World Cup Team of the Tournament

Although slightly late, I thought that i would share my World Cup XI to you. The formation will be a standard 4-2-3-1 with central defensive midfield players. Feel free to share your opinions on what your XI's would be.

Manuel Neuer

While Keylor Navas and Guillermo Ochoa had outstanding tournaments, Golden Glove winner Manuel Neuer takes the spot. He notched up 4 clean sheets in 7 games to certainly ensure him being named the best goal keeper in the world. Against Algeria in the last 16, he was not afraid to adventure out of his box in order to snuff out attacks. Comfortable on the ball and in tackling, Neuer has the capabilities to play in midfield rather than at the back.

Philip Lahm

This spot must go to the World Cup winning captain, Philip Lahm. He was influencial in the Germans victory at the Maracanã and fully deserved to lift the trophy at the end of the night. Unlike most full backs in the modern game, Lahm is keen to help in both defensive and offensive areas of the pitch. As well as right back, Lahm was equally capable in a holding midfield role that he regularly plays under Guardiola at Bayern.

Mats Hummels

It would make sense for most of the defensive line to be made up of Germans. Mats Hummels is everything that Germany needed at the back, composed under pressure, and difficult to get past. As well as defensively sound, he is a nuisance from attacking set pieces as proved in the games against Portugal and France.

Ron Vlaar

Partnering Hummels at the back is Dutch and Aston Villa defender, Ron Vlaar. He acquired the nickname of "Concrete Ron" or "Roncrete" from his team mates and it is easy to see why. While David Luiz was giving a superb display in how not to defend, Roncrete was busy throwing his body on the line and halting attacks. Similar to Hummels, he doesn't dither on the ball, but rather passes to someone more creative than him.

Daley Blind

Following in his father's footsteps, Daley Blind has won over many Dutch hearts with his performances in Brazil and even topped it off with his first international goal in the third place play-off. When needed, he is solid in defence, but can also deliver a devilish ball into the box as proven with the spectacular goal against Spain. We have not heard the last of Ajax's 24 year old talent.

           

Toni Kroos

Philip Lahm could have easily squeezed himself onto this spot on my team sheet, but it goes to his former Bayern and German team mate, Toni Kroos. Recently moved to Real Madrid, Kroos was impeccable in the humiliating of Brazil and managed to bag himself a couple of goals. The German playmaker reminds me of a certain Paul Scholes who could land a pass on a coin and also had a ferocious shot.

Javier Mascherano

Partnering Toni Kroos is Argentina's Javier Mascherano. Equally capable at centre half and in front of the back four, the Argentine is a valuable asset to have in terms of winning the ball. We all witnessed his exploits in the semi final against the Netherlands where he foiled Arjen Robben who seemed to be in a certain goal scoring situation. Mascherano is a certainty to be in for team of the tournament.

Arjen Robben

On the left and arguably out of position is Arjen Robben. The speed merchant single handedly trampled a quality Spanish side into the ground. While he has had a solid tournament, controversy has just been around the corner with Robben, particularly after the diving accusations succeeding the Mexico game. Forgetting this, Robben has excelled in this tournament and deserves to be in my team of the season.

James Rodriguez

Having made a big money move from Porto to Monaco last season, James Rodriguez was relatively unknown to most people before the tournament. Now, he is the name on everyone's lips and rumours have linked him to the top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United. Impressive individual perfornances saw him net 6 goals and become the 2014 Golden Boot winner. His World Cup was topped off with an exquisite goal against Uruguay in the last 16.

Thomas Muller

Bombing down the right is Thomas Muller. Already on 10 World Cup goals, he is 6 away from equalling the new record which was set by Miroslav Klose against Brazil, and only at the age of 24. He opened his account with a hat trick against the Portuguese in an all round superb performance in the first match. When playing as a striker, he drops back, allowing dynamic midfielders such as Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger to make surging runs into the penalty area. He had another excellent tournament and is odds on to break the goal scoring record before he retires.

Lionel Messi

I had many contenders to put in the forward position, but Lionel Messi takes it. Many critics will use his failure of not being able to win the Jules-Rimet trophy against him, however his individual achievements at the tournament this year has done enough to validate the argument that he shoukd be considered one of the greatest ever players. He scored 5 goals and arguably carried the Latin American side to the final by himself, that's enough to get into any team of the tournament.