The World Cup remains the apex for any footballer and an opportunity to speak to their side in a definitive footballing party is one that most just dreams of.
Barcelona dependably have a sizable unexpected at World Cups and this year is the same with any semblance of Pique, Messi and Suarez all set to illuminate the opposition for their individual sides.
1.Nelson Semedo
Semedo made 24 appearances for the Spanish champions in the league and a further 7 in the Champions League and while he did not put in the most consistent of performances, he would have expected to make the 23-man squad named by Portugal manager Fernando Santos at least as the second choice right back behind Cedric Soares.
2. Andre Gomes
He hardly got any game time for Barcelona either, struggling to break into the first team that contained the likes of Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic and co. In what was easily Gomes’ worst season as a professional footballer, he made just 16 appearances in La Liga – most of them as a substitute – and was often jeered by his own fans for poor displays on the pitch.
3. Jasper Cillessen
Cillessen won’t be on the plane to Russia simply because his nation failed to qualify. The Netherlands had a qualification campaign to forget, losing to Bulgaria and France (twice) and drawing to Sweden, meaning they finished third in their group, ensuring they will not be a part of Russia 2018.
4. Sergi Roberto
Many felt Roberto had done enough to warrant a place in the Spanish squad courtesy his performances for Barcelona this season. Roberto was even named in La Liga’s Team of the Season, ahead of Dani Carvajal, who funnily enough was named in Spain’s provisional squad.
5. Lucas Digne
Digne did not have a great season at Barcelona, making just 8 appearances in La Liga and 3 in the Champions League. That was not surprising considering Barcelona have one of the best left-backs in the world in their ranks – Jordi Alba. Even on the few occasions, he did manage to start a game, he lacked confidence and looked far from his best.