Goalkeeper and defence: Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Daley Blind, Thiago Silva, Mats Hummels
In goal, Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer looks the best in his position left in the tournament, despite some heroic displays from Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa in his side’s group games.
In front of Neuer, it is no surprise to see two more big-name German players, with Bayern Munich team-mate Philipp Lahm at right-back despite often being utilised in a defensive midfield role these days, and Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels lining up as one of the centre-backs. Elsewhere, Brazil captain Thiago Silva has been typically commanding at the back for his side, despite the host nation often looking a little suspect as a defensive unit overall. Daley Blind has also been one of the surprise packages of the tournament, putting in some superb displays at left-back for the Netherlands, getting forward to good effect to show his range of passing and crossing, just edging out Switzerland youngster Ricardo Rodriguez for a spot in that position.
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