FIFA World Cup 2018: Strongest combined South American XI

Midfield - Casemiro (Brazil), Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) and James Rodriguez (Colombia)

Casemiro a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid

Some notable omissions had to be made in midfield like Argentina’s veteran defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano and Brazil’s Fernandinho and Paulinho. That being said, it was fairly easy to pick the midfield of this side.

Casemiro has excelled at Real Madrid in the last three seasons and was a starter in the Champions League final in the last three seasons. His brilliant form at club level also earned him a starting role for Brazil ahead of the likes of Fernandino and Fabinho.

Coutinho is currently the third most expensive player ever

The midfield also contains another Brazilian, Philippe Coutinho, who also plays at club level for a Spanish giant. The 25-year-old is currently the third most expensive player on the planet following his move from Liverpool to Barcelona.

Despite playing for two different teams this season, Coutinho ended the season with 22 goals and 14 assists to his name in all competitions.

James won the Golden Boot at the previous World Cup

Completing the midfield is the Golden Boot winner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup - James Rodriguez. The Colombian spent the last season on loan at Bayern Munich scoring 7 goals and assisting 11 in 19 starts and four substitute appearances in the Bundesliga.

The 26-year-old is the vice-captain of his country and will be hoping to replicate his heroics from four years ago and add to the 21 goals he has from 62 games.