World Cup 2018: Asia's best combined starting-XI

Centre-backs:

Maya Yoshida (Japan)

Maya Yoshida will be at the heart of Japan's defense

Maya Yoshida doesn't only have the highest market value of all Asian central defenders at the World Cup, with a respectable price tag of £6.30m, but is also the most valuable defender to his side.

In a difficult season at Southampton, Yoshida may have failed to replicate the impressive form he showed next to his former teammate Virgil van Dijk last season, but he's still one of the first names on the team sheet for his national team.

Yoshida's stellar defending, as well as his leadership abilities, will provide Japan with some much-needed calmness, a key ingredient to making a deep tournament run.

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Morteza Pouraliganji (Iran)

Pouraliganji has been outstanding for his national team

Morteza Pouraliganji may not be the most recognizable name on this list, but his place alongside Yoshida at the heart of our Asian back four is thoroughly deserved.

Iran boasted the best defense in the Asian World Cup Qualifiers, and Pouraliganji's contribution is not to be under-estimated. Besides not losing a single game throughout qualifying, Iran conceded just two goals on their 'Road to Russia', both coming in their final game against Syria.

Pouraliganji, who currently plays for Qatari side Al-Sadd, will be the rock at the heart of Iran's defense and will be looking forward to the prospect of facing off against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in a stacked Group B.