World Cup news: Best XI of players who won’t be in Russia
By Kian Long
Eric Bailly – Ivory Coast
Eric Bailly, just like Serge Aurier, is a risky one to include because he plays for Les Elephants also.
Unlike his centre back partner Virgil van Dijk, Bailly is loving life in the Premier League. Playing under Jose Mourinho, the Ivorian has really started to establish himself as an excellent defender. So far this season, he’s started 8 games for Manchester United, including a Champions League game.
Critics were skeptical of the defender upon his Manchester arrival, but he’s done nothing short of silencing them on the field. He’s key to Jose Mourinho’s defensive system, as he looks to match the striker’s force with his own and win every battle.
If Ivory Coast do fail to qualify, he’ll be devastated not to be travelling to Russia to play against a lot of his Manchester United teammates. However, he’s not the only Manchester United defender who won’t be going…