World Cup 2018: A combined XI of the best players from the round of 16 

Right-back: Kieran Trippier (England)

The Tottenham man had a magnificent outing for England in their win against South American opponents Colombia. Trippier dominated his flank showing wonderful pace when going forward and tracking back.

He was solid in defense and provided a threat going forward with some wonderful link-up play and crosses while also looking to get on the end of crosses coming in from the opposite flank. Trippier was always assured on the ball and ran his socks off for the entire match. In the end he capped a brilliant performance by slotting home his penalty in the shootout.

Center-back: Ilya Kutepov (Russia)

If you watched the Russia vs Spain match, you may have lost count of the number of times that a Spanish attack ended at the feet (or head) of Kutepov. The fact that he seemed to be everywhere at the right time sees him take his place at the heart of this XI ahead of other brilliant defensive performers.

The 24-year-old who plays his club football with Spartak Moscow produced the kind of performance that makes the big clubs sit up and take note. Kutepov was solid in defence making several clearances and blocking the route to goal. He did all of this despite playing a portion of the second half and extra-time with cramp. Impressive.

Center-back: Yerry Mina (Colombia)

The only player on this list not to go through to the quarterfinals, Mina's performance for Colombia against England was undeserving of defeat. The tall and physical defender imposed himself on the match displaying wonderful composure alongside Davinson Sanchez at the heart of the Colombian defence.

Mina was dominant in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet while demonstrating wonderful reading of the game. His last-gasp headed equalizer deep into stoppage time was his third goal of a fantastic tournament and fully deserved.

Strongly linked with a move away from Barcelona for whom he has made a handful of appearances, Mina may have seen an increase in the number of suitors after his World Cup displays. Barca though may be wise to ensure the 23-year-old remains at the Camp Nou.

Left-back: Diego Laxalt (Uruguay)

Laxalt, who plays his club football for Genoa in Italy as a midfielder was the standout performer in an Uruguayan back-line that kept Cristiano Ronaldo and co at bay during their round of 16 encounter.

Laxalt may have been a bit careless with his passing but his determination and tenacity in winning the ball back meant that no attack of note came down his side of the field. He displayed good positional awareness, wonderful pace and physicality in dealing with the Portuguese attackers. A hardworking and assured performance by the 25-year-old in the end.