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

Defensive Midfielder - N'Golo Kante (France)

N'Golo Kante is an outstanding ball-winner.

When Didier Deschamps was picking France's 2014 world cup squad, Kante was yet to play a game of top-flight football. Four years later, he goes to Russia as a guaranteed starter for Les Bleus.

No matter how many times we talk about N'Golo Kante's phenomenal rise to the top, it never fails to amaze us.

The Chelsea midfielder's excellent ball-winning abilities make him a real headache for the oppositions. And the best part, he can do it all day long.

Central Midfielder - Thiago Alcantara (Spain)

Spain would be hoping that Thiago would be able to fill the shoes of Xavi

Son of former world cup winner Mazinho, Thiago Alcantara was part of Spain's 30-man provisional squad in 2014. But a knee ligament injury forced him to withdraw from the side.

This time though, the Spaniard is all set to light up the world cup. Thiago has developed into one of the best central-midfielders in the world, well-round in all aspects of the game.

He, however, has the daunting task of filling in the shoes of Xavi Hernandez, something which is easier said than done.

Central Midfielder - Isco

Isco has been sensational under Zidane

After an impressive spell at Malaga, Isco's career came to a standstill under Carlo Ancelotti. It all changed under Zinedine Zidane, his current manager and idol, who gave him more freedom on the pitch.

All of a sudden, Isco became an unstoppable force, effortlessly dribbling past opponents as if it was a dance routine.

The attacking midfielder played a critical role in his team's world cup qualification process, top-scoring for Spain with five goals.

Russia presents him with an opportunity to emulate his idol and lead La Roja to their second title victory.