The 20-year-old defender rose to prominence on the biggest stage with a series of excellent displays during Croatia's run to the semi-finals. "He is a boy who will do whatever you say to him." "At his age it is normal that he wants to conquer the world," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said of Alvarez. Left on the bench for Argentina's opening two group games, Alvarez started and scored in a 2-0 win over Poland and then netted a crucial second goal in the 2-1 last-16 win over Australia.Īnother solid showing against the Netherlands was followed by two goals in the semi-final win over Croatia. The 22-year-old striker is the latest to roll off Argentina's conveyor belt of attacking talent.Ī year that began with a high-profile transfer from River Plate to Premier League champions Manchester City ended with the forward being acclaimed as one of the brightest talents in world football after a dazzling World Cup. Ramos could not replicate his heroics as Portugal lost in the quarter-finals, but the Benfica striker has time on his side and will surely get a long run in the team once Ronaldo steps aside, if not before. The 21-year-old took just 17 minutes to open the scoring and achieve something Ronaldo never has - net in a World Cup knockout game. Known as "Pistoleiro" for his gun-toting celebration, Ramos shot his way into world football's consciousness with a hat-trick on his full debut. The forward showed he has the potential to be the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo at international level, seizing his opportunity in sensational style when he was selected ahead of Portugal's captain for the 6-1 demolition of Switzerland in the last 16. It is surely only a matter of time before he is prised away from his boyhood club, with Manchester United a possible destination. "He has everything it takes to become a star," said Van Gaal. Both players were included in the wider 26-man squad selected for this year’s best XI, along with three other current Bundesliga stars - Jude Bellingham of Dortmund and England, Josko Gvardiol of Leipzig and Croatia plus Bayern and Canada full-back Alphonso Davies.Gakpo did not add any more goals but still played his part as Louis van Gaal's side only succumbed on penalties to Argentina in the quarter-finals. Last year the Bundesliga had two players in the team with Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. The last place was granted to the outfield player who received the most votes outside of the initial ten.
The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes were guaranteed a place in the final team. The FIFA FIFAPRO Men’s World11 was voted for by professionals around the world, with players needing to have appeared in at least 35 official matches for club and country during the qualifying period.Įach voting player nominated three goalkeepers, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
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