Left-footed XI vs Right-footed XI: Who would win? 

Left-footed XI vs Right-footed XI: The Verdict

The left-footed XI vs right-footed XI on paper

On paper, we have two stellar teams competing for glory. Both teams have an abundance of combined trophies and laurels to show for, including UCL titles, World Cups, league titles, and others.

However, upon delving deeper into a potential match-up between them, the differences in quality begin to arise. This is particularly the case when compared man-for-man.

For all his talents with the ball at his feet, Ederson's shot-stopping ability is not comparable to that of Oblak's. The Atletico Madrid keeper is simply a sensational goalkeeper and commits far fewer errors that lead to goals than Ederson.

100 - @atletienglish's Jan Oblak has become the goalkeeper with the fewest games needed to reach 100 clean sheets in @LaLigaEN history (182), surpassing Miguel Reina's record (100 clean sheets in 222 matches). Ace. pic.twitter.com/z8tfQDsG4N

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 17, 2020

The right-footed team's defence would certainly outshine that of the left-footed side, given the presence of both Ramos and Van Dijk. The pair are arguably the two finest central defenders on the planet at the moment, given their recent achievements. They have a higher chance of shutting out an attack compared to Laporte and Chiellini.

Ronaldo's right-footed XI could also potentially outshine Messi's left-footed wizards in midfield. In a man-for-an comparison, both Pogba and De Bruyne are superior players to Bernardo and David Silva on current form. The right-footed pair are phenomenal in their own right and are likely to run riot in the middle.

Pogba is one of the best midfielders in the world

Casemiro is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world alongside N'Golo Kante. Alaba's talent could be overshadowed by the Brazilian's immense presence and tactical awareness.

The battle of the full-backs could practically go either way. Marcelo will be up against his teammate Carvajal, while Robertson will face off with Alexander-Arnold. In comparison to the other areas of the pitch, this duel is relatively well-balanced one.

The attacks are perhaps the most comparable areas in both teams, given the spectacular firepower on either side.

Although Messi is arguably the best of the left-footed XI, his teammates are inferior to the right-footed team

Neymar occupies the same spot as Messi does on either team, sparking a reunion of the former master and apprentice duo. The Brazilian could potentially go on to reach the heights his former teammate did, but as of now, Messi stands alone.

Lewandowski will be up against Mo Salah in the central spot, and while the latter has been a sensational player for Liverpool, the former edges this one out. As a pure central striker, Lewandowski has been in a league of his own this year and is the best in the world in that position.

With all due respect to Griezmann, Ronaldo is not comparable to the Frenchman given his legendary career. The Portuguese is said to be one of the greatest players to have ever set foot on a football pitch, and unfortunately for Griezmann, takes this spot with ease.

Neymar and Ronaldo could prove to be a devastating combination

Overall, although it would be an explosive match-up between the two stellar sides, Cristiano Ronaldo's right-footed XI has an abundance of unmatched quality. Be it with Van Dijk in defence, De Bruyne in midfield or a devastating frontline; they could be expected to register a win against Lionel Messi's left-footed XI.

Final result: Right-footed XI emerge victorious.