World Football Round Table: "What Would Be Your All Time World XI?"
If I'm not mistaken, here's the sixth round table discussion in the World Football Community on Bleacher Report.
We asked several of our top writers:
"What would be your all time world XI and why?"
Kiran Gokarn's World XI
Manager: RINUS MICHELS. FIFA voted him as the best manager of all time, and rightly so. The man who envisioned TOTAL FOOTBALL was undoubtedly the greatest coach of all time. It's a shame he never won the World Cup.
Goalkeeper: LEV YASHIN. There is no equal to the great Russian stopper. He has saved more goals than most of his counterparts in the 50's and 60's.
Right back: CLAUDIO GENTILE.Though he is out of position in my team, I have chosen him for his gritty defending and fearless man marking. If any one has seen the 1982 World Cup, they will know what I am talking about. Diego Maradona had a hard time dealing with him and he was undoubtedly the best man marker of all time.
Right center back: FRANZ BECKENBAUER. The German defence of the 1960's and 70's would have been so weak if not for this man. He won everything there was to win as a player and came back to win it again as a coach. The genius of Beckenbauer is undescribable to be honest. Truly one of the best players of all time.
Left center back: GIANCINTO FACCHETTI.There were the Scireas and Baresis. But there was only one Facchetti. The former Inter great and Italy captain was pipped in 1970 by the magnificent Samba boys, but that still doesn't take away the fact that he was the best center back in Italian football.
Left back: CARLOS ALBERTO TORRES. In 1970 Brazilian football saw its finest team win the World Cup. Carlos Alberto was its captain. Brilliant in attack and strong in defence. He was South America's greatest defender.
Right winger: JOHANN CRUYFF.He inspired a new generation of Dutch footballers and was the leader of the Oranje. Even though he never won any major honour with Holland his football dazzled everyone in 1974.
Center midfielder: BOBBY CHARLTON. England's man Friday of the 60's, he was one of the best midfielders of all time. His venomous long range strikes were as good as his defending abilities.
Left winger: GARRINCHA.Men will come, men will go, but Garrincha will live on forever. His magical skills enthralled all who saw him play. He was world football's first trick master. Another Brazilian who inspired a generation of footballers.
Central attacking midfielder: DIEGO MARADONA. No greatest world 11 is complete without this guy and he deserves to be there. In 1986 he made a very average Argentina side look like a world class side. Truly on a par with Pele in all aspects. Drugs were however his downfall.
Right striker: PELE. Another one of the Brazilian maestros, he was probably the best striker of all time. Having won every major honour and scored more than 1000 goals his inclusion was a must.
Left Striker: GERD MULLER. The "Bomber from Berlin" was the most lethal striker to have ever played European football. Alongside Pele he is another one of the players who have scored more than 1000 goals. This legend was the finest Europe could offer.
Shyam's World XI
Manager: Arsene Wenger. Perhaps this is coming from a completely biased Arsenal fan, but the team that I have selected is one which has the flair and the style which Arsenal often play with and therefore I see nobody better than Wenger to manage My Best XI.
Lev Yashin (GK). Perhaps the best goalkeeper of his generation and for generations to come. He was incredibly athletic and was capable of making some stunning saves in his prime.
Franz Beckenbaur (SWP). The Kaizer was a steady sweeper and was a vital cog in the German team of the 1960s. A wonderful passer of the ball and an authoritative figure on the pitch, he gets my vote to be in this team.
Paolo Maldini (CB). Perhaps the greatest ever Italian defender, Paolo Maldini will probably be in 9/10 football fans’ lists as their centre-backs. He is a wonderful player and still shows his class with AC Milan and looks young at 40.
Franco Baresi (CB). He is considered by some to be the best ever Italian defender too! A wonderful defender who partnered Paolo Maldini in AC Milan’s defense, Baresi was known to have a good passing range as well and was the proverbial “hard man” at the back.
Garrincha (RWB). He had a stunning engine and scored goals for fun. He will be one of the best right sided players ever.
Jairzinho (LWB). He replaced his idol, mentioned above at club level and was a fabulous winger for Brazil. Watching “that” goal against Italy in the 1970 World Cup Final (which he was a part of in the build up) makes me feel fabulous.
Johan Cruyff (CM).He was a leader and the creative force behind the Dutch team which played “total football”. A superb passer and mover, Johann Cryff should also easily make it to anybody’s top 11.
Zico (CM).Perhaps the only other player comparable to Pele in terms of skill and vision is Zico. A wonderful midfielder who had the skill only many could dream of.
Zinedine Zidane (CM). “Zizou” had the whole package—he took wonderful free kicks, was a phenomenal passer of the ball and drove the French team on from 1998-2006. His absence more than anything was felt by Les Blues during Euro 2008. He is definitely one of the best midfielders to have ever graced the football pitch.
Diego Maradona (FW). Watch the goal which he scored against England where he dribbled past half of their players across half the pitch and you’ll know why he’s on this team.
Pele (FW). All of the above! Pele was a superb finisher and had a great eye for goal. I’ve run out of superlatives to describe Pele’s brilliance.
Tahira Adams' World XI
Manager:Leo Beenhacker. The Dream Maker! This man is so experienced it is unbelievable! He can make History with any team! He did it with Trinidad and Tobago and he did it with Poland, and I'm sure he will continue to do it with other teams!
Ben Raynak's World XI
Manager: Miguel Muñoz.Nine La Liga titles. Two European cups. Two league cups and one intercontinental cup. Listen, with all the great managers we’ve had in the past century, at this point you have to allow some room for personal bias. And for me, the man who ran the team who dominated European football in the 1960’s and early 70’s is the greatest.
No club team has been better than the competition at any one time than the 1966 Real Madrid squad. That being said, I’d be happy with a dozen managers in this spot, but I’ve got to go with my heart. That’s all I have to say about that.
Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel. It’s rare to be able to find a goalkeeper in relatively modern times who you can honestly say is probably the best of all time. The treble, his saves, pick any of the reasons why you think he’s the best. And yes, I think he’s better than Lev Yashin.
LB: Paolo Maldini.Much has been said about Maldini, and I’m not going to say it all again. The most successful center backs of all time, and consistency beyond comprehension. Maybe more commonly associated with center back in recent years, but was at his best playing on the left.
CB: Franco Baresi.What can you say about classic Italian defenders? Baresi is right behind Maldini for me. He won almost as much, and was basically as good.
CB: Bobby Moore. Some friends of mine would have some words for me if I didn’t include an Englishman in my squad, so I’m going to give Moore the nod. As many have said, Pele’s glowing praise of Moore might be reason enough to have him in your squad.
RB: Cafu. The right back with a love for pushing forward and starting the attack is one of my most revered players. More World Cup appearances than any other player, two World Cup wins, and probably one of the more diverse trophy cases than any other player. Check his Wiki page, it’ll make you double take.
DM: Franz Beckenbauer.I think for me, the reason why I have to pick Beckenbauer as one of my favorite players of all time is his soldiering on through the World Cup semi final game against Italy, and just slinging his arm up and playing on. Class and heart.
LM: Alfredo di Stefano. Playing in a more advanced position in midfield, this man was the genius behind Real Madrid’s dominance of the 1950’s and 60’s. 216 goals in 282 league matches between 1953 and 1964. Five European Cups, and eight La Liga titles.
For his consistency and achievements, I think if he played in the time of Maradona, he would have been a better player, and that’s why I put “la Saeta Rubia” over the now obese and drug-addicted Maradona. Yeah, I said it.
CM: Zinedine Zidane.Simply the most influential player of the modern era. By influential I mean, he has tipped the scale of the most "big games" than any other player in the last decade or so. World Cups, Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, Champions League. The man has done it all, showed up everywhere, and blew our brains out with his brilliance. He needs to be on the team.
RM: Mane Garrincha.Pronounced “Gahinshuh” in Brazilian Portuguese, not only is he one of the best of all time, his name is just so much fun to say! The BEST dribbler in history, especially that confident/cocky walking and standing about with the ball style of his. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Ronaldo; anything they learned was built off of this one man.
FC: Ferenc Puskas. The former Real Madrid forward passed away this past year, but his legend will live on. 84 goals in 85 international matches for Hungary, and 514 goals in 529 matches in the Hungarian and Spanish leagues. Four Pichichis, and seven goals in two European Championship finals. The ultimate left-footed finisher, and for me, beats out Ronaldo by a pip.
FC: Pele. Come on. It’s Pele.
Mark Kaveh's World XI
Manager: Sir Bobby Robson. Purely because of his achievements at various clubs. Ipswich won the FA and UEFA Cups under him, lead Barcelona to the treble in his only season there. Won Porto the league and PSV the league. Brought Newcastle from mid table nobodys to Champion League contenders and brought England to the semis of Italia 90. Only Hiddink can rival him.
Goalkeeper: Oliver Kahn. Extended his career past his best and blemished an unbelievable career. Won the German league a countless number of times and won his side the 2001 Champions League. Was awarded player of World Cup 2002 after only conceding three goals and continued to pull off sensational saves.
Right Back: Cafu. Is the most capped Brazilian who exudes honours. Two Copa Libertadores, Cup Winners Cup, Champions League, two Scudetto's, Confederations Cup, two Copa America's and two World Cup titles.
Centre Back: Paulo Maldini. Like ex team mate Cafu exudes honours but it's his 657 appearances for AC since 1984 that stand out. Of course it's good to have a trophy haul to your name. He was influential in leading Milan to SEVEN Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, two Intercontinental Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup and FIVE Champions League winners medals. As the Azzurri's most capped player he was second in World Cup 1994 and Euro 2000.
Centre Back: Didier Deschamps. Might not get many other votes but as a personal favourite he secures his place. Winner of three Ligue 1 and Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues. His leadership and performances in 1998 and 2000 were class and an example to all captains.
Left Back: Roberto Carlos. Is the diminutive Brazilian who possess the rocket of a left foot. His wicked free kicks are legendary and even more so were his performances in 2002 as R.Madrid claimed the Champions League and Brazil the World Cup. Like his colleagues in defence he is a serial winner with four La Liga's and three Champions Leagues.
Right Midfield: George Best. Would be given a position but rarely would he stick to it. This was grand by his managers because wherever he went he caused havoc. He didn't win many trophies but he won the Champions League almost by himself. Defenders couldn't touch the Belfast Boy and he was dubbed the fifth Beatle. He sadly died in 2005 as one of Ireland's greatest sons and is missed dearly.
Centre Midfield: Paul Gascoigne. Excited Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio, Rangers and England fans in a way previously unseen. A combination of skill and pace was the foundation to build his great footballing talent. After deciding to leave the Toon, he promised Sir Alex his services but Spurs stole him from under United. He would win the FA Cup at Spurs and then move on to Lazio and then Rangers. His performances in Italia '90 and his Dentist Chair celebration v Scotland are his England legacy.
Left Midfield: Diego Maradona's place may have been under doubt due to the fact his manager maintains he is a cheat from 1986 but his other goal was one of the greatest ever. Argentina's greatest son beat about half of Robson's side to score on their way to claiming the trophy. He was to enjoy less successful World Cups in 1990 and 1994 but his honours include La Liga, Serie A and UEFA Cup. One of the world's greatest ever players without a doubt.
Behind The Strikers: Pele is Brazil's and the world's greatest player. His club career was limited to South America and he won the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinetal Cup twice with Santos before a move to New York Cosmos. His real triumphs came in '58, '62 and '70 winning the World Cup three times. The only player to do so. In 1958, he scored the only goal in the quarters v Wales, then a hat-trick in the semis v France and two in the final v Sweden. In 1962 he scored one but got injured and missed the rest of the event. In 1970, he turned assister and helped them score many goals before scoring himself. Would bring skill and pace to the team.
Left Striker: Marco Van Basten. Gets the nod after some sensational displays for Holland. Strikers deal in terms of goals and his is nearly unbeatable. 128 goals in 133 games for Ajax was unbelievable yet he only claimed the Dutch league and cup. A move to AC Milan lessened his goals but he still got 90 in 147 games. However in Milan he won the Champions League twice and Serie A three times. Some of his greatest displays were at Euro '88. He got five goals, a hat-trick against his managers England, the winning goal in the semi and a spectacular volley against the Soviet Union.
Right Striker: Ronaldo.Narrowly beats Garrincha to the place, this is because many of Ronaldo's best displays came at Barcelona under Sir Bobby Robson. He hit 47 goals in 49 games to secure Barca's treble and looked set for a long stay at Camp Nou. However contract disputes saw him transferred to Inter where he only hit 49 goals in five years.
A move to Madrid helped him score more as he got 82 in 127 games. However his talent is always shining most brightly when in the Brazil shirt. In 1998 he scored four goals before suffering a convulsive fit the night before the final. Brazil promptly lost 3-0, but in 2002 he made his comeback. He scored eight goals and in all matches bar one in an amazing tournament. In 2006, he scored three penalties all won by himself to beat Gerd Mullers record of 14 World Cup goals.
Salaar Shamsi World XI
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson. He's been at the helm of one of the world's biggest clubs for over two decades. The Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, he's won them all. I'll bank on him to use his experience and work magic with my side.
GK: Lev Yashin.This Soviet shotstopper was probably the greatest keeper to grace the game. An agile mover with unbelievable reflexes.
RB: Carlos Alberto Torres.The Brazilian wingback was unbelievable, pacy and stylish. He added another dimension to the team.
CB: Franz Beckenbauer. The German was ever present in the defense. He was very reliable and a certain pick for my team.
CB: Franco Baresi.I'd earlier picked Bobby Moore but Baresi had something even Moore couldn't match. Baresi even beat Lothar Matthaus to this place. He was a solid rock, who always a nightmare for attackers.
LB: Paulo Maldini.Another Italian, who continues to display his abilities despite his growing age. Maldini beats Nilton Santos to LB because of his composure and ability of being a "team man."
RCM: Johan Cruyff.Cruyff was the star of the exciting 1974 Dutch "Total Football" World Cup team and the Ajax team that won a hat-trick of European Cups in the early Seventies. Three times European footballer of the year, he was by far the most naturally gifted European player of his generation, and probably of all time. His supreme technical skills, speed and acceleration, and his tactical insights made Cruyff virtually impossible to defend against.
CM: Alfredo Di Stefano. Two-time European Footballer of the Year, Alfredo Di Stéfano led Real Madrid to five consecutive European Cups. He was probably the best all round player ever.
LCM: Michel Platini. Indeed,Platini ahead of Zidane, Masopust, Zico, Charlton and Co. Platini was also a master of the free kick, a skill which he perfected using a row of dummies during training. Despite nominally being a midfielder, Platini displayed a remarkable goalscoring prowess.
RF: Garrincha.Widely considered one of the greatest dribblers of the ball ever, Garrincha was a sure shot pick in doing so, he is picked ahead of Gerd Muller, Best, Eusebio and Puskas.
ST: Pele. Obviously not the most original of choices as greatest ever football player, but there is no denying Pelé’s pedigree. The "complete" striker, that's Pele.
LF: Diego Maradona.Maradona won the 1986 World Cup almost single-handedly and took Argentina to the final four years later. He also took an ordinary Napoli side to its only two Italian titles.
Maradona was surely one of the greats of the game and another certain choice for my team ahead of even Marco Van Basten.
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