My greatest-ever football XI

I’ve been a sports fanatic all my life. Football has especially been one of my favourite sports. Having followed the sport keenly from the 1950s, I have seen some great players come and go.

I have compiled a list of players over the years to create a team that would be the dominate world football in any era. So, without further ado, I present to you my greatest-ever football XI.

Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin (Russia)

I have seen some great goalkeepers in my time – from Gordon Banks to Peter Shilton to Dino Zoff, even Australian Mark Bosnich, who wasted his talent. However, Yashin was truly something else.

The Russian custodian was truly a notch above every other goalkeeper in every regard. The man could do it all; he was a tremendous shot stopper; his penalty saves were second to none; he could command his area and organise his defense like no one else could. Such was his aura that, during his career, most players were dared to beat Yashin in a penalty shootout.

However, he spent his entire career behind the Iron Curtain with Dynamo Moscow, and football fans outside the USSR were only able to catch a glimpse of him at the European Cup and World Cup. Had he played in any of the bigger European leagues, he would have been a much bigger star.

Left Back: Paolo Maldini (Italy)

When it comes to picking defenders, one could fill the backline with only Italian defenders, and there would be no questions asked, as the greatest defenders over the years have been Italian. But even among elite company, Paolo Maldini was the best of the best.

He could fit into any position in the back 4, and showed the world that defending is an art the requires elegance along with steely resolve. What made him truly special was the fact that he could make goal-saving tackles, clear the ball with a dominating header and turn defense into attack with a single pass, all in the same breath.

In an age where players transfer from club to club in search of glory and a fatter paycheck, Maldini stayed with the same club – AC Milan – for the entire span of his career – an incredible 24 years. In this time at Milan, he won every conceivable trophy, both domestic and continental, making him one the greatest players to have ever played for the club. 

A true legend in every sense of the word.

Centre-back: Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

In the history of the game, very rarely has there been a more dominating and commanding figure than this exceptional German defender. He was a natural leader whose mere presence could inspite a team.

He started off as a highly-skilled midfielder, but could also jump into tackles against the best players when needed. He then changed positions and played as a centre-back or sweeper, depending on his team’s requirement.

In defence, he was almost impossible to beat because of his imposing presence and tremendous anticipation. Moreover, due to his skill on the ball, he could transition from defence to attack with a blink of an eye.

He won every trophy there was for his club Bayern Munich. But he reached the pinnacle of his career in 1974, when he led West Germany to a World Cup victory.

Centre-back: Bobby Moore (England)

Bobby Moore was the heart and soul of his club West Ham, as well as the England National Team. Even though he wasn’t particularly pacey or too strong in the air, he more than made up for it with his game-reading abilities.

Even today, there are few players who can read the game like he could. He could sum up the play even before it actually happened. Whenever the ball was in his area, he almost never missed a tackle and never had an attacker beat him. In truth, he was a true rock and the epitome of a perfect defender. He was a key player in the England squad that lifted the 1966 World Cup.

One of finest footballers to have graced the beautiful game.

Right-back: Cafu (Brazil)

This man was one of the best defenders in the game’s history. He had great stamina that was symbolised by his tireless overlapping runs that aided the attack of his team. His pace made him a true nightmare for any winger who wanted to take him on, for they had little or no hope of getting past him.

In terms of defensive ability, he was exceptional header of the ball, in addition to his tackling and man-marking skills. He won the World Cup twice with Brazil and is one of the few players who has appeared in four World Cups. He is also the most capped Brazilian player ever with 142 caps.

Left midfield: George Best (Northern Ireland)

For the Irish, George Best is as close to God as any human being can get. He was the most talented footballer I have ever seen, and was in the class of the immortal Pele and Maradona. Even though he was a naturally left-footed player, it was impossible to know what his preferred foot was, as he was equally adept with both feet.

He could read the game better than anyone else in the history of football. He could thread a killer pass, or make a perfect run and score goals effortlessly. But what made him truly stand apart was his skill on the ball. He could make any defender look foolish with his dribbling skills. His bag of tricks made even the most competent defenders seem clueless.

He had a tremendous appetite for goals, be a tap-in, a long range screamer or a perfect free kick. The way he left defenders flat-footed was incomparable. But sadly, since his national team was never able to play in the major tournaments, he went almost unnoticed outside the United Kingdom.

Even though he won the 1968 European Cup with Manchester United, fans of international football never got a chance to see a true genius at play.

Defensive midfield: Ruud Gullit (Netherlands)

This guy was a fantastic and versatile player. In my team, I’m selecting him as a defensive midfielder.

He had it all – elegance as well as power, skill as well strength. I loved his range of passing, which was truly top-drawer, both short -range and long-range. Moreover, when he got forward, he could score goals against the best of oppositions. In the great Netherlands team that won the European Cup in 1988, he was the star of the show. In the final against Russia, he scored the first goal and set up Van Basten’s second, which was one of the greatest goals ever.

By winning this tournament, he became the first Dutch captain to ever win an International trophy. However, this was the only trophy he would win with the nation team. His legacy in club football with PSV in Holland, and more famously with AC Milan in Italy is second to none. In his time in club football with AC Milan, he won every trophy there was.

Apart from his skill, his charisma, class and dreadlocks make him stand out.

Attacking midfield: Michel Platini (France)

The one word to describe Michel Platini’s game would be ‘beautiful’. His vision, subtlety and pure class when he made defence splitting passes made him look like a player from another planet. 

Despite being a midfielder, he had a prolific goal-scoring record for both club and country, both fro open play and free kicks. He was truly brilliant. In the 1984 European Cup win, he was of star for the French team, scoring nine goals from his midfield position.

Two years later, in the World Cup in which France finished third, he once again scored crucial goals despite suffering a groin injury that did not allow him to play to the best of his abilities. He was one of the best attack-minded midfielders in the history of the game.

Right midfield: Johan Cruyff (Holland)

This man could play anywhere across the football pitch – from attack to midfield to defence. He was the master of the Dutch footballing revolution football in the 1970s, known as ‘Total Football’, where any player could attack or defend and fill in multiple positions. He was the true poster child of the Dutch National Team.

It’s hard to say what his best attribute was, but his vision was a highlight, for he could see the game unfold well in advance. His range of passing was incredible. In the attacking third of the pitch, he could set up a goal with a pass like few others could. He wasn’t too shy to score a few himself either. 

He was one of the most prolific goal scorers in the game’s history, both for club and country.

Even though he won many trophies with his club Ajax Amsterdam, he was unable to replicate his success with his country.

Forward: Maradona (Argentina)

Everyone talks about Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup; however, they forget to mention the goal he scored after that, as he picked the ball up from behind the half way line and ran around practically the entire English team.

In the 1986 World Cup, he was truly incredible, playing on a level that few have ever touched before. He scored got a brace in the semi-finals against a very strong Belgium side.

In the final, however, he wasn’t on the score sheet  mainly due to the Germans’ strategy of cutting him down, and sticking him like a second skin, with two men marking him throughout. However, he still provided the killer pass for the winning goal in a truly great final that Argentina ended up winning 3-2. However, after that, things went downhill.

On the club level, he was a once again a true legend. He went to Italy in the mid-80s and, rather than going to a high profile fashionable club, joined Napoli, a region better known for the Mafia than great football. He led the club to their only Serie A title (winning one two years later) and many more titles domestically and in Europe.

In his time there, he made Italian football that was for so long viewed as a technical defensive slug fest look attractive. His goals were prolific and the stuff of legend. W

hen it came to free kicks, you could have 100 players in the wall and five keepers, and he would still score. I’ll take his free kick style to my grave. True unparalleled genius!

Striker: Pele (Brazil)

In many people’s eyes, Pele is the best player ever in the history of the game; and I can’t argue. The guy had it all in every aspect of the game.

He had true breathtaking power to go with his grace. He had skill to go with his determination and heart. Then as a scorer of goals, he had few peers.

In the 1958 World Cup, 17-year-old Pele announced himself in a way that made the world of sport not just stand up, but had their collective jaws drop at his mastery. In his four matches, he score six goals including a lob in the final against Sweden that truly had to be seen to be believed, such was his genius.

Even though he was part of the 1962 WC win, he was injured in the first game and duly missed the rest of the tournament. However, in 1970, Brazil’s win was as compelling as the epic 1958 performance. This was because of the doubts surrounding Brazil in the build up to the tournament; but once they were there, they clicked and duly made the final against Italy. In this final, he was the chief destroyer, winning the game 4-1, in which he scored the first and set up a few others.

After his retirement, he has become a greater legend, working hard with various causes and always endearing all with his humility, sincerity and grace.

Substitutes

Goalkeeper: Gordon Banks (England)

One of the best goalkeepers ever and a member of the English World Cup winning team of 1966

Defender: Franco Baresi (Italy)

This guy was the epitome of heart being able to play anywhere across the back four and duly excel

Defender: Emlyn Hughes (England)

One of the most graceful and attack-minded centre backs in the history of the game

Midfielder: Kenny Dalglish (Scotland)

This player was one of the best I’ve ever seen for skill and ability to score

Midfielder: Zinedine Zidane (France)

What a great player ‘Zizou’ was. Whether it came to scoring through his skill or just influencing a game with his heart.

Midfielder: Rivelino (Brazil)

The great winger with an eye for goal and one of the biggest stars in the 1970 World Cup

Midfielder: Gheorghe Hagi (Romania)

I loved this guy. What an exceptional player in the midfield he was for club and country

Midfield: Zvonimir Boban (Croatia)

One of the best midfield players I’ve ever seen for his versatility and his skill in passing.

Attack: Ferenc Puskas (Hungary)

One of the most prolific and best strikers in the history of the game. Such power to go with his skill.

Attack: Alfredo Di Stefano (Spain)

Puskas’ strike partner at Real Madrid and a great player in his own right. Truly prolific goal scorer.