Building a Super Bowl-Winning Team from World Football Stars

On Sunday evening, the other kind of football—the one where you don't really use your feet—takes centre stage as the Denver Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Before we enjoy Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson battle it out for the Vince Lombardi Trophy, we have assembled a team of players from the beautiful game who would do very well on the gridiron... 

Quarterback: Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo's job is essentially to stand in the middle of the field and spray beautiful passes to his teammates.

This makes him an ideal old-school quarterback—not one of these new-fangled chaps like Russell Wilson who run with the ball. Pirlo doesn't run!

The Italian already has experience playing receiver during a visit to Stanford in the closed season, and he has a much better beard than Colts QB Andrew Luck. 

Running Back: Gareth Bale

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Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale is very good at running—he can zip along at nearly 25mph—and he knows exactly how to carve his way through the opposing D. 

Bale's only weakness is that he goes down with the slightest of touches—not a good trait for an NFL star. Plus, he would likely need extra padding for his groin. 

Running Back: Yaya Toure

How many times have we seen Yaya Toure charge through the middle of the field like his opposition didn't exist?

The Ivorian is the world football equivalent of Marshawn Lynch. Somebody get that man some Skittles! 

Offensive Guard: Adebayo Akinfenwa

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The offensive guard's duty is to block the opposing defence during plays. Traditionally, these are big guys who you wouldn't want to mess with.

Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa fits the bill, mainly because he's the size of three normal soccer players combined. No one could get past him!

The muscle-bound forward is also listed as the strongest player on FIFA 14. 

Wide Receiver: Joe Hart

A wide receiver needs a safe pair of hands, which, on this season's form, might discount Joe Hart.

However, the Manchester City goalkeeper has already shown his ability by taking some reps with the Manning brother who won't be at Sunday's Super Bowl. 

Wide Receiver: Luis Suarez

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A good WR also needs to be quick, able to latch onto long balls and have a keen eye for scoring.

Luis Suarez has all of these qualities, plus he showed us all at the 2010 World Cup that he has very quick hands.

Judging by the apparent agony which he feels from challenges on the soccer field, however, the Uruguayan would probably never get up again if he took one hit in the NFL. 

Tight End: Philipp Lahm

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A tight end is often considered a hybrid player, sharing the duties of a wide receiver and an offensive lineman. 

This duality would suit Phillip Lahm very well, as the Bayern Munch star has shown his ability to switch between his traditional right-back role and midfield under Pep Guardiola. 

Punt Returner: Aaron Lennon

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The best punt returners are small guys who can change direction very quickly, dodge lumbering opponents and sprint like the wind.

Ladies and gentlemen: Aaron Lennon. 

Kicker: Sergio Ramos

Kicker is surely the easiest gig on the gridiron field. Granted, there is pressure, but all you have to do is kick a dead ball through a set of posts. 

Most professional footballers could do this, but Sergio Ramos has already nailed a 53-yard attempt during a Philadelphia Eagles pre-season game. That would have been one of the longest attempts of last season.

Plus, Ramos has also shown his skill for kicking a ball above a crossbar in penalty shootout situations.  

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