All time greatest XI to have never won the World Cup

CDM: Claude Makelele (France)

Makelele couldn't guide France past Italy in the 2006 final

You have to be pretty special if you have a position named after you.

Makelele revolutionised the defensive midfield role at his peak when he played a major role in Real Madrid and Chelsea's success between 2000 and 2008.

Although he made his international debut for France in 1995, he wasn't selected to be in the squad during the national team's successful campaigns at the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Euros.

His first major tournament was the 2002 World Cup. Although he retired from international football in 2004, the French football federation convinced him to make a comeback for the 2006 World Cup, where, unfortunately, his inspirational performances weren't enough to carry France over the line as they lost the infamous final to Italy after Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi.

CM: Michel Platini (France)

Michel Platini: AS Roma v Juventus 1986

The charges of corruption against him in recent years along with former FIFA President Sepp Blatter may be a blight on his record, but there can be no denying that Platini is one of the greatest creative midfielders of all time.

Although he joined Juventus only at the age of 27, the extraordinary success he experienced with the Turin giants, combined with his own personal form earned him three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards between 1983 and 1985. That is an achievement which has, to this day, only been matched by Messi.

Renowned for his passing, vision and setpiece abilities, Platini was also a remarkably prolific goalscorer for a midfielder, scoring 41 goals in 72 caps for France.

He did win the Euros with France, but the closest he came to a World Cup win was fourth and third place finishes in 1982 and 1986.

CM: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)

Cruyff introduced the concept of tiki-taka while coaching Barcelona

Cruyff experienced tremendous success during a career in playing and management from 1964 to 1996, and he is perhaps the single biggest reason that Barcelona is the club that it is today.

Cruyff both personalised and revolutionised the concept of "Total Football", as he led Ajax as a player, and later Barcelona as a coach, to the most successful periods in the histories of the respective clubs.

He led the Dutch national team's golden generation at the 1974 World Cup, where the Oranje faced almost no difficulties until the final. In the Munich final though, a tactical masterclass led by Franz Beckenbauer helped the Germans come from a goal down to win 2-1.