World Cup 2018: Strongest European XI

Center-backs: Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels

Sergio Ramos is an incredible leader

In the heart of the defence, the duo of Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels would work wonders for the European XI. They are the best men for probably the most important job in the game, ahead of Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane and Gerard Pique.

The Spanish skipper Ramos recently became the first captain to lead his club to three successive UCL titles, a fact you just can't overlook. Ramos has a pass success rate of 90.3%. Moreover, he has scored more goals (4) than any other defender in the league competition. Add the fact that he has averaged 3.3 aerial duels per game which is again the best in Europe and his inclusion will add aerial stability which is vital during defending set-pieces.

Ramos is a charismatic leader who leads by an example and scores important goals in times of need. But, it's his incessant fouling and the habit of regularly being in the referee's notebook that is a problem, and that's where his partner comes in.

Mats Hummels is the perfect choice to complement Sergio Ramos

Mats Hummels is a vital piece in Joachim Loew's set up. The Bayern Munich defender is one of the most consistent performers of this generation.

The German centre-back is the perfect man to complement Sergio Ramos' aggressive style of defending. He received only 5 yellow cards and no red card in all competitions in 2017-18, a testament to his calm and composed style of defending.

Hummels has the best averages in interceptions(2.1) and tackles(2.4) amongst the top European defenders. He also commits fewer fouls than Umtiti, Ramos and Pique, averaging only 0.7 fouls per game.