Fansided

The best 30 players at the World Cup

By James Dudko

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 27: Thiago Silva of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Brazil at Olympiastadion on March 27, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 27: Thiago Silva of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Brazil at Olympiastadion on March 27, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

21. Thiago Silva, center-back, Brazil

For all of their significant attacking mettle, the Selecao will still need a reliable defense if they are going to earn a sixth trophy. Thankfully, Thiago Silva is still around to hold the back line together for Brazil.

He may be 33, but Silva remains a defender with few equals in the modern game. He’s fresh of proving his enduring quality by helping Paris Saint-Germain complete a domestic treble in France.

PSG have been a free-scoring machine in 2018, but Silva’s value as the anchor of their rearguard can’t be overstated. He’s still as physical imposing as ever in one-on-one duels and a force in the air in both boxes.

Silva also remains highly accomplished on the ball, a necessity for defenders in Brazil’s free-flowing brand of soccer.

It’s no coincidence Silva was missing through injury when the Selecao conceded seven at the semi-final stage four years ago. If Silva stays fit this time, Brazil will be hard to stop.

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