's line-up. Mascherano is one of the most experienced central defensive midfielders in this World Cup. Being tactically shrewd, he has the ability to anticipate the mindset of the opposing player and react accordingly.

He is a ruff tackler, has the capability to keep possession and has the vision to pick out his teammates perfectly. In the 2014 World Cup, he recorded the most tackles by any player in the tournament (30) and the 3rd most passes (576 at a success rate of 89%) and hence played a crucial part for Argentina in reaching the finals.

Having represented Argentina in 143 matches and scoring 3 goals for them, Mascherano will be a key player for this side. He will stand like a rock in front of the defence and his experience will be of great help to the team's defenders. He will play as the central defensive midfielder in this South American XI team.

Coutinho (Brazil)

Coutinho is generally deployed in the midfield in Brazil's line-up. Having decent pace, Coutinho is an excellent dribbler, has good stamina, is agile, has good awareness of the game and has the vision to thread a perfect pass in order to penetrate the opposition's defence.

He is also an excellent long-range shooter, is good at keeping possession and has the ability to pick out a player with pinpoint accuracy. He has represented Brazil in 35 matches and scored 9 goals for them.

He will play as a right central midfielder in this side. It will be his duty to keep possession for the side and try to provide a perfect ball to the strikers which will break the opposition's defence.

James Rodriguez ( Colombia)

James Rodriguez is often deployed as a central attacking midfielder in Colombia's starting line-up. Being gifted with a good vision, Rodriguez has great dribbling abilities, is good at keeping possession and has the competence to provide a perfect ball to penetrate the opposition's defence.

He is probably one of the best long-distance shooters in modern day football, is a good crosser and is a world-class assist provider. He has represented Colombia in 62 matches and scored 21 goals for them. At the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez scored 6 goals and helped Colombia to reach the Quarter-finals.

He was awarded the golden boot for scoring the most goals at the 2014 World Cup. His link-up play, game awareness and his ability to create an opportunity out of nowhere is an invaluable asset. He will play as a left central midfielder in the side and will be responsible for taking set-pieces for the side.