While replaced by Neymar as Brazil captain immediately after the World Cup by returning coach Dunga, Thiago Silva's importance to the national side was highlighted when the Selecao capitulated against Germany without their suspended skipper. LuizвЂ™s PSG and Brazil team-mate captained the French club side to their second successive league triumph and first ever double in 2014. Image: The World XI for 2014, minus Brazilian pair David Luiz and Thiago Silva Without his stoppage-time equaliser in the Champions League final against local rivals Atletico, Real would still be searching for a coveted 10th European Cup success. Tying John TerryвЂ™s record for five appearances for a defender in the team of the year, Sergio Ramos formed a key part of the Real Madrid team which won an array of trophies in the last calendar year. While crucial goals in the last-16 and quarter-finals of Brazil's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup were personal - and notable - highs for Luiz in 2014, it was perhaps his part in their infamous 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany - when Luiz captained the side in the absence of Thiago Silva вЂ“ which leftВ the more lasting mark. The 27-year-old became the worldвЂ™s most expensive defender in the summer when Paris Saint-Germain paid an eye-watering ВЈ50m sum to bring him to France. Undoubtedly former Chelsea defender Luiz represented the surprise inclusion in the XI, with a backlash swiftly following on social media. Ballon d'Or win a good time to rethink the Cristiano Ronaldo narrative and give him the respect he deserves.Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or: Find out who voted for who.Ballon dвЂ™Or: Cristiano Ronaldo can inspire Lionel Messi to win again, says Graham Hunter.Ballon d'Or: Defending Roy Hodgson for picking Javier Mascherano ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Sepp Blatter says it is 'ridiculous' he cannot attend the Ballon d'Or.Andy Murray says 'level of sexism is unreal' in sport after Ada Hegerberg twerk remark.The 31-year-old's subsequent retirement from international football is naturally therefore a big loss for Germany. While nominally a full-back, his famed versatility and composure so impressed Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola on the SpaniardвЂ™s arrival at the club last season that he decided to play Lahm in central midfield. GermanyвЂ™s inspirational World Cup-winning captain also appears for the second successive year in the right-back berth. New twist in IBF heavyweight fight saga.Newcastle moving closer to Carlos deal but face PL competition.Subscribe to the Essential Football Podcast.Thursday at AFCON: Holders Algeria in danger of elimination?.Premier League player bailed again on child sex offences.Injured Raducanu: I didn't want to go out like that.'Why did you take me off?' | Rangnick explains Ronaldo sub.Auba: Heart 'absolutely fine' after cardiac lesions diagnosis at AFCON.Man Utd prefer Lingard permanent deal | Newcastle still interested.Transfer Centre LIVE! Lingard, Ndombele, Guimaraes.

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