World Cup 2018: Best XI From The Tournament

Forwards

Kylian Mbappé

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final

This World Cup was when 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé truly announced himself to the world. With 4 goals, Mbappé shone in Russia. His blistering pace and smooth dribbling tore defences apart and, with his goal in the final, he became only the second ever teenager to score in a World Cup final, the other being the great Pelé.

Mbappé introduced himself as not someone with immense potential, but someone who is currently one of the world's best and at just 19 years old there is so much more of Mbappé to see. He is just getting started.

Right wing honourable mentions: Ante Rebić, Hirving Lozano

Eden Hazard

It took him a while but Eden Hazard finally delivered for Belgium on the big stage. After failing to perform at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 Hazard was at his scintillating best in Russia and when Hazard is at his best he is unplayable.

With 3 goals and 2 assists, Hazard finished 2nd in the golden ball race. He was a menace for defences all month long and proved when he’s on it he’s one of the best in the world. A true captain's performance from Belgium's leader.

Left-wing honour mentions: Ivan Perišić, Denis Cheryshev

Mario Mandžukić

2018 FIFA World Cup final: France vs Croatia

While many other strikers held the spotlight at the World Cup, Mario Mandžukić quickly went about his business in Russia. The focal point of Croatia's attack, Mandžukić’s linkup play was key to Croatia's success. His goals came at crucial times, scoring the equalizer against Denmark in the round of 16 and the winner against England in the semifinal.

He also assisted Andrej Kramarić’s equalizer against Russia in the quarters. And although he scored an own goal in the final and his goal to make it 4-2 amounted to nothing, the 32-year-old’s contribution to Croatia's magical run should not be underestimated.

Striker honourable mentions: Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann, Romelu Lukaku