Best Team in the world
September 15th 2010 13:42
Following this summer's World Cup in South Africa, and after all of the domestic leagues in Europe have begun their new seasons, there have been plenty of players stepping into the spotlight in world football. Just a couple of month's before the nominations for World Footballer of the Year will be announced, I have decided to compile a team, consisting of the players I feel are on top of the football world right now. Feel free to post your own teams on this post;
GK -
Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)
While this seem a strange choice to football fans who don't follow the game outside their country, anyone who has seen the Russian keeper play will understand my choice. Much like legendary Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin, Akinfeev has so far not strayed from the Russian league, at age 24 he is still playing for CSKA, who's youth team he came through. With 43 caps for his country already to his name, he is known to have many suitors across Europe.
DEF -
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
There weren't many more impressive players at the World Cup than the Spanish right-back. While the former Barcelona defender looked solid at the back, his forward player earnt him rave reviews. Despite being a full back, he was often the furthest man forward for the World champions, and was highly influential in their successful campaign. At just 24, has huge future ahead.
Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Again, highly impressive for Spain at the World Cup, and also last season for Barcelona. Has improved vastly in two years since leaving Manchester United, and at 23 is already one of the best centre backs in world football. Proved with his goal in the Champions League semi-final last season, he is also no slouch in the opposition box.
Lucio (Inter Milan) CAPTAIN
The 32-year-old Brazilian centre half is the type of player you hate if your against him, but I'd love to have him in my team, and his determined character and passion makes him my captain. Strong and world-class at centre back, and also has the ability to bring the ball out of defence. Vital experience for the reigning European champions.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The 21-year-old left sided Welsh player, has to be the most improved player in the English premier League over the last 12 months. After moving to the left-wing, he has proved to be genuine world-class, and is the best player on the pitch week in, week out, for Spurs. Also talented at left-back, and I've put him there just to get him in the team. Promises to have a huge future.
MID -
Xavi (Barcelona)
Having now turned 30, the Barca youth product has proved himself to be undoubtedly the greatest passer in world football. An unbelievable player and one of the first names on my team sheet. Aften unsung, but possibly Barcelona and Spain's most important player.
Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)
Inspired Holland to the World Cup Final, the summer after inspiring Inter Milan to the treble. Was shipped out by Real Madrid following the arrival of Kaka, only to outshine the Brazilian, and take his place in my world 11. At 26 is developing into one of best playmakers on the planet.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
32-year-old Lampard has a lot of critics, which I feel are completely unjustified. While he didn't have the greatest of World Cups, he was England's best player as they were dumped out by Germany. I would consider dropping him from this team, if there were any other midfielder in world football who gurantees 25 goals a season. An unbelievable goal scoring record that any striker would be proud of, and the key man in Chelsea's push for Champions League glory.
FOR -
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
It seems to be a widely acknowledged, and ill-informed view, that Ronaldo flopped last season following his world record £80 million move to Madrid. While he ended the season trophy-less, he scored 25 goals and was at his very best, inspiring his side to 96 points in La Liga. Still one of the best two players in the world in my opinion, and at 25 will be desperate to be considered the very best once again. But currently holding that title is;
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
There aren't many football fans who would argue the 23 year old Argentinian isn't the best player in the world right now. The real argument should be, is he the best ever. Looks likely to score a hat-trick every time he pulls on the Barca shirt, even though he isn't an out and out striker. Only criticism could be he doesn't deliver on International stage. But at his tender age, will have plenty more chances to deliver.
David Villa (Barcelona)
Fourth Barca player to make my team, has been stand out player in a sub-standard Valencia team for years. His £35 million to Barcelona this summer should see the 29-year-old reach his full potential, which has only really be seen for Spain. Could be argued he was the main reason for his country winning the World Cup, as without his goals, it could have been an embarrassingly early exit.
Mentions should go to a couple of players who just missed out on my team. 35-year-old Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes continues to prove he is still world-class, and was just pipped by Sneijder to a place in the team. Also, young Portuguesse left-back Fabio Coentrao, impressed be a lot at the World Cup, and could have taken Bale's place. Uruguayan forward Diego Forlan would also provide good back up to Villa. German star Mezul Ozil also deserves a mention, and promises to have a big future having joined Real Madrid this summer!
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Comment by Joe Soriano
Pro Sports Wrap
Orble Sport Blog
GK- Petr Cech
DEF- Sergio Ramos, Zanetti, Lahm, and Pique
MIF- Wes, Fabregas, Xavi, The Scwhein
FW- Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
We pretty much agree on most of them!