Left-footed XI vs Right-footed XI: Who would win? 

Lionel Messi (left-footed) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right-footed) duelling for the ball in an El Clasico
Lionel Messi (left-footed) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right-footed) duelling for the ball in an El Clasico

Right-footed XI

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo leads the right-footed XI
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo leads the right-footed XI

Goalkeeper: Oblak

While there is a lot of competition for this slot from Alisson Becker, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and others, Jan Oblak is generally considered to be the best in the world. The Slovenian has been the best goalkeeper in the world for a few years now. His breathtaking reflexes and shot-stopping ability are nearly unmatched.


Defence: Carvajal, Ramos, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold

The imperious Dutchman has been unparalleled since his move to Liverpool
The imperious Dutchman has been unparalleled since his move to Liverpool

Since his debut, Trent Alexander-Arnold went from being an exciting academy graduate to one of the most integral members of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. The Englishman already broke several records and could go on to become one of the best right-backs of the 21st century, given that he's still just 21.

While his counterpart Dani Carvajal might not be a prodigy, he's one of the most seasoned full-backs in Europe and plays with his heart on his sleeve. The Spaniard was crucial for four of Real Madrid's UCL title wins and is comfortable on both the defensive and offensive fronts.

Virgil van Dijk has established himself as the best centre-back in the world over the last couple of years. The towering Dutchman looks like he could play a full 90 minutes without breaking a sweat, which is a testament to his reading of the game. He came close to becoming the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro to lift the Ballon d'Or in 2019, finishing only behind Messi.

His partner, Sergio Ramos, is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders that Europe has seen since the turn of the century. The Spain and Real Madrid captain could complement Van Dijk superbly and is one of the best in the world with the ball at his feet.


Midfield: Pogba, Casemiro, De Bruyne

Casemiro has been pivotal for Real Madrid since he became a first-team regular
Casemiro has been pivotal for Real Madrid since he became a first-team regular

Casemiro is the defensive lynchpin that allows Real Madrid to commit bodies further up the pitch. The Brazilian has been a colossal figure for Zinedine Zidane's midfield and has been the best defensive midfielder in the world in 2019/20.

In this team, he will be tasked with providing cover for two of Manchester and Europe's finest midfielders in Kevin De Bruyne and Paul Pogba. The Belgian has been rampant this season, having racked up more assists than anyone in England. On current form, he is arguably the best midfielder in the world, let alone England.

His counterpart in midfield, Pogba, is one of the most well-rounded players in the world. His surreal ability on the ball combined with his unbelievable physique allows him to dominate opposition midfielders. A combination of these two Manchester-based midfielders would perhaps be too much for any team to handle. They could complement each other beautifully and could wreak havoc through the middle.


Attack: Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Neymar

Neymar has the ability to become the best footballer on the planet
Neymar has the ability to become the best footballer on the planet

There were no doubts over former Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo's place in this team. He is the highest active goalscorer in the world who has won practically every trophy he's competed for. The Portuguese demi-god is set to play off a more central striker in this setup, much like he has as recently as the 2019/20 campaign.

Robert Lewandowski has been tipped by many as a realistic contender for the Ballon d'Or this year should Bayern win the UCL. The Polish frontman has been simply unstoppable this campaign, having scored over 50 goals in all competitions. Lewandowski enjoyed his career-best tally and is arguably the best striker in the world on form.

Little needs to be said about Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, who could practically fit into either the left or right-footed XI. However, he does generally prefer using his right foot while dispatching penalties or free-kicks. Neymar is one of the most entertaining players to watch in the world and was in sublime touch before the Ligue 1 was suspended. He could drop deep and create for Ronaldo and Lewandowski or go on the outside and beat his man.

On paper, this is how the team could line up:

Right-footed XI
Right-footed XI

Honourable mentions: Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, N'Golo Kante, Alisson Becker, Sadio Mane, Eden Hazard, Kalidou Koulibaly

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Edited by Sai Teja