Virgil Van Dijk included in FIFPro World XI shortlist

Two England defenders are also on the list

The shortlist for goalkeepers and defenders for the FIFPro World XI has been released, and it features Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman enjoyed a very impressive second half to last season after joining Liverpool in January, scoring on his debut against local rivals Everton in the FA Cup. His effect on Liverpool's defence should not be underestimated; he has improved their distribution from the back as well as their defensive solidity, helping the Reds reach the Champions League final. As a calming influence on the players around him, such as Jordan Henderson and the junior Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold in defence, Van Dijk has more than justified his transfer fee of £75m. Other defenders on the shortlist include England internationals Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, as well as World Cup winners Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti. The full list of goalkeepers and defenders is as follows:

Goalkeepers

Gianluigi Buffon – Italy, Juventus/Paris Saint-Germain Thibaut Courtois – Belgium, Chelsea/Real Madrid CF David De Gea – Spain, Manchester United FC Keylor Navas – Costa Rica, Real Madrid CF Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Germany, FC Barcelona

Defenders

Jordi Alba – Spain, FC Barcelona Dani Alves – Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain Daniel Carvajal – Spain, Real Madrid CF Giorgio Chiellini – Italy, Juventus FC Virgil van Dijk – The Netherlands, Southampton/Liverpool Diego Godín – Uruguay, Atletico Madrid Mats Hümmels – Germany, FC Bayern Munchen Joshua Kimmich – Germany, FC Bayern Munchen Dejan Lovren – Croatia, Liverpool FC Marcelo – Brazil, Real Madrid CF Yerry Mina – Colombia, FC Barcelona/Everton FC Benjamin Pavard – France, VfB Stuttgart Gerard Piqué – Spain, FC Barcelona Sergio Ramos – Spain, Real Madrid CF Thiago Silva – Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain Kieran Trippier – England, Tottenham Hotspur Samuel Umtiti – France, FC Barcelona Raphaël Varane – France, Real Madrid CF Sime Vrsaljko – Croatia, Atletico Madrid/Inter Kyle Walker – England, Manchester City FC The shortlist of midfielders and attackers is expected to be released in the coming days.