World Cup 2018: 4 midfielders who excelled in Russia

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was quite eventful and full of surprises. It was enthralling, mesmerizing and a different World Cup from the previous ones. With the 2014 Champions Germany crashing out the group stage, Argentina, Portugal, and Spain soon followed suit.

On the other hand, underdogs such as Russia, Sweden, and Croatia reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The midfield battles decided the proceedings in many games at the World Cup. They were intense, entertaining, decisive and clearly showed the quality of a team which had a formidable midfield.

It was quite evidently visible in the group stage game between Argentina and Croatia in which the Croatian Midfield dominated the Argentinian midfield and gave them a humiliating 3-0 defeat.

The midfield of the 2 World Cup finalist France and Croatia was probably the best in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and hence it was one of the key areas for both the team's success. In spite of Croatia winning the midfield battle in the final, France were the worthy winners due to their clinical finishing.

Due to their superb performance at the World Cup, the transfer prices of the midfielders will surely increase and hence they will be quite lucrative in the transfer market. Let us have a look at the 4 midfielders who have proved their worth at the World Cup.

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#4 Coutinho

Coutinho in action for Brazil

Coutinho was probably the best player for Brazil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Being the main playmaker, the chances which he created were either sadly not converted into goals due to Gabriel Jesus's mediocre finishing or were wasted by Neymar due to his antics.

Nevertheless, his long-range goal against Switzerland in the first group stage match was probably one of the most wonderful goals of the tournament. His spirited efforts in the quarter-finals against Belgium when Brazil were 2-0 down were commendable.

Having scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists from 5 games, Coutinho completed 293 successful passes at the rate of 89.9 percent and at an average of 67.3 passes per game. He also had a passing accuracy of 88.2 percent, a success rate of 66.7 percent at long passes, covered 32.41 miles in 436 minutes. Out of 22 attempts, Coutinho had 7 attempts on target.

Hence, his marvelous display at the World Cup will help him to play well right from the start in his first full season at Barcelona.

#3 De Bruyne

KDB - genius!

De Bruyne was a silent performer for Belgium who didn't steal the spotlight from his captain Eden Hazard at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Having played the role of a defensive midfielder in the group stages, Martinez gave him freedom to play a more attacking role against Brazil in the quarter-finals.

De Bruyne didn't disappoint Martinez by scoring his first goal of the tournament in that match and looked a completely different player in the False 9 role. Being the playmaker for Belgium, he was instrumental in Belgium's 3-2 comeback victory against Japan in the thrilling round of 16 match.

De Bruyne scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists in 6 games for Belgium. He completed 265 successful passes at a success rate of 53.6 percent and at an average of 55.5 passes per game. Having covered 40.63 miles in 540 minutes, De Bruyne had a passing accuracy of 72.2 percent in opposition's half and had 4 attempts on target from 13 shots.

Despite De Bruyne's valiant efforts, Belgium lost to France in the semi-finals and had to settle for third after their victory against England.

De Bruyne through his performances has proved to the World that he is one of the best playmakers in the World right now.

#2 Kante

N'Golo Kante - solid!

Kante was the best defensive midfielder at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His mobility, accurate tackles and the rare ability to break up play by intercepting the ball in crucial situations has been the most important reason for France's triumph at the World Cup.

He has been like a rock in front of the French defense throughout the World Cup and has enabled France to throw more bodies forward during their counter-attacks.

Having played 7 matches for France at the World Cup, Kante covered 42.59 miles in 595 minutes. He made 20 interceptions and had a success rate of 73.3 percent at tackling. Kante completed 319 successful passes at the rate of 88.4 percent and at an average 54.6 passes per game.

Hence, from the above stats and description, Kante has performed excellently at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#1 Modric

Modric - MVP!

Modric was the best player at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and hence deserved the Golden Ball which he received after yesterday's final against France. He formed a superb partnership in the midfield with teammate Rakitic and hence the Croatian midfield was regarded as the best in the World Cup.

His hard-work, determination, vision, and pace played an influential part in Croatia reaching the World Cup final. Being the captain of the team, he led the second golden generation of Croatian Football in successfully winning the hearts of everyone in the footballing world.

Having scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in 7 games, Modric ran 44.93 miles in 694 minutes and completed 439 successful passes. He was quite impressive against Argentina in the group stage as he scored a wonderful goal from long-range and was part of the midfield which hammered them 3-0.

His performance in the final was probably his best in the World Cup as he overpowered Kante and was a major threat for France throughout the match.

Having won the Golden Ball award, Modric is also a prime candidate for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.