Football Fantasy XI: A Dream Team with a twist – Team 2

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!