1<\/p>\n
Gianluigi Donnarumma (goalkeeper, Italy)<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old Italy captain is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. After moving to Manchester City, he has quickly adapted to the Premier League demands for ball-playing, a skill he honed at Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his Euro 2020 penalty-saving heroics<\/a>, Donnarumma failed to stop a single one against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Azzurri\u2019s<\/a> crunch World Cup playoff<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Jon Aramburu (right-back, Venezuela)<\/p>\n The 23-year-old rose to prominence after an impressive Copa Am\u00e9rica 2024 showing, where he played as a left-back and right-back; a dream for any manager. His aggressive defensive style and tireless work ethic have established him as a crucial asset for Real Sociedad but despite his talents, Venezuela missed out on the World Cup<\/a> inter-confederation playoffs by two points.<\/p>\n Venezuela\u2019s Jon Aramburu had plenty to shout about during the 2024 Copa Am\u00e9rica. Photograph: Buda Mendes\/Getty Images<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Edmond Tapsoba (central defence, Burkina Faso)<\/p>\n The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back has established himself as one of Europe\u2019s best ball-playing defenders, key to his club\u2019s domestic success under Xabi Alonso<\/a> in 2023-24. The 27-year-old is known for his composure and exceptional passing range, but despite his stellar form, Burkina Faso failed to qualify for their first World Cup.<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n Riccardo Calafiori (central defence, Italy)<\/p>\n After a standout year at Bologna, Calafiori moved to Arsenal in 2024, introducing himself shortly after with a stunning strike against Manchester City. The versatile defender was pivotal to Arsenal\u2019s title win this season<\/a>, making him only the third Italian to receive a Premier League medal. Calafiori will spend the summer recovering after Italy\u2019s failure to qualify, a disappointment he has at least made up for with silverware for his club.<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Milos Kerkez (left-back, Hungary)<\/p>\n Known for his marauding runs and crossing ability, the 22-year-old Liverpool defender represents the archetype of a modern attacking full-back. Kerkez has been a consistent performer in the English top flight since his time at Bournemouth but Hungary failed to qualify, finishing third in a group won by Portugal.<\/p>\n The best XI watching the World Cup from the sofa this summer. Illustration: Guardian<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n Carlos Baleba (defensive midfield, Cameroon)<\/p>\n Emerging as a powerhouse in the heart of Brighton\u2019s midfield, Baleba has drawn comparisons to elite defensive specialists, with his ability to break up play and transition quickly making him indispensable for his club side and Cameroon. Despite his physical dominance and technical growth over the past season, one of Africa\u2019s most exciting young midfielders will not be at the finals.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Marcelino N\u00fa\u00f1ez (midfield, Chile)<\/p>\n The playmaker has been the creative heartbeat for Ipswich and his national team. Known for his vision and set-piece expertise, N\u00fa\u00f1ez provides the technical flair often missing in central areas for Chile and Ipswich, where he has thrived under Kieran McKenna. While Chile\u2019s golden generation fades, N\u00fa\u00f1ez stands out as a bridge to the future for La Roja.<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Dominik Szoboszlai (midfield, Hungary)<\/p>\n Szoboszlai was a rare bright spot in Liverpool\u2019s meek Premier League title defence, with the midfielder renowned for his set-piece abilities, notably goals against Arsenal and Manchester City this season. As the captain and creative engine of Hungary, the absence of his ability to change games with individual brilliance from range is a blow to the tournament. A World Cup spot would have rewarded his five goal contributions in six games, but Hungary missed out, extending their 40-year absence from the finals.<\/p>\n 9<\/p>\n Ademola Lookman (winger, Nigeria)<\/p>\n