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Footballers are transferred for ridiculously high amounts of money these days. Whether it be Gareth Bale’s record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid or Anthony Martial’s stunning deadline day move to Manchester United, football clubs are forking out huge amounts of money to get the player they want.La Liga dominates the most valuable XI while the Premier League has only one player. Barcelona and Real Madrid are predictably, prominently featured on this list although one among Messi, Neymar and Suarez misses out on this team!The market value of the players is calculated using the values provided by transfermarkt. Formation: 4-3-3We take a look at the most valuable XI in the game currently
#1 Manuel Neuer - Goalkeeper 45 million
The goalkeeper for our most valuable XI is Bayern Munich and Germany shot-stopper Manuel Neuer. He is known for his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping abilities, command of his area and accurate control and distribution of the ball.
Currently regarded by many as the best in the world, Manuel Neuer has won an impressive amount of trophies already, starring in Germany’s world cup triumph and winning the Golden Glove for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament.
Still only 29 (young for a goalkeeper), Neuer still has 5-7 years at the top of the game. Known as a sweeper-keeper for his unique playing style and speed while rushing of the line, the German has been credited with revolutionising the modern day style of goalkeeping.
Neuer has also shown his impressive composure from the penalty spot, slotting away vital goals in penalty shootouts for Bayern Munich. Making spectacular saves regularly, Neuer has been one of the best goalkeepers of this generation.
#2 David Alaba - Left Back 45 million
David Alaba takes the left-back position joining his club team-mate Manuel Neuer in this team. Both of their market values are €45 million.
David Alaba has been in Bayern Munich since 2008 and under Pep Guardiola, he has become one of the most complete footballers in the world. Primarily a left-back, Alaba has played in a variety of positions including centre-back, midfield, and even the left wing.
Quick, strong and an eye for a wonderful pass are the qualities which have made Alaba an indispensable part of the Bayern Munich team. Alaba is also a wonderful free-kick taker having scored some stunning goals through free-kicks.
The Austrian does not have many weaknesses and it is no wonder Pep Guardiola loves working with him. Guardiola said:
“ He is one of those players who is willing to give his everything for the team and I really admire his attitude towards the game”.
Alaba is most comfortable at his natural position of left-back however, and the Austrian has put in some stunning performances this season for Bayern Munich.
Still only 23, Alaba’s potential is immense and he is currently the most valuable left-back in the world.
#3 Sergio Ramos - Central Defender 40 million
Sergio Ramos is one of the two most valuable centre backs in the world currently. Having played for Real Madrid since 2005, Sergio Ramos has had more than 11 years of experience of playing at the very top and he is still only 29.
Ramos is a strong player who excels in the air, making him a goal threat on set-pieces. He is also a competent and aggressive tackler blessed with a good turn of pace. Naturally skilled on the ball with good crossing ability and distribution, Ramos is one of the best defenders in the world.
Ramos has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer and considering his form, experience and ability, any potential move for the Spanish centre-back will definitely involve a huge sum of money.
#4 Jerome Boateng - Central Defender 40 million
The third Bayern Munich man to make the team, Jerome Boateng has been one of the most consistent performers in Pep Guardiola’s dominant Bayern Munich team.
Physically strong and composed, he has garnered a reputation as a tough-tackling, defender and is considered to be one of the world’s best at his position. Boateng’s market value is the same as Sergio Ramos and it would have been more had it not been for his fitness concerns.
Pep Guardiola showed how highly he valued Boateng when he said:
“Boateng is incredibly important to us, I think he is one of the three best centre-backs in the world”. At 27, Boateng is reaching the peak of his career and Bayern Munich know that he is vitally important to them.Keeping his performances in mind, Bayern Munich tied down Jerome Boateng till 2021 by offering him a new contract.
Bayern Munich will be hoping that their valuable central defender recovers swiftly from his unfortunate injury.
#5 Daniel Carvajal - Right Back 25 million
The player with the least market value in this extraordinary XI, Daniel Carvajal takes the right-back position. His market value of €25 million shows the dearth in the number of quality right back currently plying their trade.
Although Phillip Lahm is arguably the best right back of recent times, the fact that he is 32 and nearing the end of his career has seen his market value drop.
One of the few players to have successfully made the transition from the youth team to the first team, Carvajal has slowly made the right back position his own at Los Blancos. Showing tremendous pace and fitness, Carvajal is never shy of going forward and provides Real Madrid a good outlet on the right side flank while attacking.
Solid defensively as well as good going forward, Carvajal is currently the most valuable right-back in the world.
#6 Sergio Busquets - Central Defensive Midfielder 50 million
Playing in a holding role for the most valuable XI team is Barcelona’s midfield enforcer Sergio Busquets. The Spaniard is one of the most important players in the Barcelona side.The Spaniard often does the dirty work in the middle of the park without which Barcelona cannot play the beautiful football they are renowned for.
Busquets is known for the pivotal midfield-anchor role that he plays for both Barcelona and the Spanish national side. A hard-working player, he excels at breaking down opposition plays due to his positional sense, defensive attributes, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game. He is the reason Barcelona can play flawless tiki-taka without moving into their defensive half.
The importance of Busquets to the team can perhaps be best summed up by Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
In spite of the rivalry and one incidence of a red card earned due to Busquets' play acting, this is what Sergio Ramos had to say about him: "There are a number of players I like, but the one we perhaps need is Busquets."
#7 Kevin De Bruyne - Central Midfielder 60 million
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has shown why Manchester City forked out a staggering £55 million to secure his services this season. With 9 assists and 12 goals in just 31 appearances for Manchester City this season, the Belgian playmaker has settled in at the Premier League wonderfully.
The Belgian was at Chelsea a few seasons back, but he was inexplicably not given enough chances to make much of an impact. However after an extremely successful spell at Wolfsburg, De Bruyne has just continued his stunning form at Manchester City.
The Belgian has become such a crucial part of Manchester City that his injury immediately saw a dip in form for the Citizens. Pellegrini has been absolutely thrilled with De Bruyne’s impact and he has hailed him as the perfect player:
"We bought Kevin because we knew is a very creative player who can score and create goals and in that respect he was the perfect player to bring to our club," Pellegrini said.
De Bruyne has certainly shown that he was worth the huge investment and aged just 24, the Belgian playmaker has the potential to become one of the world’s best.
#8 James Rodriguez - Central Midfielder 80 million
Colombian superstar James Rodriguez partners Kevin De Bruyne in midfield. The former Porto and Monaco man moved to Real Madrid for a huge amount, but he has only shown glimpses of the form which made him so successful at the 2014 world cup.
However, since he is only 24 and he undoubtedly has immense potential, his market value still remains extremely high making him the most valuable central midfielder in the world.
Widely considered to be among the best young players in the world, James can play in several positions across the midfield though his preferred role is that of an attacking midfielder. James is known for his dribbling and he is able to dribble brilliantly with both feet.
He is also known to score spectacular long-range goals and it is only a matter of time before James rediscovers his good form for Real Madrid.
#9 Luis Suarez - Striker 90 million
The striker for this wonderful team is Barcelona’s Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has just been astonishing this season scoring and setting up goals for fun. Suarez is the third most expensive player in football history and his performances over the years have shown why he is worth that much.
Supremely talented and tenacious, Luis Suarez always gives more than a 100% on the pitch. Known for his direct running and skillful dribbles, Suarez has been absolutely tormenting defenders over the years. The Barcelona forward also has a penchant for nutmegging opponents often leaving them for dead.
Suarez together with Messi and Neymar has taken the present Barcelona team to a whole new level. The Uruguayan is not only capable of scoring goals but he also sets up many of them for his team-mates with Messi and Neymar often benefiting from Suarez’s service.
One of the best if not the best striker in the world, Suarez is the third most valuable player in the team.
#10 Lionel Messi - Right Winger 120 million
The only footballer ever to win the Ballon d’Or five times, Lionel Messi is an absolute phenomenon. The diminutive Argentine has been Barcelona’s main man since 2008 and has put in some spell bounding performances in the Champions League.
His pace and technical ability enable him to undertake individual dribbling runs towards goal, in particular during counterattacks, usually starting from the halfway line or the right side of the pitch. Tactically, Messi plays in a free attacking role; a versatile player, he is capable of attacking on either wing or through the centre of the pitch.
Although Pep Guardiola played him as a false 9, Messi under the stewardship of Luis Enrique now plays on the right wing. Positions do not seem to matter for the Argentine maestro as he is absolutely phenomenal no matter which position he plays in.
With a market value of €120 million, Lionel Messi is the most valuable player in the world currently.
#11 Cristiano Ronaldo - Left Winger 110 million
The oldest player in this team, Cristiano Ronaldo is also the second most valuable player. Eventhough he is 31, his phenomenal performances still make him an extremely valuable asset for Real Madrid.
One of the two stand out footballers of this generation along with Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever to play the beautiful game. Ronaldo’s goal scoring exploits have been mind boggling. He is able to play on either wing as well through the center of the pitch, making him a versatile attacker, capable of playing in any offensive position.
Having a burning desire to be the best, Ronaldo has worked hard to hone his undoubtedly prodigious talent and become one of the greatest players ever to grace this game. Ronaldo is capable of scoring all types of goals be it stunning long-range efforts, free kicks, simple tap-ins or even powerful headers.
One of the most complete footballers ever, Ronaldo rounds of our most valuable XI.
Although the 11 is now over, we take a look at the next most valuable player in each of these positions in the next slide. The formation and how the most valuable XI will line up is also revealed.
#12 Alternatives to each position and formation
We take a look at the next most valuable player in each of these positions for the 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer (€45 million) – Thibaut Courtois (€ 35 million)
Left Back – David Alaba (€45 million) – Jordi Alba (€35 million)
Centre Back: Jerome Boateng (€40 million) – Gerard Pique (€40 million)
Centre Back: Sergio Ramos (€40 million) – Diego Godin (€35 million)
Right Back: Daniel Carvajal (€25 million) – Alessandro Florenzi (€20 million)
Central Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets (€50 million) – Nemanja Matic (€38 million)
Central Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (€60 million) – Paul Pogba (€55 million)
Central Midfielder: James Rodriguez (€80 million) – Toni Kroos (€50 million)
Striker: Luis Suarez (€90 million) – Robert Lewandowski (€70 million)
Right Winger: Lionel Messi (€120 million) – Gareth Bale (€80 million)
Left Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo (€110 million) – Neymar (€100 million)
Formation
Luis Suarez leads the line making a deadly front three along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. James and De Bruyne are the main creative influences in the team, while Sergio Busquets provides cover to the formidable back four comprising of Alaba, Boateng, Ramos and Carvajal.
Manuel Neuer is the goalkeeper of the team
Neymar is the most valuable player to miss out on the XI with a staggering market value of €100 million.
