Greatest XI that missed out on the 2021 Ballon d'Or shortlist

Central midfielder: Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)

Verratti has been a driving force behind a successful PSG side

Despite participating heavily in Italy's historic Euro 2020 triumph, Marco Verratti was unceremoniously ousted from the 2021 Ballon d'Or shortlist. Verratti was an ever-present in the Azzurri's midfield, stitching several beautiful passes from the center of the park. He was also a key figure in PSG's run to the Champions League semis, recording two assists in seven matches.

In fact, Verratti has been the orchestrator of this star-studded PSG team for quite some time now, gracefully controlling the tempo of his team's play on a consistent basis. Despite his commendable performances, Verratti haplessly missed out on a Ballon d'Or nod. The midfielder has every right to feel robbed off a potential nomination.

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Central midfielder: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern Muenchen - DFB Cup Final

Joshua Kimmich has had a seamless transition from right-back to the base of the midfield, achieving every accolade under the sun in club football, except a Ballon d'Or nomination. In the past two seasons, the German has thoroughly cemented his position as the best defensive midfielder in the world.

Kimmich has been an integral part of the rampant Bayern Munich side of today, excelling in his role as one-half of a double pivot midfield. Still, the 26-year-old maestro missed out on this year's Ballon d'Or nomination. Despite the disappointment, Kimmich has stated he is unbothered by the snub.

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Central attacking midfielder: Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

Muller continues to impress at the age of 32

Similar to compatriot Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller has been immensely consistent over the past few seasons. The versatile German has been playing at the highest level of football for almost a decade now. He was literally at the center of two treble-winning Bayern sides in 2013 and 2020, acting as the chief creator for his team on both occasions.

However, the 32-year-old playmaker is yet to receive the recognition his talent truly deserves. Muller registered a whopping 39 goal contributions last season, laying out 21 assists in the Bundesliga alone. However, his Ballon d'Or snub this year perfectly sums up the underrated career Muller has lived through. Perhaps a disappointment at Euro 2020 with Germany acted against him in the race for the Ballon d'Or. But no one can deny the contrubutions he made for Bayern.

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