First XI: Defensive midfielders

"Following the First XI goalkeepers and defenders, we return with a selection of the World Cup's greatest defensive midfielders.

Obdulio Varela (Uruguay) The man who silenced 174,000 Brazilian fans at the Maracana is considered among the most inspirational players of them all. In the famous story, detailed in our First XI World Cup upsets, Varela told his Uruguay team-mates to either "win here or die trying" as they created one of the biggest ever shocks by coming from behind to beat Brazil 2-1 to win the 1950 World Cup. Varela was not all talk, though: he was a fearsome enforcer and helped subdue Brazil in the match with a strong challenge on Bigode, who had attempted to intimidate a team-mate with a series of violent fouls. Varela, who could also play as a centre half, returned to the World Cup with Uruguay in 1954, the veteran helping his team to the semi-final.

Jozsef Bozsik (Hungary) Technically playing in the now defunct right-half position, Bozsik occupied the position of a modern-day defensive midfielder and is rated as one of the all-time greats. Playing in the 'Magical Magyars' side alongside Ferenc Puskas, he was part of the team that reached the 1954 World Cup final only to suffer a shock defeat to West Germany. He also featured in the '58 tournament and won a total of 101 caps. Like many of his international team-mates, he boasted great attacking qualities and scored a number of spectacular goals, but perhaps more important was his football brain, positional sense and great tackling ability."

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