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The FIFpro World XI was announced at Fifa's Best Football Awards in London late October this year but as fans of the NBA, we often find ourselves wondering - what if NBA stars translated their skill set onto the football pitch and how would that look like?
Let's take into consideration similar attributes needed in both the sports such as speed, power, and agility in a standard 4-3-3 formation :
Goalkeeper: Giannis Antetokuonmpo
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The Greek Freak stands at 7'0" with a ridiculous wingspan 7'4". Factor in his guard- like athleticism and explosiveness; no ball is ever getting past him, This man was built to stand between the posts - possibly managing to hold on to them too.
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Similar to: No Goalkeeper ever
Central Defenders: Anthony Davis & DeMarcus Cousins
When you've got two bigs with the talent to match their size on the same team- you don't sweat the small stuff. This combo of "the baddie" and "the meanie" makes a strong case for a reliable back line.
“I know it’s a small-ball era, but (Davis and Cousins are) not traditional big men" - Demarcus Cousins
How's this for perspective :
or this:
Similarities: Anthony Davis - Leonardo Bonucci, DeMarcus Cousins - Giorgio Chiellini
Bonucci and Chiellini are by far one of the best Centre-back partnerships in the game today and maybe two of the best defenders Juventus has had in recent years. There is no denying that Juventus has seen unprecedented success in recent years mainly from the valuable contributions of their defensive-duo.
Left Back: John Wall
Although John wall is right-handed - He is well-known in the league for his explosive left-handed finishes at the rim which he prefers more than his right. Given that he is arguably the best two-way guard in the NBA, John Wall takes his place at the left side of the defense.
Wall currently averages 20.8 points and 9.4 assists (3rd Overall in APG).
Similarities : David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
Alaba is a textbook modern player- combine speed with technical ability on the ball, and you've got a John Wall on football boots. Like Wall, David Alaba is a two-way player with the versatility to play anywhere on the pitch.
Right Back: Chris Paul (Team Captain)
Chris Paul is a versatile, balanced, all-rounded player who takes pride in his defense. He is currently 15th in All-time steals leading all active players today. He is also a natural and vocal leader that is fully capable of orchestrating the defense.
Note: Chris Paul is currently serving his term as President of the National Basketball Players Association ( August 2013 - Present)
Let's look back into a game where he had 20 assists and ZERO turnovers:
Similarities: Philip Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Bayern's inspirational leader Phillip Lahm has become a legend of German football- just like Chris Paul, the right-back is an influential leader captain, and arguably one of the most intelligent players to grace the European game.
Attacking Midfield: Steph Curry
The two-time MVP takes his place in the midfield. While he does not have the prototypical speed and athleticism that many possess - Steph simply does things that others can't do. Steph Curry has his own gravitational pull that leaves defenders in the dust with his agile ball handling and quick change in pace and direction, He has the ability to make something out of nothing and seemingly shoot lights out from anywhere.
Similarities: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
This quote from Messi makes their striking resemblance conclusive:
“Seeing him play is magical...Our small size and playing styles even have some similarities," Messi on Steph Curry last year. “If you watch Curry play-or, just as revealing, warm up before the game-you notice his relationship with the ball, It’s like his body and mind are always on the same wavelength with the ball. I try to have that connection with the ball in my sport, too.”
James Harden
James Harden with his deft ball handling skills, crafty footwork and his recently acquired ability to play the PG position and prove himself as a playmaker - Harden takes his place alongside Steph Curry in midfield.
Harden leads all players in points scored (30.7 PPG) and assists (10.4 APG) this season.
Similarities: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Hazard is undoubtedly one of the stand-out players in the Premier League and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2017 after helping Chelsea win the title.
Both Hazard and Harden have the tenacity to take on their opponents head-on with a mix of dribbling ability and power- but the most similarity between these two stars is how they make it look so easy gliding past opponents so effortlessly.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Kawhi Leonard
The Klaw is a 2x DPOY and 1x Finals MVP; arguably the best two-way player in the NBA. Combining his physical tools and tough mentality, Leonard has an extremely high motor and IQ on defense that makes perfect for his position at defensive midfield.
Like candy from a baby:
Similarities: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Just like Kawhi Leonard, Casemiro's playstyle is seen as unfashionable, boring yet impeccable and indispensable to Real Madrid's success.
Both players are the spearheads in defense of their respective teams ( SA Spurs and Real Madrid ) and help their teams concede far fewer points/goals than they might have done.
To put it in another context, reliability, physicality, consistency, and tenacity combined with his technical prowess is what makes both Leonard and Casemiro tick.
Left Forward: LeBron James
Size, strength, speed and always a perennial winner with the authority to exercise his free-will on the court. LeBron James is arguably the most polarizing athlete alongside Cristiano Ronaldo that you love, or you love-to-hate. Hence LBJ takes his spot in a Ronaldo-esque role in this line-up.
Similarities: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
There are some who would label, right now and without hesitation, Ronaldo as the greatest Real Madrid player of all time. Others would go further, calling them the greatest player ever.
While most athletes beyond the age of 30 begin to ponder on setting retirement dates-LeBron and Ronaldo are both aged 32 and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. These two elite athletes take "maintaining fitness levels and being healthy" to another level and it shows in their game.
The winning never stops and the titles just keep on coming.
Right Forward: Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has 83 career Triple-doubles (4th All-time). The Reigning MVP has the speed and the flair to take on any defender in the World. Enough said.
Similarities: Neymar (Paris St Germain)
Neymar's professional career has been defined by his sizzle and dazzle play - defenders only have two choices when facing him: commit a penalty or let him score. In one word, he is breathtaking.
Westbrook and Neymar set out to play with a mindset to destroy their opponents in a brash and at times disrespectful manner.
A common denomination for both players' playstyle would be "flair with a purpose".
Striker: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is an offensive juggernaut and a 4 x Scoring Champ and 1x Season MVP (2013-14) in the League; the reigning Finals MVP is a walking cheat code for the Golden State Warriors currently destroying opponents this season averaging 24.8 points per game; despite being on a super team that includes Steph, Klay, Draymond and the rest - May God help us all.
Did I mention he stands at 7.0" tall? Players of his stature are not supposed to move the way he does:
Stats on average: 24.8 points, 5.0 assists, 7.1 rebounds this season
Similarities: Rob Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich's lanky star striker is a tall glass of a full 90-minutes worth of nightmare for opposing defenders. Combined with his size and all rounded offensive skill-set; Robert Lewandowski has no weaknesses in his attacking abilities.
Durant and Lewandowski both share a prolific and clinical offensive game that can strike fear into the heart of any opponent.
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