Picking World Football's Ultimate Alphabet Squad
We've selected a 26-man squad to represent the world, but with a twist: You can only select one player per letter of the alphabet.
So for A, we had to choose between Sergio Aguero, David Alaba and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; for B, we could only take one of Gareth Bale, Leonardo Bonucci, Jerome Boateng and Karim Benzema, and so on.
There's a wealth of options, sure, but it made for some incredibly tough decisions. We discarded multiple world-class players on the way to curating this squad, with anyone whose surname begins with "M," "N" or "R" in obvious trouble.
In some cases, our hands were tied. "U" and "X" pretty much picked themselves, while "O" was a straight choice between two players.
We used players' most common names. This rule applies largely to Brazilians: Neymar, Casemiro, Ederson et al.
Take a look at what we've collated, and if you're feeling inspired or feel you can do better, show us your own in the comments section.
A: David Alaba, Bayern Munich
1 of 26
In the conversation: Sergio Aguero, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Toby Alderweireld and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The two strikers jump out at you immediately, but we couldn't resist the opportunity to use "A" to lock up a difficult position: left-back. There are more than 10 elite strikers in world football but few world-class left-backs, so Bayern Munich's David Alaba ended up a naturally easy pick.
One of the finest in his position, and with the bonus feature of being able to deputise in many other spots (particularly midfield, as he does for Austria and did under Pep Guardiola for Bayern), he's the ideal first step in the process.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3):
Centre-backs (4):
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5):
Attacking midfielders (3):
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4):
B: Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus
2 of 26
In the conversation: Gareth Bale, Jerome Boateng, Karim Benzema, Sergio Busquets and Gianluigi Buffon.
This was a tough one. Eventually, we narrowed the field to the two centre-backs—Leonardo Bonucci and Jerome Boateng—and knew that whichever we chose, an entire fanbase would be rendered angry and militant as a result.
But one is in the Champions League semi-finals, having put together one of his best seasons, and one isn't, so we went with the former. Juventus' Bonucci brings steel, leadership and immaculate ball-playing from the back.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3):
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5):
Attacking midfielders (3):
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4):
C: Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus
3 of 26
In the conversation: Thibaut Courtois, Philippe Coutinho, Casemiro and Edinson Cavani.
The letter "C" produced few options, and this one came down to Giorgio Chiellini versus Casemiro.
Confident we could fill the midfield later on given certain letters' limitations (particularly "X" and "V"), we opted to give Bonucci his club- and international-level defensive partner here.
One of the aims of the process is to create a balanced squad able to compete, and having recently been treated to near-defensive perfection by Juventus' imperious centre-back pairing at the Camp Nou, it felt smart to reunite them here.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3):
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5):
Attacking midfielders (3):
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4):
D: Paulo Dybala, Juventus
4 of 26
In the conversation: David De Gea, Kevin De Bruyne and Angel Di Maria.
We're not Juventus superfans. Honest. It just so happens they've plenty of excellent players, the best of which have surnames in the "B"-"D" range.
Paulo Dybala is our first attacking addition to the squad, with his overwhelming quality—versatility—important to us. He can play in the hole and roam around, he can play as the No. 9 and he can also deputise in a wide role if necessary.
His rise this season has been phenomenal, bringing an energy and an X-factor to Juventus' play.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3):
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5):
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4):
E: Ederson, Benfica
5 of 26
In the conversation: Christian Eriksen.
The letter E was borderline barren. It was a straight tussle between Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson—a battle the latter just edged.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a fine season in Lisbon, prompting heavy links to Manchester City in the Manchester Evening News. Importantly, he's proved confident and assured on the ball when building attacks from the back but has also pulled off some remarkable saves.
His performance against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League round of 16—in which he saved a penalty as part of a whirlwind display—proved how he can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5):
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4):
F: Fabinho, AS Monaco
6 of 26
In the conversation: Radamel Falcao, Augusto Fernandez, Cesc Fabregas, Fernandinho and Alessandro Florenzi.
It's time to add some meat to the engine room, and while "F" provided four strong options in that area, one caught our eye immediately and stole in to claim a spot.
Fabinho, AS Monaco's brilliant central-midfield bedrock, helps form the heart of our team. He can play at right-back if required, which is a bonus, but he's in this team because of his smart play, tactical intuition and physicality when bursting through midfield. He takes a mean penalty, too (Champions League quarter-finals at Signal Iduna Park aside).
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4):
G: Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid
7 of 26
In the conversation: Diego Godin and Faouzi Ghoulam.
The letter "G" brought the battle of two Atletico Madrid stars: Antoine Griezmann and Diego Godin. It's essentially a straight choice between one of the most potent strikers in the game and one of the best centre-backs. We opted for the former.
With Bonucci and Chiellini already in place, it wasn't too tough a decision to leave out Godin—as magnificent as he might be. Griezmann takes up the first of four striker spots, bringing dynamic movement, predatory finishing and a high work rate to our team.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann
H: Gonzalo Higuain, Juventus
8 of 26
In the conversation: Eden Hazard and Mats Hummels.
Gonzalo Higuain joins Griezmann up top in our alphabet squad, and the hope is he brings his phenomenal scoring rate for Juventus with him.
Eden Hazard was a consideration here, but given the wingers we've picked using other letters later on, it felt the best use of the letter "H" lay in picking another guaranteed goal-getter.
Also of importance is Higuain's strong interplay with Dybala. Team chemistry and balance is crucial, so having the two Argentinians form a partnership akin to the one Bonucci and Chiellini bring is attractive.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain
I: Andres Iniesta, Barcelona
9 of 26
In the conversation: Isco, Mauro Icardi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lorenzo Insigne.
With our striker section already half-full, Mauro Icardi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were discarded promptly here, sparking a one-on-one duel between Andres Iniesta and Isco. Call it the Clasico of this process, if you like.
And just as Barcelona did on Sunday, Iniesta won this battle. His 15 years of service in the Blaugrana's first team has seen him haul in every trophy imaginable and, with it, the experience of how to take this team from good to great.
He may have dropped off a little over the past year—fitness, in particular, is a big concern—but he's still capable of providing moments that will drop your jaw.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain
J: Juanfran, Atletico Madrid
10 of 26
In the conversation: Jorginho and Jonas.
Right-back was beginning to concern us, but Juanfran swoops in to save the day.
An incredibly stolid performer, the Spaniard has been quietly going about his business and doing his job for the past five years. In that time, he's risen to the position of Spain's No. 1 right-back and is considered one of the best in the world in his position.
That made the decision easy. Why take Jorginho or Jonas, who are not even in the top 10 at their respective positions, over Juanfran, who is? An easy box to tick.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain
K: N'Golo Kante, Chelsea
11 of 26
In the conversation: Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, Koke and Harry Kane.
The letter "K" is star-studded; picking our representative from this field was not an easy task.
The undisputed skill of Toni Kroos swayed us. The battle-hardened resilience of Khedira did, too. Koke, as a utility midfielder, and Kane, as a complete forward, would both have served this squad well.
But this midfield needs legs, and N'Golo Kante brings as much. The newly crowned PFA Player of the Year would provide the thrust and energy required to play at high speed, and adding him to Fabinho locks down the centre of midfield.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain
L: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich
12 of 26
In the conversation: Romelu Lukaku, Philipp Lahm and Hugo Lloris.
There was only ever going to be one direction we went in here, and that would be to take one of the world's finest strikers in Robert Lewandowski.
The scorer of 39 club goals already this season, the Poland international has upped his game considerably in 2016-17 and is spearheading yet another Bayern Munich title charge. He represents the complete striker, capable of scoring any sort of goal and playing with any midfield makeup.
He takes up the penultimate striking spot.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
M: Lionel Messi, Barcelona
13 of 26
In the conversation: No one else was in the conversation.
"M" is for Lionel Messi. No one else was considered.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4):
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
N: Neymar, Barcelona
14 of 26
In the conversation: Manuel Neuer.
Manuel Neuer's potential inclusion was but a fleeting thought. Confident we could find a first-choice goalkeeping solution elsewhere, the way was paved for Neymar to take his place in the side.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a stonking 2017, recapturing his finest form for both club and country, and he is both scoring and assisting regularly. Earlier in the season, he had some issues performing at the Camp Nou, but those have been left in the rear-view mirror.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
O: Jan Oblak, Atletico Madrid
15 of 26
In the conversation: Mesut Ozil.
For "O" it was a straight choice between Mesut Ozil and Jan Oblak (sorry, Nicolas Otamendi), and the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper breezed it.
We need an elite goalkeeper to set our defensive line at ease; trust in the man between the sticks does wonders for a centre-back's confidence. Oblak has been his usual, wall-like self this season, springing to the rescue over and over, making highlight-reel saves every week.
He is, in many ways, the ideal goalkeeper, with a firm mentality, great agility and a big, bear-like frame—we'll just have to sub him off, Louis van Gaal-style, if our games go to penalties (he's so bad at saving them it's beyond belief).
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
P: Gerard Pique, Barcelona
16 of 26
In the conversation: Paul Pogba, Miralem Pjanic, Pedro and Pepe.
Turning our attentions back to the defensive line, which suddenly looks a little light following a splurge on midfielders and strikers, at "P" we've selected Gerard Pique.
He brings a multitude of values to the group: a physical defensive skill set, an ability to play out from the back few can match, the option of playing as an emergency striker should things pan out poorly, and the invaluable ability to wind opponents up.
He might not make the starting XI—Bonucci and Chiellini are quite the starting pair—but he's a great guy to have in the squad.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
Q: Ricardo Quaresma, Besiktas
17 of 26
In the conversation: Are you kidding? There was no one else.
Ricardo Quaresma was the only viable choice for a letter that is predictably rare in terms of beginning footballers' surnames.
Fortunately for us, the Portuguese winger has been in fine fettle of late, winning Euro 2016 alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. and performing well for Besiktas. That's not to say he's finally delivering on his vast potential, but this is arguably the most consistent patch of form he's enjoyed since leaving Portugal all those years ago.
Besides, who else is going to attempt unnecessary rabonas at crucial moments? You need that, right?
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
R: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
18 of 26
In the conversation: Sergio Ramos, Ivan Rakitic, Marco Reus and James Rodriguez.
The letter "R" boasts plenty of star quality, from Sergio Ramos through Ivan Rakitic and into Marco Reus, but the only choice here can be Real Madrid's irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo.
As the years have ticked by, the Portuguese has adapted his game to accommodate his changing strengths and weaknesses. At 32, he's no longer a 90-minute threat—there are periods of games when he disappears—but he has morphed into a scorer of crucial goals, largely from close range, to settle big games.
We need that. He brings it.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski
S: Luis Suarez, Barcelona
19 of 26
In the conversation: Alexis Sanchez, David Silva and Bernardo Silva.
There were plenty of ways we could have gone with here, with each freeing up a slightly different section of the team and changing the outlook. "S" is a letter that boasts more than its fair share of quality, and this decision was among the hardest of them all.
In the end, Luis Suarez was the pick. He completes our incredibly fierce set of strikers and adds an aggression and tenacity that is perhaps lacking in the others. The fact he can contribute in every phase of play is crucial; the fact he'll fight tooth and nail to win even more so.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
T: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona
20 of 26
In the conversation: Thiago Alcantara.
The desire to put Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich in this squad was strong—and to be honest, a certain two letters' incredibly limited options are the reason why he's not here.
Outside of Thiago, the options for "T" were pretty limited, so we took the opportunity to fill out our complement of three goalkeepers with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Coming off the back of an astonishing 12-save game on Sunday in El Clasico, his stock is pretty high. He's taken on the full-time goalkeeper role for Barcelona since the departure of Claudio Bravo and hasn't put a foot wrong (though what happens when he pulls on a Germany shirt is a mystery, it must be said).
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
U: Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona
21 of 26
In the conversation: "U" is a barren wasteland for talent.
The second-easiest selection of the entire process was here. Unless you want Sven Ulreich (Bayern Munich's reserve goalkeeper) knocking around your squad, the choice is simple: take Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona.
It helps that he's great, and given we already have Pique in the squad, these two can form a familiar partnership. Bonucci and Chiellini are the starters, but in reserve, we have another two who play with each other every day.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique, Umtiti
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
V: Arturo Vidal, Bayern Munich
22 of 26
In the conversation: Marco Verratti, Raphael Varane, Virgil van Dijk and Jan Vertonghen.
The letter "V" brought a pleasantly surprising number of top-level players to the table, but given the balance of the squad, it became clear midfield was the area in need of addressing.
It's a straight choice between Marco Verratti and Arturo Vidal, so you're selecting either Italian grace and fluidity on the ball or Chilean grit and determination. At the risk of making our midfield overly combative, we've opted for the latter.
Vidal's big-game ability and never-say-die attitude will be required to balance the scales of this team, as the front line and wings don't offer an awful lot from a defensive standpoint. He also chips in with his fair share of goals, often at crucial times. We'll just have to make sure we sit him in the corner with Oblak when it comes to penalties.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique, Umtiti
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante, Vidal
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
W: Kyle Walker, Tottenham Hotspur
23 of 26
In the conversation: Willian, Julian Weigl, Victor Wanyama and Axel Witsel.
Each of the above options would have a part to play in this 26-man squad, but the reality is we've only got two full-backs and four letters to go.
Kyle Walker, therefore, becomes the sensible option, though don't view it as a forced selection. He's developed into an exceptional, rampaging, dominant right-back under Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, and he has been particularly excellent in 2016-17.
He offers the polar opposite to Juanfran when you compare their skill sets, allowing a nice variety based on what your game plan is.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique, Umtiti
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran, Walker
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante, Vidal
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
X: Granit Xhaka, Arsenal
24 of 26
In the conversation: Xavi.
A 37-year-old Xavi, who has played in Qatar since 2015, was Granit Xhaka's only opposition here, and while on one level, it was tempting to add the former Barcelona man for his presence in the locker room alone, the reality is he likely couldn't cut it physically.
That makes Xhaka a shoo-in.
Squad so Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique, Umtiti
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran, Walker
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante, Vidal, Xhaka
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
Y: Andriy Yarmolenko, Dynamo Kiev
25 of 26
In the conversation: William Yarbrough, Claudio Yacob and Maya Yoshida.
The world has not been blessed with players whose surnames begin with "Y." Andriy Yarmolenko is a fine player, and he could beat that competition off one-legged if necessary.
He becomes our fourth, final and least glamorous winger. He probably wouldn't get much game time given who his colleagues are, but the Ukrainian has always represented a rather atypical wide man—he's just over 6'0" and thrives in the air so perhaps offers a Plan B-type element from the bench—as if this team would need to resort to such a thing.
Squad So Far
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique, Umtiti
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran, Walker
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante, Vidal, Xhaka
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo, Yarmolenko
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
Z: Piotr Zielinski, Napoli
26 of 26
In the conversation: Ron-Robert Zieler, Hakim Ziyech and Jeroen Zoet.
"Z" seems the perfect letter for that third goalkeeper spot, with Ron-Robert Zieler and Jeroen Zoet ripe for a role that means they never take to the pitch, but with a full complement in that area, we select our final central midfielder.
Piotr Zielinski has been a big part of Napoli's excellent season. An incredibly talented midfielder whose talents are being utilised perfectly by Maurizio Sarri, he'll be a household name in under three years should he maintain his trajectory.
Complete Squad
Goalkeepers (3): Ederson, Oblak, Ter Stegen
Centre-backs (4): Bonucci, Chiellini, Pique, Umtiti
Full-backs (3): Alaba, Juanfran, Walker
Central midfielders (5): Fabinho, Kante, Vidal, Xhaka, Zielinski
Attacking midfielders (3): Dybala, Iniesta, Messi
Wingers (4): Neymar, Quaresma, Ronaldo, Yarmolenko
Strikers (4): Griezmann, Higuain, Lewandowski, Suarez
All statistics via WhoScored.com
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