The best team of the group.
With the 2014 World Cup starting on Thursday excitement for the tournament is really hotting up and CaughtOffside has decided to pick out the statistically best XI from each group as a result.
It’s the turn of Group F, which contains Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria and we have used stats from WhoScored to determine who should be in the team.
Note that we are playing a 4-4-2 formation and that the website only covers the top five leagues in Europe.
GK – Asmir Begovic, Bosnia – 6.98
The Stoke City No.1 is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League and will be the Bosnians’ last line of defence in their first ever World Cup outing.
RB – Pablo Zabaleta, Argentina – 7.25
Sticking with the English top tier and a player who has had a regular place in the first team since making the switch to Manchester City in 2008 and has two league titles and an FA Cup triumph since then.
LB – Sead Kolasinac, Bosnia – 7.05
This Schalke 04 youngster has been impressing so much in the Bundesliga that the 20-year-old has caught the eye of Manchester United.
CB – Hugo Campagnaro, Argentina – 7.39
Back with the Argentinians now and an Inter Milan star who’s experience will be called upon in what is considered to be a weak back line for the nation.
CB – Martin Demichelis, Argentina – 7.39
Another veteran Argentine and another City star, with Demichelis helping the Citizens to the English league title in 2013/14 after a move from La Liga.
RM – Rodrigo Palacio, Argentina – 7.41
Back to the San Siro and a 32-year-old who will be looking to get his club and country back to winning ways in 2014.
LM – Angel Di Maria, Argentina – 7.44
When Gareth Bale and Isco were signed by Real Madrid last summer many thought Di Maria would be marginalised, but the 26-year-old simply developed his game and was a key part in the team’s Copa del Rey and Champions League triumphs.
CM – Miralem Pjanic, Bosnia – 7.48
This midfielder had a hugely impressive year for AS Roma as the club returned to the Champions League in fine fashion.
CM – Ricardo Alvarez, Argentina – 7.37
Inter have a strong Argentine influence in their team and this is the third from the club in the statistically best XI.
ST – Sergio Aguero, Argentina – 7.69
It’s clear which nation is expected to be the strongest in this group and despite being injured for much of last term Aguero is still among the best strikers in the world.
ST – Lionel Messi, Argentina – 8.42
There may be concerns over the Argentinian’s defence, but in attack there a few better countries at the World Cup and Messi remains a force to be reckoned with.
SEE ALSO: Statistically best in Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E.