The Best Eleven of 2014 - Team of the Year

2014 has been a great year for football fans. The 20th World Cup in Brazil was certainly amongst the most entertaining tournaments ever. Lots of surprises, lots of spectacular goals and Germans won it at the end. So, here's looking back at the players who were irreplaceable in their teams in 2014.

Goal Keeper: Manuel Neuer

The towering German goal keeper has now won it all with club and country. The sweeper keeper is unique and has very less competition when it comes to overall performance. Thirbaut Courtois, certainly, had a great year with Atletico Madrid and David de Gea is also knocking on the doors with his stellar performances, but it is hard to dethrone the World Cup winner as of now. The young goal keepers need more trophies and laurels to replace the goal keeper cum defender, Manuel Neuer.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos

The Spanish International played a major role in Real Madrid's capture of La Decima. He won overall four trophies with Real in 2014. The 28-year-old didn't have a great World Cup with Spain but he made up for it by playing a huge role for Carlo Ancelotti's team.

Center Back: Diego Godin

The Uruguayan was exceptional throughout the year. Atletico Madrid's main man at the back led his team to the Champions League final after winning the La Liga title. Simeone's team were the standout underdogs of last year and they gave all major teams in Europe, a run for their money.

Center Back: Jerome Boateng

Another World Cup winner, Boateng was exceptional in Germany's final match in Brazil versus Argentina. Many sources suggested that he should have been given the Man of the Match award ahead of Mario Gotze. The German International also didn't have a bad year at Bayern Munich. Under Guardiola, they won the Bundesliga with a huge margin.

Left Back: Philip Lahm

Certainly amongst the best players in the world, Lahm deserved to be in the three man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or. The versatile player is regarded by Guardiola as the most intelligent player he has ever coached and Guardiola has managed the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi at Barcelona. The 30-year-old was one of the main players of Joachim Low's side, which won the World Cup.

Left Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached a level, where there is no need for explanation on why he should be included in World XI. The Portuguese skipper has now won all the possible trophies with the two of the biggest clubs in the world. It won't be much of a surprise if the former Manchester United player wins the Ballon d'Or for the third time. Individually, Ronaldo has scored more goals than the number of games played.

Center midfield: Toni Kroos

Xabi Alonso's shoes at Real Madrid were quite big to fill and Toni Kroos took no time to establish himself as a first team player at the Santiago Bernabeu. That says a lot about how good the German midfielder is. Now part of the European champions, Kroos was the focal point of Germany's win at the World Cup.

Center midfield: Angel di Maria

From Real Madrid to Manchester United, Di Maria has had a lot of change in 2014. He was one of the best players for Real Madrid last season and he is certainly amongst the best players at United. He was also quite sensational in the World Cup for Argentina, although, he missed a couple of games in the end.

Right Winger: Arjen Robben

The Bayern Munich winger carried the Dutch National Team on his broad shoulders. Netherlands finished third in the World Cup and a lot of credit goes to the coach and Robben. In my opinion, Robben deserved to win the Golden Ball.

Striker: Lionel Messi

The Argentine's mediocre year is better than the best year of most players. The skipper of the national team inspired his team to the World Cup final, but they couldn't lift the trophy after coming within touching distance. Messi was heartbroken, but he is now back firing on all cylinders for Barcelona.

Striker: Diego Costa

The former Atletico Madrid man is as prolific as the best goal scorers in the world. Costa made waves in the Spanish league last season and is continuing to do the same in the Premier League. Mourinho's Chelsea team looks special than ever and Costa can play a huge role in whatever titles the team is contesting for.