World Cup 2018: France vs Croatia Combined XI

Midfielders:

France vs Belgium

CDM: N’Golo Kante

First of all, Marcelo Brozovic has been brilliant for Croatia- his defensive performance was key for Croatia against England in the semi-final. However, he doesn’t hold a candle to N’Golo Kante who has continued his Premier League form for Les Blues.

The Chelsea midfielder has been an absolute menace for opposing teams as he has helped cut out opposition counter-attacks on umpteen occasions, averaging a ridiculous 2.3 tackles and 3.2 interceptions per game.

CM: Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba’s dynamism is what makes Didier Deschamps’ system tick. Pogba has been absolutely splendid for Les Blues in this tournament, having been directly responsible for their three group stage goals- making two through passes that eventually led to goals against Australia and Peru and it was his deflected shot that proved the winner against the Socceroos.

In the knockout stages, he has been the perfect partner to Kante in helping out with Les Blues’ defence. Ivan Rakitic has also been great in the World Cup but Pogba’s box to box production edges the Barcelona player out of this XI.

CM: Luka Modric

The Golden Ball favourite, Luka Modric has shown this tournament why he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. The Croatia captain has led by example, dominating the midfield battle in every single game.

He has also created the third most chances of any player that made the knockout stages. He has even helped out defensively especially when manager Zlatko Dalic has dropped Marcelo Brozovic (as against Russia).