6. Jordi Alba
Alba contributed more to Spain’s attacking play than the defensive set-up due to Spain’s high average position up the pitch. They kept Portugal contained in their own half for the majority of the game, while cutting through them on numerous occasions. However, a few defensive mistakes and a goalkeeping error cost them all three points.
Portugal’s counter-attacking play mostly went down their left side in order to take advantage of Nacho being in the first-team due to Dani Carvajal still recovering from injury. Therefore, Alba played a bit-part role defensively, with the majority of his contributions being to get back in the defensive shape.
He provided attacking width which allowed Isco to come inside and interchange with Iniesta. This kept Bernardo Silva deep because he had to cover for Alba and ensured the Portuguese defence wast stretched. Overall, it was a relatively quiet game for him, but he played an important part in the Spanish 4-3-3 system.
5. Ivan Rakitic
Croatia started their World Cup campaign against Nigeria, and came away 2-0 victors. They had an attacking set-up with a 4-2-3-1, which had Rakitic and Luka Modric as the deep midfielders. This was a slightly risky set-up because neither are defensive midfielders and Nigeria were looking to draw them out and exploit the space behind them. However, it has to be noted that the Super Eagles performance was abject as they lacked ideas and innovation.
Rakitic was comfortable as a passing option in deep areas and broke up play when needed. He remained in those areas which allowed Modric to play further forward and assert control over the game. It was a controlled performance from the team and Rakitic because he kept the ball circulating and took the sting out of any attacks.
This set-up easily converts into a 4-4-2 or 4-2-4 when they are in the opposition third, so they have two targets to aim for as well as plenty of width. Therefore, Croatia can make the most of their territory dominance.
Rakitic has shown his ability to act as a pivot for Barcelona when he has stepped in for Sergio Busquets, so it’s little surprise that he has been able to do the same for his national side.
4. Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho acted as the difference-maker for his side, which was important because Neymar struggled to have an impact. Brazil only managed a draw against Switzerland, but Coutinho broke the deadlock; his curled finish from outside the box exhibited flawless technique. He played on the left side of a three-man midfield, with attacks heavily weighted towards that side.
The Selecao started the game strongly and looked like they would put multiple goals past Switzerland after Coutinho opened the scoring. However, the Swiss are well-drilled and vastly experienced, so they controlled possession to limit Brazil and eventually forced their way back into the game through a set piece in the second half.
This was a promising individual performance from Coutinho because he showed he can take some of the burden off Neymar in regards to changing games through his brilliance. They will need them both to be firing if they want to go far in the tournament.