My Favourite XI

GK: David De Gea

Partially because I know what it's like to have a pube-like beard and partially because there is every indication that, despite some high profile errors, he is on the way to becoming a world class goalkeeper (remember this save?) Plus it's always fun to see an exciting youngster develop at your club. Yes, I'm a Manchester United fan. You can stop your derisive chuckling.

RB: Gary Neville

Gary Neville has been described as "the best right back in Europe without ever being the best right back in Europe." A very solid defender, who performed consistently at the top level of the game for around ten years. His attacking play was perhaps more work-man like but he established an excellent understanding with David Beckham and was crucial to United's success from the mid nineties onwards. It doesn't hurt that he is now one of the most likable and informative football pundits on British television.

CB: Lilian Thuram

1998 World Cup semi-final. France vs. Croatia. 46 minutes in Croatia take the lead through Davor Suker. France need a hero. Zidane? Henry? Trezeguet? No. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Lilian Thuram scores twice to lead France to the final which they would eventually win. Lilian Thuram. He would never again score for his country despite gaining 142 caps, making him France's highest capped player ever.  Note: He played as fullback in that match but made a name for himself in both positions.
  

CB: Paolo Maldini

In the "clean sheet, clean shorts" school of defending, Maldini is the head boy. Undoubtedly one of the greatest and classiest defenders in the history of the game. As a one-club man he played for AC Milan for 24 years, racking up 647 appearances and retiring at age 41. A true legend. It's really hard not to like Maldini. 

LB: Taribo West

Just look at that hair.

CM: Gennaro Gattuso

Arguably the manliest man to ever play football. Though the technical side of his game is slightly underrated, the truth is that he was functional rather than gifted. It was his tenacity, drive, aggression and ferocious tackling ability that made him into one of the most feared defensive midfielders of his generation. A straight up hard man who gets bonus points for playing in Scotland and also back-handing Zlatan (let's face it, Zlatan needs to be slapped occasionally).

CM: Socrates

Cheating because I never watched him play but this man just oozes style.  He captained the best Brazil team to never win a World Cup, was outspoken against an authoritarian government, drank more than was good for him and was named after an ancient Greek philosopher. Did I mention he was a qualified medical doctor? Hands down the coolest footballer to have ever lived. Click here if you want to learn more.

LAM: Andres Iniesta

Back in 2008 I remember telling a friend that Iniesta was one of my favourite players. His response: "That's odd." Following Spain's hat-trick of international tournament wins and Barcelona's dominance of both the Spanish domestic league and the Champions League from then until 2012, it's safe to say that Iniesta is now recognized as one of the best midfielders ever (In your face Tony). His Football Manager 2013 attribute page is pure sex. But it's more than that. Andres comes across as one of the nicest, most unassuming people in football. No flash, no arrogance. You get the impression that if he wasn't footballer he would just be a massive nerd. If you want to see photos of him giving the thumbs up in mundane situations, I strongly advise you subscribe to his facebook page.

RAM:  Ronaldinho

Forget Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar; at his peak, there was no player that was more entertaining to watch than Ronaldinho. In full flow he was simply unstoppable. A shame that he only showed us his best for a short period but what we did see defied logic. Thanks for the memories Ronnie. 

CAM: Zinedine Zidane

Look at that 1,000 yard stare. That beak-like nose. The formidable jaw line. On the football pitch Zinedine Zidane was a leader of men. The model number 10, Zidane's creativity and passing ability was second to none. And he was undoubtedly a man for the big occasion as this legendary goal in the Champions League final attests. Unfortunately his career would end in controversy but I prefer to remember the good. Like his perfomance against Brazil in the quarter finals.

CF: Francesco Totti

If I could play like any player that I have ever watched it would be Francesco Totti. When football history is written, Totti will be remembered as the pioneer of the false 9 in the modern game. Blessed with miraculous technique, at his peak Totti could score from anywhere. Let's not forget his supreme ball control and inventive passing. What's more, he turned big money moves to the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea in order to stay at his beloved Roma. It has now been 20 seasons since his debut and he is still a key player for the team, managing 12 goals in 28 appearances in Serie A this season. Truly, the King of Rome.



Faisal Wando