2018 Word Cup Team of the Tournament: Golden Ball winner features

Partnering Kevin De Bruyne in the middle of the park is Croatia star Luka Modric. The Real Madrid ace was at his majestic best in midfield for the Vatreni in Russia, with the 32-year-old playing a key role in their progression to the final. 

It was, though, a bittersweet tournament for Modric. A 4-2 final loss at the hands of France saw Croatia afforded a heroes return in Zagreb, while the captain was named the World Cup’s player of the tournament. However, the Golden Ball was scant consolation for Modric, who would’ve rather been crowned a World Cup winner rather than won the individual gong. 

It was he who played a key role in dragging Croatia to the World Cup final with head coach Zlatko Dalic deploying Modric in a more advanced midfield position in Russia and it saw him enjoy a hugely influential tournament in the final third. Indeed, Modric scored two, one of which was a fine hit against Argentina, and assisted one from returns of eight shots and 16 key passes, respectively. 

When off the ball, too, Modric thrived, winning possession in the midfield third more times (35) than any other player in Russia. His captain's performance in the quarter-final win over Russia earned him the man of the match award as Modric hauled Croatia through extra time and to a penalty shootout win in what was perhaps a standout performance. Such an impressive tournament yielded a spot in the WhoScored.com team of the World Cup, with the midfield magician landing a notable rating of 7.48 to feature alongside De Bruyne in central midfield.