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Attacking Midfield: Clarence Seedorf
Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf enjoyed a hugely successful career, winning the Champions League four times with three different clubs. With twenty years of experience across Europe, including stints with Ajax, Internazionale, Milan and Real Madrid it is no wonder he was recently named Milan manager at the age of 37. Scorer of sublime goals, despite playing at the top level well into his thirties, the midfielder’s technique never faltered and he also claimed 87 caps for Oranje.
Defensive Midfield: Xavi
Xavi has redefined what is expected of a central midfielder during his time pulling the strings for Barcelona. He broke into the first team back in 1998 and has never looked back. A master of Spain’s tiki-taka style, his passing is simply outstanding. As Cruyff was remembered for total football, Xavi is amongst the names that will forever be associated with Spain’s unique passing style. A model professional and humble off the pitch, Xavi remains focused to help Barcelona to further success at the age of 34 even though their recent domination of the Champions League, with three victories in the last decade, is seemingly over. Two European titles and a World Cup crown with Spain completes his list of trophies won; there will be little room left in his cabinet when he hangs up his boots.
Attacking Midfield: Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo was put on this planet to pass a football. The Italian’s grace and technique often defy superlatives. Although he lacks mobility in the centre of Juventus’ midfield at 34 years of age, he is pivotal to their success. He is able to carve open the tightest defensive unit and would thrive in almost any team. Nicknamed the architect due to his exquisite range of long passing, Pirlo has played for both Milan sides as well as the Old Lady. He often saves his best performances for the biggest occasion, none more so than during Italy’s World Cup victory in 2006. However, despite putting many of the younger generation to shame, he has announced the World Cup in Brazil later this year will be his last. Above all else, his suave beard will be sorely missed.
Defensive Midfield: Pep Guardiola
Defensive midfielder Pep Guardiola is a product of Barcelona’s La Masia youth system and his playing and managerial style will always be linked to the teachings and morals he learned there from the age of 13. Part of Cruyff’s team that won Barcelona’s first European Cup in the 91-92 season Guardiola played the majority of his career at the Camp Nou, winning six La Liga titles as the Catalans dominated Spanish football during the early 90s. After a brief spell in Italy Guardiola turned his hand to management, where he has been immediately successful employing a high pressing and quick passing game that helped bring in a hugely successful period for Barca with two Champions League titles. With his new side Bayern Munich the favourites for the competition this year, he could soon be adding to his tally.
Attacking Midfield: Ronaldinho
Renowned for amazing dribbling ability, trickery and stylish flicks, this Samba star was a real talent. Although his time at the top was short lived due to a tendency to socialise, Ronaldinho was Barcelona’s golden boy until the emergence of Lionel Messi. A Balon d’Or winner in 2005, Ronaldinho was simply unplayable when he was at the races. Brazil’s hopes of winning the World Cup were pinned on the offensive partnership of Ronaldinho and Rivaldo and the pair responded with a string of fine performances as they eventually beat Germany 2-0 in the final. He featured for PSG and Milan either side of a five year spell at Barca and still turns out for Atletico Miniero, so we could yet see him grace the world stage in his homeland later this year.
Striker: Ronaldo
The original Ronaldo has had some his thunder stolen by Cristiano in recent years, leading him to earn the unfavourable nickname of ‘Fat Ronaldo’. However, in his pomp he was the best striker in the world and impressed at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs including PSV, Barcelona, Internazionale, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Surprisingly he failed to win the Champions League but was in sensational form through the 90s with 34 goals in 37 appearances in one season at the Nou Camp demonstartive of his power. He won two World Cups with Brazil and infamously played while injured during the 1998 defeat to France. With 15 goals to his name he is the all time top scorer at the World Cup, a feat that is hard to argue against when he is named the best striker of all time.
