Ahead of the commencement of the 2018 Fifa World Cup, former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has picked the best eleven players to emerge from Russia.
City stars David Silva, Kevin De Bryune were overlooked in the Cote d'Ivoire international's picks, while there were surprise inclusions for full-backs Kyle Walker and Bernard Mendy.
“It is a surprise I name Kyle Walker – he is not yet well known but he can be one of the revelations of the World Cup," Toure told France Football, on his choice for England right-back Walker.
“I have never seen anyone so quick. And he is very cunning when he goes forward.”
Despite playing so little in City's Premier League-winning season due to injury, Mendy's 'impressive' abilities stood him out as Toure expects him to shine for France.
“On the other side, I would pick Mendy. Another City player? Yes, so?
“At the top of his form, he has impressive power and speed and crosses well. Up front, they will feast on his service.”
In a top-heavy 4-2-4 formation, the former Barcelona man opted for Real Madrid duo Casemiro [Brazil] and Luka Modric [Croatia], with De Bruyne [Belgium] and Silva [Spain] not considered.
Up top, Argentina's Sergio Aguero was given the nod alongside France youngster Kylian Mbappe, with superstars Cristiano Ronaldo [Portugal] and Lionel Messi [Argentina] out wide.
“Down the middle, Aguero is no longer the most talented but he is a clever opportunist."
Toure's XI: David De Gea, Kyle Walker, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Bernard Mendy, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi
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