There is no time to catch your breath, the knockout stages will soon be in full flow, but there has already been some sensational football at this World Cup, produced by sensational players.Here’s my Best Eleven from the group phase and, sorry, it has to be a loose 4-4-2 formation because I’m getting Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in.GoalkeeperVozinha - Cape VerdeNot just the number one keeper for the tournament’s all-star team so far, but the number one for individual achievement.The 40-year-old made seven saves against Spain in Cape Verde ’s opening match and produced another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia.To give him his full name, Josimar ‘Vozinha’ Dias has been central to one of THE feelgood narratives, which will continue when he comes up against Lionel Messi and co.Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!DefendersDenzel Dumfries - NetherlandsHas not been foot-perfect but the right-back, whose move to Real Madrid will be confirmed on July 1, has been a key player in a very encouraging Netherlands group campaign. He has always been under-rated but looks to be coming into prime form at the right time.Pau Cubarsi - SpainTheir defenders are so often overlooked but they are key to the way Spanish play. There was a temptation to read too much into the opening draw with Cape Verde but that was the first of three clean sheets in the group stages. It is true their attacking unit has not clicked yet but they have been pretty flawless at the back and Barcelona ’s Cubarsi - quickly establishing himself as one of the world ’s best central defenders - has a lot to do with that.Marc Guehi - EnglandWas surprisingly left out of England’s opening game against Croatia but was quickly recalled and has been rock-solid for Thomas Tuchel in the games against Ghana and Croatia. Bigger tests will lie ahead for the Manchester City centre-half but he will surely stay in the team and be key to England’s performance against DR Congo and their progress in the rest of the tournament.Keito Nakamura - JapanJapan have impressed with their dynamism and adventure, even though they are missing a couple of key players and Nakamura - who plies his trade in the French second division for Reims - has been typical of their vibrant approach. Nominally a left-back, he is predominantly attack-minded and scored Japan’s opening goal of the tournament, against the Netherlands.MidfieldersPedro Vite - EcuadorOne of the games of the first phase was Ecuador ’s dramatic win over Germany which earned them a spot in the round of 32. Ecuador have won admirers for their bullish, exuberant, full-blooded approach to the tournament and central midfielder Pedro Vite is an emblem of that approach. Hard-working but creative, his passion and technique was key to Ecuador’s progress.Ayyoub Bouaddi - MoroccoHe was one of the most talked-about teenagers coming into the tournament and the 18-year-old has delivered in style, his performances against Brazil and Scotland showing a maturity way beyond his years. He only declared for Morocco a month or so ahead of the World Cup - he could have played for France - and he will be one of the most sought-after players in club football this summer.Jude Bellingham - EnglandA spot of English bias, for sure, but Bellingham is reminding everyone what he is all about. Aggressive - sometimes too aggressive - and physical, he makes his mark on midfield battles from the very first whistle. England fans say Harry Kane needs to perform for England to succeed but Bellingham is equally important.ForwardsLionel Messi - ArgentinaWhat can you say? Having been at every one of his games at World Cup 2022, I can honestly say a 39-year-old Messi is playing better than a 35-year-old Messi. The move to the MLS has suited him perfectly, he looks in fantastic condition and his game-intelligence is off the charts.He looks like creating something or doing something special every time he takes possession. Truly remarkable.Kylian Mbappe - FranceHe leads this sensational French team with a swashbuckling panache and his pace, directness and striking power are joys to watch. He does not help himself at times but Mbappe truly is a generational talent.The worrying thing for opponents of the French is that Mbappe scored four in the group stages and looked as though he had a couple of gears to go through.Erling Haaland - NorwayConsidering it is his first World Cup, Haaland’s return of four goals in two games should not be taken lightly, even though it is what we expect of him. The goals have not been classics either but you just know what you are going to get with Haaland - elite finishing of the highest order.He has been around for a good while but is becoming a better all-round player.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consent