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Attacking midfield: Arjen Robben – Lionel Messi – James Rodriguez
His theatrics aside, Arjen Robben was perhaps the most potent attacker in Brazil. Every time his side got the ball, they instinctively looked for Robben, for they knew what a threat he was. It wasn’t just his ability to get past his markers as if they didn’t exist, but the fact that he kept on going and going and going, right until the final whistle showed his superhuman levels of endurance. Aged 30, he might not get another shot at a World Cup, but he certainly enthralled and exasperated fans and players alike with his performances in Brazil.
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Such is the standard that Lionel Messi sets himself that some might call his inclusion unwarranted. But the simple fact is that without Messi’s contribution, Argentina would have been nowhere near the final. Even though he was almost anonymous in the final, he still almost won them the game. Although he wasn’t able to win the World Cup like Diego Maradona did, he showed some sublime bursts of individual brilliance, even if he didn’t deserve the Golden Ball.
The breakout star of Brazil was Colombia’s James Rodriguez. Even though he had made a big-money move to AS Monaco only the previous season, not much was known about him. But thanks to 6 goals, 2 assists and some eye-catching displays, another global superstar was born. His wonder goal against Uruguay showed everything he was all about - vision, grace, technique and the courage to never be afraid of trying his luck. From being a relatively unknown to being a household name, James Rodriguez certainly showed the world just why Monaco splashed the cash to bring him to the principality.
Striker: Thomas Müller
Aged just 24, with 10 World Cup goals to his name already, it seems like it is only a matter of time before Thomas Müller surpasses Miroslav Klose’ World Cup goal scoring record. In Brazil, Müller espoused German efficiency above all else. His versatility and ability to conquer space meant that he was always available for a pass and provided an outlet for the German attack throughout the tournament. He might not be the most eye-catching player, but when it comes to offensive productivity, there are few who can beat him and be at the right place, at the right time.
Substitutes: Keylor Navas, Stefan de Vrij, Ezequiel Garay, Giancarlo González, Ricardo Rodriguez, Neymar, Alexis Sánchez
Coach: Joachim Low
For not just being the first German coach to bring home the World Cup for his country since 1990, but for also realizing when tactical tweaks needed to be done and being bold enough to make tough calls. Whether it was shifting Lahm from central midfield to right back or bringing Miroslav Klose in for the knockout games, Loew had the magic touch that helped his side to victory.
