While Godin walks into the side, selecting the other centre-back was a far trickier task. Vincent Kompany is close, as is Ramos, but neither have been totally convincing at times, while Raphael Varane is a future superstar but isnt playing enough for Real Madrid at the moment. In the end, it was Thiago Silva who got the nod. It hasnt always been the happiest of years for the Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star, but he remains a truly world-class defender. The 30-year-old captained his country in his homeland at the World Cup, and many felt he would lead the Selecao to glory. It didnt go to plan, however, and he missed the disastrous 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany. It was then that his importance to the side was highlighted more than ever, and he was voted in the World Cup Dream Team at the end of the competition. At club level, he won another Ligue 1 title with PSG, and was largely excellent. Injury problems have disrupted him at times, but when hes fit and firing, nobody gets the better of him. He is quick, dominant in the air, good on the ball and has a fantastic reading of the game. Perhaps if there was another truly outstanding centre-back at the top of his game at the moment, Silva might not make a current World XI. As it is, only Godin is better right now. Honourable mention: Sergio Ramos
