Who has been mysteriously included and who has been missed out from the defenders shortlist?
FIFpro today announced the next round of players on their shortlist for this year’s World XI: the defenders.
If you thought Iker Casillas’ inclusion on the goalkeepers list was bad, just wait till you see how wrong some of these defenders list are…
FIVE PLAYERS WHO SHOULDN’T BE ON THE LIST:
5) Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
The centre-back is a quality player who played very well in his appearances for Real Madrid last term, but he’s only made 15 league starts since the start of last season, not nearly enough to be judged alongside the world’s best.
4) Jordi Alba – Barcelona
Javier Mascherano is the only Barcelona player who deserves to be on the list, and even then mainly for his World Cup performances. Alba has played perfectly well, but not at the level necessary for a player to be considered for a shortlist this elite.
3) Dani Alves – Barcelona
Another player who seems to get in on the strength of his team alone, Alves has been one of the world’s best for a long time, but not in the last 12 months, especially given events in Brazil.
2) Gerard Pique – Barcelona
Pique was average last year and has been so bad this season that he’s recently been dropped. Combine that with Spain’s performance at the World Cup and you have one very puzzling inclusion.
1) David Luiz – Chelsea, PSG
David Luiz was unable to break into the Chelsea side last year, appearing only as a substitute or a rotation option in midfield. He then put in some of the worst World Cup performances in living memory, before moving to PSG where he has played fairly well, against limited opposition. A bizarre choice.
FIVE PLAYERS WHO SHOULD BE ON THE LIST:
5) Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea
Azpilicueta broke into the Chelsea side at left-back a little over a year ago, and has been the first name on Jose Mourinho’s teamsheet since. Mourinho said in April that he had yet to see a single player get past the Spaniard, and seven months later, not much has changed.
4) Juanfran – Atletico Madrid
The most easily forgotten member of Atletico’s rock solid back four last year, the unspectacular Juanfran was immaculate throughout his side’s incredible season. He is also one of the few Spaniards who emerged unscathed from the World Cup: he got a clean sheet and an assist in the one game he played.
3) Gary Cahill- Chelsea
Chelsea conceded the fewest goals in in the Premier League last year thanks to their sturdy back four, and Gary Cahill has taken his performances to a new level in that period. His measured defending and vital blocks allowed a limited Chelsea side to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
2) John Terry – Chelsea
The Chelsea captain was the other half of the solid centre-back duo, and had one of his most impressive seasons ever. Fans of old-school defenders will be pained to see the Englishman snubbed for the likes of David Luiz.
1) Miranda – Atletico Madrid
Miranda’s exclusion is completely baffling. The Brazilian was vital to Atletico as they won La Liga and reached the Champions League final, and since the World Cup has forced his way into the Brazil side. His partner Diego Godin has been given the nod, but Miranda inexplicably excluded.