Most valuable XI at the Club World Cup

With the FIFA Club World Cup beginning on June 14th, we take a look at the most valuable starting XI you could create at the tournament.

GK - Gregor Kobel

Amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, Gregor Kobel has been persistently linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund but recent reports suggest that he is leaning towards staying at the Westfalenstadion.

Born in Zurich, Kobel is unfortunate to have only accumulated 11 caps for his nation with Switzerland legend Yan Sommer the preferred option between the sticks.

RB - Achraf Hakimi

For Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain to be your clubs at 26 you'd have to be a special talent and Achraf Hakimi is exactly that.

The 26-year-old has won major honours with every club he has represented and played a starring role in Morocco's historic march to the 2022 World Cup semi-final.

Possessing incredible on the ball abilities, Hakimi has been included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season for three consecutive campaigns.

CB - Ruben Dias

Signed by Manchester City for £61m in 2020, Ruben Dias has been a nightmare presence for Premier League attackers ever since.

During the 2022/23 treble-winning season, Dias played almost every single game, playing a vital role in City's maiden UEFA Champions League victory.

CB - Alessandro Bastoni

A transfer value of €80m makes Alessandro Bastoni the most expensive player across the back four and it's easy to see why.

He has been incredibly important to Inter Milan ever since he joined in the club with his left-footedness making him an extremely sought after profile.

Still only 26, Bastoni has played a key role in Inter's route to the UEFA Champions League final where his team boast a fantastic defensive record.

LB - Federico Dimarco

Federico Dimarco completes the defensive lineup.

Maybe better suited to a wing-back role he drops into a more orthodox position for the purpose of this XI.

A product of the Inter academy, Dimarco had to bide his time before getting consistent minutes for his boyhood club but over the last few seasons has established himself as a key player for the Neazzurri.

DM - Federico Valverde

Whilst Real Madrid may have disappointed in the league this season, Valverede has been a shining light - scoring nine goals from midfield in La Liga.

Known for his all-action style of play, the addition of goals has taken his game to an entirely different level and his natural versatility gives the impression that he would fit into almost every club or system on the planet.

DM - Rodri

The absence of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner from the majority of the 2024/25 season has been a blight on what has otherwise been a thrilling campaign.

Rodri was named Player of the Tournament during Spain's EURO 2024 triumph off the back of a stellar campaign with Manchester City.

An ACL injury saw him miss eight months of football but a return against Bournemouth in late May should see him back to somewhere near full fitness ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

AM - Jude Bellingham

Still just 21, Jude Bellingham has been amongst Europe's elite for some time now.

His move to Real Madrid was a roaring success, capturing a league and UEFA Champions League double in his first season.

Valued at €180m - only two players in the XI hold a higher value than the Englishman.

RW - Phil Foden

The inclusion of the Manchester City winger may come as a surprise after a sub-standard season from the 24-year-old.

His nine Premier League goal contributions pale in comparison to the 27 that he grabbed in 2023/24 - a tally that saw him scoop the Premier League Player of the Year award.

ST - Erling Haaland

Definitely no surprises here.

Erling Haaland has been the most clinical goalscorer across Europe since his move to England in 2022-23.

Whilst injury issues have made it difficult for the Norweigan to hit the heights of previous campaigns, he has still managed to score an impressive 31 goals in all competitions for City this season.

LW - Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has always been a player of immense talent but across the last few seasons he has realised his potential.

He was deemed unlucky by many to not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or after playing the starring role in Real Madrid's 2023/24 La Liga and UEFA Champions League-winning season.

*Values courtesy of Transfermarkt.co.uk