In the footballing world, it is a rare sight to see players stay loyal to a single club for long durations of time, because, currently, money does seem to make the world go round.
This is the era where the moolah is all that matters; many superstars have shown that it isn’t just about getting to play, it’s also about how much their pockets get filled. And this is exactly what has led to heartbreaking big money transfers that include the likes of Oscar, Witsel, Pogba, Zlatan (who will perennially remain on lists like this) and Higuain
But even after accepting that there are only a handful of such footballers, here is the best team that consists of these rare gems.
Goalkeeper: Rogerio Ceni
The Brazilian shot-stopper was not only brilliant between the sticks, but was also the highest goalscorer for a goalkeeper. With 1197 appearances for Sao Paulo F.C he has put the ball in the back of the net 131 times.
Free kicks and penalties were a cakewalk for him. Sao Paulo always looked to the keeper for a goal from dead ball situations, which he could almost always guarantee. Players of this type are rechercé, and combining his goalscoring abilities along with exceptional goalkeeping prowess completes the package for an inimitable shot stopper.
Defenders:
Left-back: Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini epitomises the art of defending. He has adapted to varying positions across the back line, including both flanks and the heart of the defence. The Italian appeared for A.C Milan 902 times, scoring 29 goals in that time.
Maldini was a daunting defender back in the day, and one could not simply float past the defender. Forging a partnership with then teammate Alessandro Nesta, the amalgamation of their skill, defending and passion for winning led AC Milan to glory. Brutal but clean tackles, rough but timed interceptions, were just a couple in a long list of the left back's playing qualities.
Center-back: Jamie Carragher
The Liverpool legend was one not to be messed with. He starred for the Reds for 17 years, playing 737 matches for them. The defender was a dependable centre back and although his goal numbers are not high, they aren’t the stats to be looked at.
The Merseyside star might have looked skinny, but inside him was an untamed, fierce animal and Liverpool’s defence was only strengthened by this quality. Jamie Carragher is not just any addition to this team, but an extremely valuable one.
Centre-back: Carles Puyol (Captain)
Aptly nicknamed the Lion of Barcelona, the former Blaugrana defender was one of the greatest ever to embrace the position. He donned the Catalan club’s shirt for 682 games and scored 24 times.
“The Lion” as he was rightly called, was a true leader at the back and was known for his honesty and ethics. The Catalonian could also play at right back, and that quality made him a more versatile player.
Puyol was a hard worker and was known to train a lot. A former teammate of his once said, “Even if you’re four goals down, he thinks we can win.” This attitude is exactly what separated him from the rest, and is why the captain’s armband is with him for this team.
Right-back: Philipp Lahm (Vice-Captain)
Phillip Lahm is undisputedly the most versatile player the world has ever seen. He has played everywhere from central defensive midfield to centre back as well as both wing backs. The Bavarian shows no signs of stopping as he is still playing for Bayern Munich at 33.
So far, Lahm has played 497 matches for Die Roten and has put the ball in the net 16 times. Being a technically gifted footballer, he makes the most of his intelligence, passing and tackling, although he lacks height.
Midfielders:
Left winger: Ryan Giggs
Good ol’ Giggsy has been the most influential person at Manchester United, not just as a player, but also as an assistant manager in the recent years. Part of the second wave of Fergie's fledgelings, the Welshman gave United that extra flair, skill and pace that they needed after George Best departed.
He played 963 matches for the Red Devils and scored 168 goals during the time. He had extraordinary vision, intelligence and technical ability which made him one of the best footballers on the planet.
His footballing attributes are well reflected in that FA Cup semi-final of 1999 when Giggs waltzed past several of Arsenal’s players and beautifully scored from the left side of the pitch. It also shows exactly what United miss in their squad now.
Central Midfielder: Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta is probably the most humble, most loyal and honest player the footballing world has ever seen. The Barcelona man is the master of the midfield, and his importance, though it is noted, is often overshadowed by Messi’s.
He still plays for the Blaugrana and has appeared in 606 matches and has racked up 55 goals along with recording more than 70 assists. The Barca man has played as a winger, a central forward and as an attacking midfielder at some point in his career. He has excellent skill on the ball and is a master of dribbling, creating sublime moves and tying defenders in knots. Making those crucial final passes and pre-assists are some strengths of the phenomenal Spaniard.
Central Midfielder: Daniele De Rossi
De Rossi is one of the most unlucky football players in recent time. His loyalty to the club is hardly noticed due to the fact that he is on the same team as Francesco Totti, another club legend.
The defensive midfielder has played 521 matches so far and has scored 54 goals. The Italian has excellent vision, passing, tackling, strength and considerably good height, all of which makes him a force to be reckoned with in the midfield.
From an attacking perspective, he has the ability to start dangerous counter attacks after winning back possession. He has fared well in Roma so far and has shown no signs of leaving the club.
Central midfielder: Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes was stamina personified. He could run and run, and continue running. The Mancunian represented hometown club Manchester United in 718 matches and scored 155 goals.
He was technically gifted and versatile, given his ability to play anywhere in midfield; be it in defence or offence. The Salford man’s discipline was one of his weaker attributes and he was renowned for his bad tackles and the numerous yellow cards he picked up in an otherwise glittering career.
The “ginger ninja” was even lauded as the best in his position by the likes of Xavi, Nani and many other football stars.
Right winger: Lionel Messi
Don’t tell me you didn’t see this one coming. The mesmerising Argentine has been Barcelona’s most crucial player in recent years. He has shown absolutely no signs of leaving the club that has made him who he is today.
Funding his growth hormone supplements, Barcelona raised a superstar that has brought them fame and glory. So far he has played 551 matches for Barca and has scored a staggering 476 goals. His short stature translates to lower centre of gravity which helps him make those long and mesmerising dribbles which keep all of us on the edge of our seats.
Messi playing football is a feast to a football lover’s eyes.
Attackers:
Centre Forward: Francesco Totti
The son of Rome, the gladiator of Roma. Age has never gotten to him. Totti is still playing for Roma and has currently played 769 matches and has scored a whopping 306 goals. The Italian is a classic example of a number 10, playing just behind the main striker and making those crucial final passes, and scoring important goals.
The golden boy as the Romans call him, could adapt to any position in the front line and has linked up very well with all the other forwards he has played with. His creativity with the ball at his feet combined with his vision made for joyful viewing.
