FIFA World Cup 2018: Best XI of players making their world cup debut

Left Back - Filipe Luis (Brazil)

Filipe Luis overcame competition from Alex Sandro to make it to Brazil's squad

Being a full-back in Brazil is tough, you have to compete with the very best to earn an international cap. Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis faced a similar problem over the years.

Despite performing consistently well season after season, Luis found himself behind Marcelo and Maxwell in the pecking order for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. But the hard-working fullback kept going and was rewarded for his persistence.

At the age of 32, Luis will finally be making his world cup debut.

Centre Back - Miranda (Brazil)

Miranda has earned the reputation of being a reliable worker at the back

Like Luis, Miranda turned out to be a late bloomer for his country. The Brazilian earned his first cap in 2009. Since then he's been in and out of the side until becoming a regular starter under Dunga.

Miranda has been a critical figure in Inter Milan's revival, who will be participating in Champions League after a gap of six years.

The former Atletico Madrid man has earned the reputation of being a reliable worker at the back. His partnership with Thiago Silva will be decisive in Brazil's performance in Russia.

Centre Back - Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)

Some big EPL clubs are targeting Koulibaly this summer.

Kalidou Koulibaly has been on a roll for Napoli this season. At 6'5", the French-born Senegalese is a real physical presence in the defence.

At the same time, he also possesses the ability to pass the ball and start attacks.

Koulibaly is expected to have a busy summer, with clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal looking for him.

But before that, he will be joining Senegal in their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 2002.

Placed in a relatively easy group, Koulibaly will need to be at his best for the African nation to progress into knockouts.

Right Back - Joshua Kimmich (Germany)

FC Bayern Muenchen v VfB Stuttgart - Bundesliga

Ever since Joshua Kimmich joined Bayern Munich in 2015, people have seen him as Philipp Lahm's successor.

The 2017-18 season, however, proved that he could be much more. With six goals and 13 assists, Kimmich has been one of Europe's most prolific defenders.

The 23-year-old has already delivered at the international stage, playing in tournaments like 2016 Euros and 2017 Confederation Cup. 2018 FIFA World Cup will be Kimmich's real test as he takes the field to defend Germany's title.