Best XI of Free Transfers (2000-2017)

Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers - Premier League
Friedel currently holds the record of the most consecutive appearances in the Premier League

Right Back: Cafu / Dani Alves

Can a line-up feature two right backs? It can and it must if these two full-backs are two of the best in their position in the history of football.

E
Cafu is considered as one of the best full-backs in football history and one of the best ever Brazilian players

Cafu joined AC Milan from Roma as a free agent in 2003. He was 33 years old at the time. The Brazilian legend stayed at San Siro until 2008 and during those years he managed to win almost everything. He helped the Rossoneri become Serie A champions in 2003-2004. Apart from this, he won 2 Super Cups,1 Supercoppa Italiana, 1 Champions League, and 1 FIFA World Club Cup as a player of Milan.

He is arguably one of the best right backs in the history of football known for his energetic and highly-attacking style of play as well as his stamina and his deadly-accurate crosses. Cafu is a member of both AS Roma and AC Milan's Hall of Fame.


Paris Saint-Germain v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League
Dani Alves has shocked twice the world of football with his no-cost moves to Juventus and PSG

Alves joins Cafu in the list of the best full-backs in football history. The Brazilian firstly signed for Juventus in 2007 as a free transfer after spending 8 years in Barcelona.

As a Bianconero, Alves won the domestic double in the 2016-2017 season and he appeared in his 4rth Champions League final but Juventus lost to Real Madrid. He was a regular in the Juventus line-up and made 33 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring 6 goals and proving 7 assists.

On June 2017, Alves and Juventus mutually agreed to end their partnership and the Brazilian joined Pari Saint Germain as a free agent a few days later. The 35-years-old defender has since won 5 domestic titles with the French club. He has featured 41 times for PSG, scoring 5 times and setting 10 goals up for his teammates.


Left Back: Maxwell

Inter Milan v Parma - Serie A
Maxwell was outstanding during his spell at Inter which earned him a transfer to Barcelona

On January 2006, Maxwell's contract with Ajax expired and he was meant to sign for Inter. However, due to the Serie A non-Eu player registration rule of that year, he signed for Empoli for the remaining of the season only to be transferred to Inter in the next transfer window. A common policy for a transfer of a non-EU player in Italy.

He made quite an impact as a Nerazzurro. He won 3 Serie A titles and 2 Italian Super Cups during the 3 years he remained at Italy being one of the most crucial players for his club. His performances were excellent and attracted the interest of Barcelona who signed him on July 2009.

Quick Links

Edited by Ben Roberts
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications