Group D round-up: Messi heroics ensure top spot in player rankings

After a disappointing fare in the early kick-off between France and Denmark, the climax in Group D certainly lived up to expectations.

With all four sides able to progress heading into the final matches, it was Argentina that joined Croatia in the last 16, leaving Nigeria heartbroken but far from humiliated. The Super Eagles boasted some impressive performers after all, with two breaking into the group’s top five.

5. Oghenekaro Etebo (Nigeria) - 7.49 rating

After his showing in Russia there’s little surprise that Stoke were keen to seal a deal for Etebo, and the Potters look to have acquired a real all rounder in the middle of the park. The 22-year-old stood out with and without the ball, completing 11 tackles and 16 dribbles, which were both enough to rank second in Group D, as well as completing 88% of his pass attempts.

4. Luka Modric (Croatia) - 7.63 rating

Pulling the strings in what is likely to be his last World Cup, Modric never disappoints on the biggest stage and has been at his best in Russia thus far. The Croatia captain scored twice in three appearances, completed 87.4% of his passes, made five tackles and created five chances to help Zlatko Dalic’ side secure top spot.

3. Ivan Rakitic (Croatia) - 7.68 rating

Just outscoring his midfield partner, Rakitic was in fine form during the group stages and opened his account for the tournament in the victory over Argentina. The Barcelona man was key to keeping club mate Lionel Messi quiet on the night and in breaking up play in general in midfield, completing 7 tackles in just 188 minutes of action. He also fired off seven shots, created five chances and completed four dribbles in that time.

2. Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria) - 7.79 rating

Amongst such esteemed opposition in the group, particularly in his position, Ndidi didn’t look out of place and was pivotal to disrupting opposition attacks. Tallies of 15 tackles and 12 interceptions both led the way in Group D, while only one player won more aerial duels than the Leicester youngster (17).

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 7.86 rating

We might not have seen the best of Lionel Messi for much of the group stages but the Argentina captain stood up to be counted when it mattered most. His goal in the must win game against Nigeria was one of the best of the tournament so far, with two masterful touches setting up a typically emphatic finish, mustering 14 shots in total, creating seven chances and completing 20 dribbles in just three appearances.