6: Mathieu Valbuena – 9.28 points. The 2014 World Cup has featured some brilliant goals, but before the ball can find the back of the net there has to be an equally important pass to set it up. Midfielders deserve to be recognised for their good work in Brazil therefore, and FIFA’s ranking of the best at the tournament is one way of doing so. France playmaker Mathieu Valbuena, whose ability to play a great final ball has often been the difference for Les Bleus, ranks sixth with 9.28 points. Click the arrows for the rest of the 2014 World Cup’s best midfielders so far, according to FIFA…
5: Xherdan Shaqiri – 9.36 pointsIncluding Xherdan Shaqiri among the midfielders is surprising considering goal-scoring is the Swiss attacker’s game, as exemplified by his hat trick against Honduras. In any case, the Liverpool target manages to place fifth, with 9.36 points
4: Phillipp Lahm – 9.41 pointsPhillipp Lahm’s conversion from defender to midfielder by Pep Guardiola has carried over to the World Cup, with the German playing every game in that position and only briefly switching to right back against Algeria. He places fourth with 9.41 points
3: Angel di Maria – 9.43 pointsLionel Messi aside, Angel di Maria has been Argentina’s best player at the World Cup so far, and his efforts were rewarded with a late winner in extra time against Switzerland earlier this week. The Real Madrid man is being linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs, and has chalked up 9.43 points in the FIFA World Cup ranking to date
2: Ivan Perisic – 9.53 pointsCroatia may have crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage with only one win to their name, but the FIFA rankings rate Ivan Perisic as the second-best midfielder at the tournament so far, with 9.53 points
1: James Rodriguez – 9.74 pointsJames Rodriguez has been one of the best players at the World Cup, scoring spectacular goals and producing jaw-dropping pieces of skill for Colombia. It’s no surprise to see the Monaco man top the midfield ranking with 9.74 points, therefore