Football Fantasy XI: A dream team with a twist - Team 4

Football Fantasy XI is a new series that has been kick-started here at Sportskeeda. The aim of the article is to make up a dream team of active football players, but with a twist.

There is a limit to the number of players based on various rules.

The rules are as follows:

a) No 2 players from the same clubb) No 2 players of the same nationality/countryc) At least 1 goalkeeper, 3 defenders, 3 midfielders, 1 strikerd) Either Messi or Ronaldo.e) At least 2 players under 20 years of agef) At least 1 WC-winning playerg) At least 1 player over 32 years of agef) No more than 3 players from the same domestic league

After the end to an amazing season of football all over the world, the time has come to keep a note of the best players in all positions. It was a herculean task to put together this team which looks lethal from back to front.

Here’s my world XI in a 4-3-3 formation:

The team make up is as follows, with a 4-3-3 formation:

3 EPL players

3 Bundesliga players

2 La Liga players

1 Turkish Super Lig player

1 Serie A player

1 Ligue 1 player

GK: Marc Andre Ter Stegen (Borussia Monchengladbach, Bundesliga)

Age: 21

Nationality: German

This keeper just seems to get better and better year after year. He first came into the spotlight in Germany U-17 itself, with some brilliant reflexes resulting in amazing saves. He gradually worked his way to being Germany’s second choice keeper after Neuer. He is hot property in the transfer market, with the likes of Barcelona trying to sign him, according to various sources.

RB: Dani Alves (Barcelona, La Liga)

Age: 30

Nationality: Brazilian

He has been more menacing than many attackers in the La Liga. His movement, pace, dribbling and crossing has been consistent throughout the season against a host of teams. He served his side nobly over the seasons by taking the extra burden to attack as well.

CB: Matija Nastasic (Manchester City, EPL)

Age: 20

Nationality: Serbian

Rule satisfied: Under 20 player

This young defender has taken the Premier League by storm this season and sealed his place in the first team, ahead of experienced players like Joleon Lescott. He is still very inexperienced in the top level but he looks very promising for the future with his defensive skills which, of course, need some refining.

CB: Daniel Agger (Liverpool, EPL)

Age: 28

Nationality: Danish

He has been the stand out defender from Liverpool this season. Whenever Liverpool needed that extra defensive push in any game, he was right there to stand up for it. His tackling and marking has been exceptional. He has been brilliant in attacking as well, with shots from his left foot and has headed some good goals.

LB: David Alaba (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga)

Age: 20

Nationality: Austrian

Rule satisfied: Under 20 player

With Bayern Munich’s most perfect season yet, it was special for someone who has been in the squad for quite some time now has been extremely lethal in that left flank with the help of Franck Ribery, and also someone who has played an integral part in many wins, scoring goals as well. He is another player to look out for next season.

RCM: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid, La Liga)

Age: 31

Nationality: Spanish

Rule satisfied: WC winning player

The Ex-Redman had a wonderful pre-season in the EURO 2012 where he scored some crucial winning goals and was a treat to the eyes as always. Following it, he has had a good season being Jose Mourinho’s main man in the defensive midfield area. He has been responsible and played almost all the matches on top his form.

LCM: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, Serie A)

Age: 34

Nationality: Italian

Rule satisfied: Over 32-player

The Italian magician has been weaving his tricks as always finishing another fantastic season as Juventus were crowned champions of Italy again. His passing, composure and shooting have been totally out of this world. He combined well with his teammates and controlled the midfield with balance.

CAM: Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray, Turkish Super Lig)

Age: 28

Nationality: Dutch

The Dutch “dead ball specialist” has had an emotional season as Netherlands were knocked out of EURO 2012 in the group stage itself and he too bid farewell to Inter Milan in the mid-season to join the Turkish giants. Still, his game has been absolutely superb with amazing free kicks and pace on and off the ball.

RW: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur, EPL)

Age: 23

Nationality: Welsh

The PFA player of the year has been the talisman Tottenham needed in a season which ended in disappointment as they failed to make it to the Champions League spot yet again. But he has given the fans a lot to cheer about with his pace, dribbling, free kicks and some scintillating long range shots.

ST: Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga)

Age: 24

Nationality: Polish

He has been one of the reasons for Dortmund fans to be happy after a season in which they came second to Bayern Munich in the League as well as the Champions League. He scored some brilliant goals and his performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal was pure fantasy.

LW: Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG, Ligue 1)

Age: 28

Nationality: Argentine

The PSG new boy’s first season in the French league ended on a high as PSG won the Ligue 1 title. He played a crucial role to lead PSG to glory. He controlled that left flank with his pace and has been a hard worker as always. He, along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, terrorized defenses one by one.