Manchester City players dominated the FIFPRO global men’s squad that was unveiled by FIFA at an awards ceremony in London on Monday evening.
The squad consisted of the top men’s players from the previous campaign, chosen by a vote of more than 28,000 professional football players.
After their Treble-winning exploits the previous season, six Man City superstars naturally controlled the team, leaving no room for any Man United players.
The only player from outside of Europe to be selected for the squad of the best men’s players in a 3-3-4 configuration is Lionel Messi.
Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, won the title of Best FIFA Men’s Coach after leading several Man City players to extraordinary success in the previous campaign.
Manchester City players dominated the FIFPRO world men’s team that was unveiled on Monday
Kyle Walker was one of three England player’s to be named in the team recognising the best men’s team
DEFENSE: Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Ruben Dias for Manchester City
Given the inclusion of Dias and Walker in FIFA’s best men’s squad, it is not surprising that City’s defense, which won the Treble, is stacked. To be fair, given City’s success from the previous season, there wouldn’t be many complaints if they controlled every defensive position in this squad.
John Stones was one of three Manchester City defenders to make up the FIFPro defence
Alongside FIFA listed player John Stones, Dias was a mainstay at center back for Pep Guardiola’s club, starting 11 of City’s 13 Champions League games as they won the championship.
Walker, meanwhile, moves into the right back position after his incredible defensive and offensive performances at City the previous season guaranteed he would remain among the finest defenders in the world.
The third player included in the three-man defense was Stones, an Englishman who flourished last season under Guardiola’s direction, playing both midfield and defense for the squad.
MIDFIELD: Man City’s Bernardo Silva Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), and Kevin de Bruyne (Man City)
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid was included in the midfield lineup alongside Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, demonstrating City’s ongoing dominance in this area.
Kevin de Bruyne (left) was named alongside Man City team-mate Bernardo Silva in midfield
De Bruyne was a major contributor to Haaland’s amazing goal total from the previous season, and as City triumphed in England and throughout Europe, he also posed a serious danger to score goals of his own.
Silva was the other City player to feature in the FIFPRO midfield after he scored seven goals and registered eight assists for City previous season.
As the Englishman broke up a Premier League-dominant side, Bellingham was the only non-City player in midfield or defense.
Since joining Real Madrid in the summer instead of Borussia Dortmund, the England midfielder has received praise for his incredible efforts.
Erling Haaland’s 52-goal season ensured he was picked amongst the four-man FIFPro attack
Kylian Mbappe was Paris Saint-Germain’s only nomination in the FIFPro World XI team
ATTACK: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Man City), and Kylian Mbappe (PSG).
The 4-3-3 formation is required according to the voting criteria for this award; however, it seems that this year’s Best Men’s FIFPro squad is an exemption.
The clear choice is Haaland, who led City to the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup wins with a staggering 52 goals last season. The Norwegian had a fantastic debut season in England.