FIFA World Cup 2018: Top 5 players to miss out in Portugal's 23-man squad

#4 Nelson Semedo (Barcelona)

Semedo's debut season has been far from straightforward

The defender's successful 2016/17 campaign that culminated in the 'Breakthrough Player of the Year' award in the Portuguese league convinced Barcelona to splash €30.5 million in his acquisition. He even made a good start to life in Catalonia when he drew plaudits for his performance in the 3-0 vanquish of Juventus in the Champions League.

However, he did not build on that promise and seems to have gone down a level since he returned from an injury-hit spell. Semedo has looked lost in the backline, leaving acres of space at the back and lacking any sort of communication with his counterparts. He's also seen giving away possession far too easily.

The recent loss to Levante was a nightmare for the right-back as he was culpable for some of the goals conceded. The recurring injuries may have kept him from attaining stability, but it didn't deter him from winning 53% of his duels and also maintain 86% passing accuracy.

But Cedric Soares, who endured greater struggles with Southampton in trying to avoid relegation, was selected and is a likely starter in the right full-back position.