World Cup 2018: Top five contenders for the Golden Ball

#5 JAN VERTONGHEN

Jan Vertonghen

Very rarely do defenders get mentioned in the discussions of best player awards, but such has been Vertonghen's impressiveness that he deserves to be in the running for the consideration of the World Cup's best player.

One of the Premier League's most consistent defenders over the last few seasons, Belgium's record appearance maker was instrumental to Belgium's run to the semi-final as his calmness and superb technique on the ball was crucial to Roberto Martinez's system of playing out from the back.

The 31-year-old has been a rock at the left hand side of Belgium's back three and also contributed some impressive forays forward. His spectacular header from the edge of the box for Belgium's opening goal proved to be the catalyst in their eventual record breaking 3-2 victory over Japan in the Round of 16.

Even though he is a rank outsider to be considered the best player of the tournament, Vertonghen has been impressive enough to get at least a nomination.

Notable mentions: Antoine Griezmann, Ngolo Kante, Kevin De Bruyne, Denis Cheryshev, Kieran Trippier, Thibaut Courtouis, Ivan Rakitic, Danijel Subasic, Phillippe Coutinho.