Football Fantasy XI: A Dream Team with a twist

Football Fantasy XI is a new series that has been kickstarted 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 electrifying 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 4-1-3-2 formation:

The Team make up is as follows:

3 EPL players3 Bundesliga players1 La Liga player1 Süper Lig player1 Serie A player1 Ligue 1 player1 Ukrainian League player

GK: Petr Cech (Chelsea, EPL)

Nationality: Czech

Age: 31

Petr Cech has had an amazing season, in which he has barely missed any of the 69 games played by Chelsea. His confirming presence in between the sticks has often masked his club’s and country’s frail defense. Even though Chelsea endured quite a disappointing season, Petr Cech was a joy to watch for footballing neutrals who have fallen in love with inch-perfect saves.

RB: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukrainian Premier League)

Nationality: Croatian

Age: 31

Srna has established himself as one of the most consistent right-backs in European football. The captain of both club and country, Srna is packed with a wonderful crossing ability. This, coupled with blistering pace, is dangerous to any kind of opposition. Despite being a defender, he has picked up 12 assists – the highest in the Ukranian Premier League for last season.

CB: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid, La Liga)

Nationality: French

Age: 20

Rule satisfied: Under-20 player

Raphael Varane took the world by storm after putting in world-class performances for Real Madrid. He was arguably one the best center-backs in the Champions League this season. Moreover, his goal against Barcelona was the icing on the cake. His dominating presence at the back could even control Galatasaray’s Didier Drogba. Ever since breaking into the first team, many have regarded him as potentially one of the best center-backs for the future.

CB: Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Schalke 04, Bundesliga)

Nationality: Greek

Age: 21

After signing for Schalke in 2010, Kyriakos Papadopoulos has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league. Despite initiating a bidding war at the start of this season, he has recently signed a new contract and pledged his loyalty to the German club until 2016. His control of the ball combined with his towering build could scare the living daylights out of any striker.

LB: Leighton Baines (Everton, EPL )

Nationality: English

Age: 28

Being a Chelsea supporter, I would always put Ashley Cole over any currently active left-back as the best in the world. However if anyone comes close, then it has to be Baines. He was often regarded as a player with lot of untapped potential, and when he arrived at Everton he turned into one of the best the Premier League had ever seen. What makes him standout is his pace and incredible technique at set-pieces. He would easily walk into any team with that much talent.

CM: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, Serie A)

Nationality: Italian

Age: 34

Rule satisfied: World Cup winning player and over-32 player

The man needs no introduction. Andrea Pirlo is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders to have ever graced the beautiful game. Though his goals and assists are not that high, it’s his passing and ability to find a man that makes him an incredible player. He was pivotal in Italy’s Euro’12 campaign, in which he guided them to a final berth. He will always be known as a set-piece specialist and a footballer with beautiful, creative vision.

LM: Gareth Bale (Tottenham, EPL)

Nationality: Welsh

Age: 23

Widely regarded as the new British Ronaldo, Bale was unlucky to miss out on a Champions League spot with his club side. He can play anywhere in midfield, and even upfront. Immense technique and brilliant composure in front of goal, he is a complete attacking midfielder. Bale’s statistics have been highly impressive this season and saw him pick up the PFA Player of the Year award.

CAM: Lucas Moura (Athletic Bilbao, La Liga )

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 20

Rule satisfied: Under-20 player

Lucas Moura has been ever-present for PSG last season, especially in their league triumph. He was one of the standout players that took on Barcelona over two legs in the Champions League quarter finals. Moura posses immense dribbling capability, as you would expect from a Brazilian. Along with an eye for goal, and a brilliant range of passing, Moura just increases the technical ability of this team.

RM: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga)

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 29

Arjen Robben’s goal in the 90th minute gave the Bavarian’s their 5th Champions League trophy. The classical winger has had a brilliant career so far which included playing for Madrid and Chelsea. His pace, along with a frequent habit of cutting in with his left foot, exposes the weakness of many teams. He provides the team with an immense amount of work-rate.

ST: Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga)

Nationality: German

Age: 24

Saying that Reus has had a great season would be an absolute under-statement. The versatile German forward can play anywhere in the final third. Borussia’s run-up to the final was only possible due to the contributions of him, Goetze and Lewandowski. He’s just another player in this team who can switch positions with ease.

ST: Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray, Turkish League)

Nationality: Turkish

Age: 27

The Turkish giants have often survived in big games only due to their poacher, Burak Yilmaz. He finished this season with 8 goals in the Champions League, only behind Ronaldo and Lewandowski while he scored 6 in the group stages, highest at that point. Yilmaz’s speed and ability to finish is much needed in a team that can create goals with their eyes closed.

What do you think about this team? Do you have a better team in mind? Make your own Football Fantasy XI and let the world see your Dream Team!