Thibaut Courtois
(Chelsea) Goalkeeper
The Belgian with the big gloves who spent the first half of 2014 on loan at Atletico Madrid and the latter half at Chelsea, is the best after Neuer. He won La Liga 2013-14 (with a record clean sheet of 20 matches) and was runner-up in the Champions League, with Atletico. And he’s in fine form this year too.
Pablo Zabaleta
(Manchester City)Right Back
Zabaleta is one of the most consistent defenders in the last decade. Last year, he won the Premier League with Manchester City and played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup run to the final. His darting runs and ability to put quality crosses in the box are a real asset.
Diego Godin
(Atletico Madrid) Centre Back
The Atletico skipper was unlucky to miss out on a spot in the FIFPro World XI, but he finds pride of place in this team. With excellent tackling ability and game-reading skills, he also has the knack of scoring vital goals. Case in point: A World Cup goal for Uruguay against Italy to take his team into the knockout stage from the group of death.
Mats Hummels
(Borussia Dortmund )Centre Back
Mats Hummels scored twice and played a crucial role in Germany's World Cup-winning campaign. The Borussia man was among the 10 shortlisted for the Golden Ball award. The strong tackler is linked with a move away from Signal Iduna Park. His one downside? Injury problems.
David Alaba
(Bayern Munich)Left Back
At 22, Alaba has won the Bundesliga (thrice) and the Champions League once. Standout strength? His stamina that allows him to run up and down the flanks for 90 minutes game after game.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
(Bayern Munich)Central Midfield
Germany and Bayern’s backbone, Schweinsteiger is a great of the modern game in many a fanbook. In 2014, he won his 7th Bundesliga title, 7th DFB-Pokal and his first World Cup title. Not only does he block opposition attacks, he also provides the creative spark for his side going forward.
Arturo Vidal
(Juventus) Central Midfield
Vidal is the best box-to-box midfielder in world football right now. He sparkled for Chile at the World Cup and with Juventus he won the Serie A. And, he scored 22 goals for club and country in 2014. Nickname? The Warrior.
Gareth Bale
(Real Madrid), Attacking Midfield
The Welshman had a terrific first season with Real Madrid after making his big money move from Spurs. This year has been blow-hot-blow-cold for the man with blistering pace and a stunning left foot, overshadowed by Ronaldo and pushed out of the starting XI by Isco. But we still go with Bale the gale force.
Thomas Müeller
(Bayern Munich) Right Wing
The tall, lanky German can play as a number 10, as a wide man or as an orthodox striker. He is often the right man in the right place at the right time. His tireless running and his crucial goals (with feet and head) have helped Bayern Munich and Germany to super success.
Luis Suarez
(Barcelona) Centre Forward
Suarez is a delight to watch on his day. He inspired Liverpool to a top-4 finish in the Premier League, scoring 31 goals in the 2014 campaign. He led Uruguay to the knock-out stages in the World Cup before biting off more than he could chew against Italy. He is yet to go full blast at Barcelona but it’s just a matter of time.
Neymar
(Barcelona) Left Wing
He has speed. He has skill. He scores. He creates. He is a superstar. At 23, Neymar is Mr Brazil and a Barcelona hero, despite playing alongside a certain Lionel Messi.
Rwitoban Deb
What changes would you make to this World XI? Tell t2@abp.in
