The Best Starting XI From the World Cup's Non-Seeded Teams

When people consider the best players gracing the International stage this summer, most come from the eight seeded teams. However, some of the world's top players will be featuring for sides who didn't fall under that category and so here is the best starting XI from those countries in Mike Bassett's favoured 4-4-2 formation...

When people consider the best players gracing the International stage this summer, most come from the eight seeded teams.

However, some of the world's top players will be featuring for sides who didn't fall under that category and so here is the best starting XI from those countries in Mike Bassett's favoured 4-4-2 formation.

12. Players Who Narrowly Missed Out

Wilfried Bony

Samuel Eto'o

Didier Drogba

Daniel Sturridge

Mario Mandzukic

Ivan Rakitic

Luka Modric

Robin Van Persie

Alexis Sanchez

Andrea Pirlo

Gianluigi Buffon

Franck Ribery

Mario Balotelli

Bruno Martins Indi

Yes, there are a lot of top players for the non-seeded teams...

11. GK: Joe Hart

Competition for the goalkeeper position was tough, a toss up between Hugo Lloris, Asmir Begovic and England's number 1.

However, Joe Hart makes it into this side as on his day, he is one of the top keepers in the game. Despite having a difficult season, Hart showed against Peru that he is focused for the Three Lions and has the potential to keep England in the World Cup this summer.

10. RB: Bacary Sagna

Sagna has been a consistently solid right back for Arsenal for years and even at the end of his Gunners career, he is attracting interest from some of Europe's top sides.

Capable of pushing forward down the right flank and more than effective in defence, he will no doubt be one of the first names on the team sheet for France this summer.

9. CB: Giorgio Chiellini

Traditionally, a centre-back is tough, brave and consistent, capable of stopping even the best attackers and Giorgio Chiellini is just that.

Beginning his career as a left-back, Chiellini is now one of the top centre backs in Italy, a certain starter for Juventus. If England are to get anything against Italy this summer, they will have to hope that this man is having a bad day at the office, something that is far from likely.

8. CB: Laurent Koscielny

Koscielny had a difficult start to life in an Arsenal shirt, often remembered for his mistake that ultimately cost his side the League Cup against Birmingham a few seasons ago.

But since Vermaelen's long standing battle with injury, the France international has stepped up and played a crucial part in one of the best centre-back pairings in the Premier League. Pepe was a contender for this position, but due to his unpredictable and aggressive nature, Koscielny will offer more this summer for his country.

7. LB: Fabio Coentrao

Coentrao has struggled to maintain a place in Real Madrid's starting XI since signing from Benfica in 2011, but only due to the ability of Marcelo.

Coentrao is a versatile, exciting left-back who is one of the few bright sparks in a seemingly average Portugal side.

6. RM: Arjen Robben

Not exactly the people's favourite player due to his love for a dive here and there, but Robben is one of the world's top wingers.

Pacey, skilful and capable of scoring a spectacular goal, he will be Holland's stand-out man this summer and no one will be particularly surprised.

5. CM: Yaya Toure

Coming off the back of his best season ever, Yaya Toure will be fired up for the World Cup this summer and could send his national side through to the knock-out stages thanks to a kind group and his unparalleled ability.

He is strong, quick and can strike a ball from distance as well as anyone else in World football - a clear choice for this starting XI.

4. CM: Steven Gerrard

If England stand any chance this summer, Steven Gerrard will have to be at his best, as his passing and midfield presence is simply remarkable.

Sometimes criticised for his performances in an England shirt, he will need to carry his club form over for his country this summer and if he does, then the optimists may have reason to get excited.

3. LM: Cristiano Ronaldo

No explanation needed. Cristiano is arguably the greatest player in the world and he has grown massively since the last World Cup.

If Portugal progress through the group stage, you can be sure that Ronaldo will have had a great deal to do with it.

2. ST: Edin Dzeko

Choosing just two strikers was incredibly difficult, but Dzeko makes the cut due to his fantastic goals to games record.

Every season, he fails to steal the headlines for Manchester City and often grabs his goals once coming off the bench. However, Dzeko has a real eye for goal, be it with his head or his feet and this is why he stakes a place in this XI.

1. ST: Karim Benzema

One of the first names on the Real Madrid team sheet and a hugely in-demand player this summer, Benzema is one of the top strikers in world football.

His is one of the only 'old-fashioned' centre forwards left in the game - strong, reasonably pacey and clinical. Benzema will no doubt be one of the tournament's top scorers and Switzerland, Honduras and Ecuador will have their hands full in a few weeks time.

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