Soccer Team of the '90s

The world of soccer is always filled with excitement and great topics of debate. Thus, as a new writer and a massive fan of the sport I have decided to create my own list of players from the '90s that were not only the best but would form the most cohesive and ideal team.

This team is just based on my opinion and I look forward to sparring some great debate amongst the readers. And for my team I can only go with the classic 4-4-2.

Left Back- Paolo Maldini

The Milan and Italy legend is one of the best defenders of all time and he dominated the '90s. Blessed with brilliant anticipation and tackling ability along with capabilities of going forward, he was the perfect Left Back.

Maldini won five Serie As, two Champion Leagues, and won 126 caps for Italy during the 90s.

Center Back- Jaap Stam

Jaap Stam was an intimidating and ferocious defender for the Netherlands, PSV and Manchester United during the '90s. His exploits earned him Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1997 and a best defender award for UEFA champions league in 1999.

He was a key member of the treble winning Manchester United side and is mentioned as one of Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest regrets when he was transferred to Lazio.

Technically and physically dominating, Stam stood out amongst a host of great defenders from the 90s. He was simply devastating.

Center Back- Alessandro Nesta

Although, injury prone for much of his distinguished career, Alessandro Nesta is probably the most naturally talented defender ever to play the beautiful game. With great aerial and ground ability, Nesta is a unique defender who can not only break up attacks but initiate them for his own team.

He rose up the Lazio ranks playing as a midfielder and striker which contributes to his phenomenal ability on the ball.

Nesta is probably the most talented and complete defender in the world when healthy and is truly a flawless player. During the '90s, Nesta became a fixture for Lazio and the Italian national team.

Right Back- Cafu

Cafu is one of Brazil's greatest all time players. Although, he was a member of Brazil's 1994 World Cup triumph, most saw him emerge in the world stage during the 1998 World Cup and his triumphs with Roma.

Blessed with phenomenal pace and dribbling ability, he was essentially the modern wing back. However, he was no slouch defensively in his prime. With great close down speed he could break apart opposing attacks in a heartbeat.

Left Wing- Jari Litmanen

No, he is not a left winger, but no team of '90s would be complete without the great Jari Litmanen. When healthy, Litmanen could play any attacking position because he had it all: Vision, pace, dribbling, and a fierce shot were all part of Litmanen's vast abilities.

He was the star and heart of the great Ajax teams of the '90s that won a champions league and made it back to the final the next season. He was third in the European Footballer of the Year voting in '95 and was voted Dutch player of the year in 1993.

Vastly underrated because he is Finnish, Litmanen was a true great not only for the decade but for the ages.

Center Mid- Matthias Sammer

1996 European Footballer of the Year Matthias Sammer beat out fellow greats like Edgar Davids and Lothar Matthaus for this spot. Mainly, that is due to Sammer's ability to drive a team on and maximize its talent. In a team full of stars and egos, one needs a true footballing leader and gladiator.

Matthias Sammer was not a player about glitz and glam but one of true efficiency in order to win. In the end he was a winner. The 1996 Euro Champion with Germany was the heartbeat of the team.

The next season he led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League. Unfortunately a knee injury cut his career short, but Sammer will always be a '90s legend.

Attacking Mid- Zinedine Zidane

There could only be one person for this spot; and that would belong to Player of the Decade and legend Zinedine Zidane. Zidane is on the Mount Rushmore of footballers and accolades would not do "Zizou" justice.

Apart from being a great player and winning just about everything football has to offer, I think he would work very well in this team.

With Sammer dominating on defense, Zidane would need to solely focus and exert energy on attack and that would make him even a bigger threat.

Also, Litmanen, Sammer, and Zidane have brilliant footballing IQs which would be magnificent to watch them see openings people don't even dream of. Only Zidane could fufiill this position.

Right Wing- Luis Figo

Luis Figo is widely regarded as one of the finest wingers of all time. The Portuguese legend is also one of the most despised players of all time because of his controversial move from FC Barcelona to bitter rivals Real Madrid.

However, during the '90s, Figo was a special player for Barcelona. Two footed with skills galore and great speed, Luis Figo is a embodiment of the modern winger.

He could kill you with a cross or stun you with splendid goals. Figo was also built very strongly for a winger which made him impossible to knock off the ball. Plus, we know he works great with Zidane and watching him and Litmanen switch flanks on attacks is a mouthwatering prospect.

Second Striker - Ronaldo

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima is the legendary striker of Brazil, Inter, Barcelona fame during the '90s. Ronaldo has everything one wants in a second striker because he can finish, dribble past players and is an underrated passer of the ball.

Incredible acceleration and power makes him unique because he is a forward who can score regardless of service not that that would be an issue on this team. Forget all the World Cups and individual awards.

Ronaldo was quite devastating and astonishing in the '90s. Also, his biggest trait is that unlike most forwards he plays up to the big occasion. After signing for Barcelona the world really took notice of the Phenomenon as he bagged 34 goals in 37 games.

Injuries would take away some of his incredible talent but his will has carried him on and he is still the most composed finisher I have ever seen.

Center Forward- Gabriel Batistuta

This was without doubt the hardest position for me to pick. From Romario, Rivaldo, Shearer, Weah and Stoichkov etc. there were so many greats one could pick.

However, with this team I wanted a forward who could complement Ronaldo very well in the lineup. Thus, I pick the legendary and powerful forward Gabriel Batistuta as my center forward.

'Batigol' is in my opinion the most underrated forward in the history of the game probably because he played for Fiorentina during his best years.

However, Batistuta had a phenomenal scoring record wherever he went and he is the player I feel complements Ronaldo the best for this team.

Adept in the air and featuring an incredible shot Batistuta's power combined with his pace make him one of the all time greats.

Goalkeeper- Peter Scmeichel

Only one man can bring this group together through sheer inspiration. His name is Peter Schmeichel or 'THE GREAT DANE.' Forget his ability and just focus on intangibles because that's what separates good keepers from great keepers.

He was a great leader and could turn momentum in a game with one breathtaking save. Incredible reflexes and basically unflappable in the air Schmeichel is a keeper that comes around once in a generation.

He led Denmark to Euro '92 and was part of the United treble. Schmeichel may just be the greatest of all time.