Euro 2012: Picking the Starting XI Thus Far

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally answered his critics. With back-to-back world class performances, he will certainly be in the All-Star Starting XI.

But who else deserves to ply their trade with the Portuguese maestro based on their performances thus far? 

Here's the ideal Starting XI. 

Goalkeeper:

With Joe Hart in the mix of things, England finally have a reliable keeper manning the post. So expect no Robert Green-esque type of errors to occur. He has been composed against all opposition and has kept mistakes to a minimum. 

Defenders:

Mats Hummels of Germany has been the standout central defender thus far. A man-of-the-match performance against the Portuguese followed by solid performances against the Dutch and the Danes has seen him edge out veteran Per Mertesacker for the starting spot. 

Likewise, Pepe has been another excellent defender. Against Czech Republich, he delivered an almost flawless performance. He was positioned excellently at all times and made crucial interceptions to deny the Czechs a berth in the semi-finals.

Fabio Coentrao joins his teammate Pepe as my pick for left full-back, while on the right is Spain's Alvaro Arbeola.

Midfielders:

I have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation for the Starting XI, hence there are five midfielders. 

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been Germany’s best player in the group stages, holding and distributing the ball with ease and personifying composure at the center of the park. Against the Dutch, he assisted both goals, made crucial tackles and was an overwhelming presence at midfield. 

Against Denmark, he sat a bit deeper and allowed Sami Khedira to roam a bit freely, but gave a resounding performance nonetheless. 

Partnering him is Italian Andrea Pirlo, the player of the tournament thus far. Age seems to have had no effect on the Italian, as he has had standout performances in all of the games. The perfect definition of a deep-lying playmaker, Pirlo has an assist or a goal in every game he has featured in thus far. Particularly sublime was his free kick against Croatia. 

Situated right in front of Pirlo is English captain Steven Gerrard. Like Pirlo, Gerrard has been the most crucial player for his team. He has been consistently brilliant with his crosses, and when needed made crucial tackles and interceptions. 

Ronaldo cements his place on the left wing, edging out Andres Iniesta, after carrying his team through against heavyweights Holland and the Czech Republic. He has finally replicated his club performances on the international stage which has allowed them to progress through the "Group of Death" and onto the semi-finals. 

On the right wing is Spain's David Silva who has been immense for the World-Cup and European Champions. His superb pass to Cesc Fabregas in the opening game has perhaps been the pass of the tournament, while his performance against Ireland (two assists and a goal) was nothing short of exemplary. 

Forward:

Germany's "Super" Mario Gomez edges out Nicklas Bendtner to cover the striking position in this team. Two brilliantly taken goals against the Dutch secures his place in the Starting XI. 

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