No 1. GK – Manuel Neuer
The German number one has formed quite a
reputation for himself in recent seasons. His honours
already include two Bundesliga’s, one Champions
League medal and a World Cup. The former Schalke
04 player is widely recognised as the best keeper in
the World. Known for his spectacular saves and
rushing out to thwart strikers, he is exciting to watch
and warrants being Carragher’s number one all time
goalkeeper.
2. RB – Cafu
Cafu is often regarded as the best right-back to play
the game, known for his time with AC Milan, Roma
and the Brazil national team his career expands over
18 years winning numerous honours. He played a big
part in winning two World Cups, one Champions
League and two Serie A titles. The former Sao Paulo
player was a rampaging full back that had incredible
fitness doing his defensive duties as well as his
attacking ones.
3. CB – Desially –
This one may come as a bit of a surprise with the
amount of supreme centre-backs that Carragher could
have chosen from. The Frenchman had a twenty year
career, racking up numerous appearances for the
likes of Nantes, AC Milan and Chelsea. He is
considered one of the most accomplished players of
his generation and one of the finest French defenders
ever. He won two Serie A titles, one Champions
League and one World Cup.
4. CB – Baresi –
Baresi is one of Carragher’s older selections for his
ultimate XI. The AC Milan legend spent his whole
career at the Italian side from 1977-1997. During this
spell he won 6 Serie A titles, 3 European Cups and one
World Cup with Italy. In all of football the Italian is
regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
He had pace, power, technical ability and outstanding
mental attributes. It’s no surprise to see him in
Carra’s line up.
Paolo Maldini finishes off Carragher’s Serie A themed
back four. Like Baresi, Maldini spent his illustrious
career at AC Milan. He played at a World Class level
consistently over 25 years. He was known for being a
great leader, he captained Milan and Italy leading to
the nickname “Il Capitano” (the Captain). He made an
incredible 647 appearances for Milan and gained 126
caps for Italy. He won a whopping 7 Serie A titles and
5 European Cups/Champions Leagues. Maldini also
won various individual honours, including World
Soccer Player of the Year (1994) and the Serie A
Defender of the Year (2004).
6. DM – Matthaus
Carragher’s team suits a 4-4-3 formation where a
deep-lying midfielder was needed. There was no
better choice than Lothar Matthaus. The German had
a star-studded career playing for Borussia
Mönchengladbach, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. He
won seven Bundesliga’s, one Serie A and one
European Championship with Germany. He scored
184 goals for club and country and was one of the
finest midfielders the game has ever seen.
7. CM – Xavi –
The Spanish maestro is well worth a spot in Carra’s
ultimate XI in centre midfield. He was another one
club wonder who made both his club and national side
tick from midfield. Xavi provided goals, assists,
defensive cover at the centre of both Spain and
Barcelona’s successes. The little genius won seven
La Liga’s, three Champions Leagues, one World Cup
and two European Championships.
8. CM – Zidane
The Frenchman needs no introduction. Regarded in
some quarters as the greatest player to play the
game. ‘Zizou’ was a truely world class midfielder
known for his elegance, vision and technique. Zidane
was named the best European footballer of the past
50 years in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll. He spent his
best years playing for Juventus and Real Madrid
winning two Serie A titles and one La Liga. He was
named Ballon D’or winner in 1998 and has World and
European Cup medals with France. His career may
have gone down with a headbutt, but he will always
be known for his sheer class with the ball.
9. WR – Maradona
Carragher chose Diego Maradonna to play on the right
of the front three in his dream team. Another
contender for the “greatest player of all time” in many
people’s eyes, Maradonna is a household name and
will always be remembered for his football genius. He
played for a variety of clubs, including Boca Juniors,
Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla. He largely made his
name on the International stage, as most England
fans will remember! He scored 34 times for Argentina,
many of them were so dazzling they’re still replayed
all over the world today. His main honours include two
Serie A titles and one memorable World Cup victory.
10. ST – Van Basten
Van Basten is the lone dutchman in Carragher’s team.
Despite an injury forcing him into early retirement, he
is acknowledged as being one of the greatest strikers
of all time. Playing for Ajax and AC Milan, the deadly
forward scored 218 goals in 280 games. He won the
Eredivisie and Serie A three times as well as two
European Cups. Van Basten shone on the
International stage too, scoring 24 times and winning
the European Championship in 1988. In the same
tournment he scored possibly the most memorable
goal of all time, a stunning volley which football fans
still admire to this day.
11 – WL – Messi
On the left of the front three, Carragher opted for
Lionel Messi. The four time Ballon d’Or winner would
feature in most ultimate XI’s. He is arguably the
greatest footballer playing today with an incredible
goal scoring record for Barcelona. He has an
unbelievable 249 goals in 284 games, eclipsing all
rivals other than Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite only being
27, he’s won six La Liga’s, three Champions League’s
and whole host of individual honours. The Argentine’s
wizardry is often compared to fellow countryman
Maradonna due to the irresistable skill and talent they
both possess. Messi’s speed, trickery and intelligence
is second to none. It’s understandably well believed
that when he retires he’ll be known as the greatest
player of all time.
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