A Current World XI

 

Here is my attempt at creating a World XI. These aren’t just individual superstars; this is a team which I believe represents the perfect combination of talent. Please feel free to agree or disagree with my selection!

Goalkeeper- IkerCasillas

With 5 La Liga titles, 2 Champions League, 1 World Cup and 2 European Championships winners medals, it’s hard not to select him. He has amassed a total of 138 senior appearances for the Spanish national team and 459 for Real Madrid, an incredible feat for a 31 year old. He could still have another 7-8 years at the top level!

Right back- Daniel Alves

A regular for a Barcelona side which some consider being the best ever. He almost moved to Liverpool, and then Chelsea from his previous club, Sevilla, where it is known at least 3 bids were rejected from the latter. It is his attacking threat, rather than his defensive qualities, which is the reason for this selection.

Centre Back- Gerard Pique

Another regular starter for Barcelona.3 La Liga titles, 1 World Cup and 1 European Championshipmake him an obvious contender. His former manager at United Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his reluctance at losing a player with his potential, but for family reasons and his desire for first team football, had little choice. How Ferguson wishes he could have him back now!

Centre Back- Vincent Kompany

His consistentperformances last season for City are what puts him ahead of other contenders, such as Vidic, Thiago Silva recently of PSG and Chiellini of Juventus. He was at the heart of the Manchester City team which went on to beat rivals United to the title. Signed for a fee in the region of £6 million, he has proved to be one of the greatest bargain buys to date.

 Left Back- Ashley Cole

A consistent performer, both at club level with Arsenal and Chelsea, and at International level. Not the most universally liked player for his off field antics, though no one can doubt his ability. Perhaps a fault in his play is his game is his lack of goals despite his attacking threat (just 14 goals in 338 senior games, 0 in 98 for England), but his all-round quality is what puts him ahead of contenders such as Lahm or Evra.

Defensive Midfield- Xabi Alonso

Alonso plays almost as a Quarterback would in the NFL, with his distributions being his key attribute. He is able to pick a pass which splits defences, and it is this quality which has made him a fundamental asset of the Real Madrid team which picked up the previous La Liga title, and a regular starter in a Spanish team full of midfield options.

Centre Midfield- Xavi Hernandez

Arguably the best midfielder on the planet. Without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, he would have picked up the Ballon d’Or for the last three years running. Last season stats showed Xavi completed 93% of his 1830 passes played, making him second only behind Leon Britton (93.3% from a significantly lower 1127 passes, sorry Swansea fans). Perhaps the key player for Barcelona and Spain.

Attacking Midfield- Andres Iniesta

A tough decision with other great players such as MesutOzil and David Silva occupying this role, but based on Iniesta being a part of the Barcelona team with its many trophies and his presence in the Spanish national team, he just shades it. He again has the passing qualities which are so evident in the Barcelona style of play, and boasts 12 assists in the 50 games he featured in last season.

Attacking Right Forward- Lionel Messi

It’s hard to define the position Messi plays as he covers most of the attacking positions of the pitch. Arguably the best player in the World, whether your preference is with Messi or Ronaldo. With 73 goals in just 60 appearances in the Barca shirt last season, his spot in this team needs no justification. 

Attacking Left Forward- Cristiano Ronaldo

As with Messi, Ronaldo needs no introduction. 60 goals in 55 appearances during the 2011-12 season is again incredible. In a World without Messi, Ronaldo would be spoken as the greatest player in the World without much debate.

Striker- Mario Gomez

The traditional belief is that every successful team has a great number 9, though Spain did their best to dispel this belief at the 2012 European Championships! There are many contenders for this position, such as Ibrahimovic, Cavani and Aguero among them, but it is his goals in the Champions League which sets him above the others. He has been the second top scorer in the Champions League for the past two seasons, with a total of 20, with just Messi ahead of him with 26. He has 64 in 94 senior appearances for Bayern, and 25 in 57 senior appearances for Germany, which are admirable statistics.

Gavin Beard

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