When putting together this list of the world’s most stacked teams at every position, two things really stood out to me: Spain is really good at football, and watching Argentina play (Messi not included) really should be a much more joyful exercise.
If you’ve watched any international football over the past 10 years, this probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but here are the findings from this highly scientific study.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Goalkeepers
Two of the world's best, Neuer and ter Stegen. Photo: @iMiaSanMia | Twitter
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Bernd Leno, Timo Horn, Kevin Trapp, Loris Karius
With Bayern Munich’s No. 1, Barcelona’s No. 1, Paris Saint-Germain’s No. 1, Liverpool’s No. 1 and a collection of other starters in the Bundesliga, Germany is absolutely stacked at the goalkeeper position. For many, both Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are in the world’s top five.
Germany obviously wasn’t happy about losing Neuer for seven months due to a metatarsal fracture, but only in Germany could that news be greeted with a degree of tranquility. However, Neuer has since returned to training and will be ready come June.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Left Back
Brazil: Marcelo, Filipe Luis, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Alex Telles
With Real Madrid’s Marcelo, Juventus’s Alex Sandro and Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis, Brazil probably possess three of the world’s ten finest left backs. A few of these guys won’t be on the plane to Russia because of the depth at the position, which is just insane.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Center Back
The world's biggest frenemies. Photo: @_OfficialAgent_ | Twitter
Spain: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Fernandez, Javi Martinez, Raul Albiol, Marc Bartra
Despite the incessant war of words between Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, the pair always come together admirably when playing for Spain. Throw in Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, Real’s Nacho, Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez and Raul Albiol — who’s been sensational in Napoli’s push for the Serie A title — and Spain have zero worries at the back.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Right Back
Spain: Dani Carvajal, Juanfran, Sergi Roberto, Hector Bellerin, Alvaro Odriozola
When you've got your choice of the starters from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico and Arsenal, you're fine. Spain are really good at this whole depth thing — this insight is so good, it should be behind a paywall.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Center Midfield
Spain: Sergio Busquets, Isco, David Silva, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, Dani Parejo
Oh my Maradona, it's Spain again. But if you watched what Spain did to both Italy and Argentina recently, there should be no surprises here. When it comes to that intangible quality known as footballing intelligence, this group is soccer’s equivalent to the Parisian Left Bank.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Left Midfield/Wing
All eyes will be on Neymar in Russia. Photo: @BrazilEdition2 | Twitter
Brazil: Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Douglas Costa, Taison
They've got Neymar, and they've got Neymar's replacement at Barca, Philippe Coutinho. Enough said.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Right Midfield/Wing
Argentina: Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Emiliano Rigoni, Eduardo Salvio, Erik Lamela
When you have Messi, you pretty much leap to the front of the line. Add Di Maria to the mix, and you've got a truly terrifying right-hand side of the attack.
Best World Cup Teams 2018: Forwards
Here we go again. Photo: @Adz77 | Twitter
Argentina: Mauro Icardi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Alejandro “Papu” Gomez, Rogelio Funes Mori
Yes, yes, we know. But when you have Icardi (26 league goals), Aguero (21), Dybala (21) and Higuain (15), there’s really no other way to go here. Maybe this time it'll be different!
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