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

Defensive midfielder: N'Golo Kante (France)

It may have gone unnoticed by many but Kante is having an impressive World Cup. Then again, consistent high-level performances are what we have come to expect from the Chelsea man that it is sometimes taken for granted.

The tireless Kante was all over Lionel Messi when he dropped deep and the Argentine midfield. Seems to be everywhere all the time putting in tackles and interceptions getting three of each in that match. He was calm and composed with the ball picking out his teammates and even occasionally managed to go on some driving runs down the middle. Kante continues to be a key player in France's World Cup aspirations.

Central midfielder: Ivan Rakitic (Croatia)

The Barcelona man has formed one of the most formidable midfield partnerships at the World Cup with Real Madrid man Luka Modric. Alongside his captain, Rakitic did a bit of everything in Croatia's win over Denmark.

He sprayed passes all over the pitch completing seven accurate long balls. He also mastered two key passes, two dribbles, two tackles and went close with a couple of shots. Rakitic was in the thick of the action throughout the entire contest. Topped off a brilliant performance by scoring the winning penalty in the shootout.

Attacking midfield: Willian (Brazil)

For the purposes of our lineup, Willian lines up in an attacking midfield role with the system allowing him to drift out wide. With that being said, it was impossible to leave out the Chelsea man as he put in a man-of-the-match display as the Brazilians overcame a stubborn Mexican side.

After a couple of lacklustre showings in Russia, Willian finally burst to life especially in the second half of the encounter completing seven dribbles and three key passes one of which was the assist for Neymar's goal. He tormented the Mexicans pushing Brazil all the way into the quarterfinals.