10 Best Players Of The 2018 World Cup

The World Cup saw some fantastic performances from central defenders. Raphael Varane was undoubtedly one of the most solid presences at the back, and England's partnership of John Stones and Harry Maguire was very impressive too, but one defender who really stood out for his performances at both ends of the pitch was Colombia's Yerry Mina.

Mina, who plays his club football at Barcelona but was never too highly-rated before the World Cup began, was simply fantastic at this tournament and kept his country in it time and time again. The 23-year-old was Colombia's top scorer and all three of his goals were vital. He netted the opener in Colombia's group stage game with Poland and scored the only goal of their decisive clash with Senegal to help his nation claim top spot in Group H and set up a knockout round tie with England.

Once again, Colombia's forward players struggled to show off the sort of form they regularly demonstrate with their clubs, leaving Mina to step up one final time and smash a super header past Jordan Pickford in the dying seconds of the game. The Three Lions won on penalties, but Mina left the tournament having tied the record for most goals scored by a defender.