Lionel Messi, Neymar, and more: The most in-form South American XI in football

Modified Jan 19, 2020 21:28 GMT

Right-back: Dani Alves

There are hardly any trophies in club football that haven't been added to Dani Alves' prestigious trophy cabinet. The Brazilian full-back is one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the sport and has tasted success at every juncture at his illustrious career.

The former Barcelona defender played a crucial role in Pep Guardiola's Blaugrana side and went on to spend 8 long years at the Nou Camp from 2008 to 2016. He was part of two historic trebles in Catalunya before he departed for Turin on a free before joining his compatriots Neymar, Thiago Silva, and more in Paris.

Currently playing in his native country for Sao Paulo, Alves still remains the best South American right-back in the game. With 2 goals and 3 assists in 20 games in the Brazilian top-flight this season, the 36-year-old was named MVP at Copa America 2019 after captaining Brazil to the title.

Centre-back: Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva has been recognised as one of the best defenders in the European football for some time now and is on the brink of winning his seventh Ligue 1 title in 8 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. He also has a host of other domestic trophies that help solidify his case as one of the best centre-halves of the generation.

Silva was at the heart of Brazil's defence as they steamrolled their way to the Copa America title in 2019, also being included in the Team of the Tournament alongside captain Dani Alves. His impressive performances at the World Cup 2018 in Russia also earned him a spot in the World Cup Dream Team. The 35-year-old was also named Ligue 1 Player of the Month in November.

With 11 clean sheets in 18 games this season, PSG's 8-point lead at the top of the table and a spot in the Round of 16 of the Champions League, Thiago Silva is on course for another successful season at the French capital.

Centre-back: Diego Godin

If Jose Maria Gimenez was fully fit to help guard Atletico Madrid's defence, his former teammate Diego Godin would perhaps be omitted from this list. But due to the former's recurring muscular injuries this season, the latter makes it despite a mixed start to life at San Siro.

After joining Antonio Conte's Inter Milan in the summer, Godin is still settling into his new surroundings but has already brought a sense of composure to the Italians' defence, given their lack of experienced figures in the squad. The Uruguayan has helped them keep 5 clean sheets in 9 games where he played the full 90 minutes, further reiterating his undeniable quality even at the age of 33.

With the Copa America just around the corner, Godin is set to lead Uruguay into the tournament as one of the most majestic defenders in the continent.

LB: Nicolas Tagliafico

After finding it difficult to find a consistently left full-back for a few years, Argentina's problems have seemingly been answered by Nicolas Tagliafico. The Ajax defender was part of the Amsterdam club's incredible run to the semi-final of the Champions League only to be eliminated by an electric Lucas Moura hat-trick.

The Argentine was even reportedly considered by Real Madrid to take over the mantle from an ageing Marcelo before untimately signing Olympique Lyon's Ferland Mendy.

Tagliafico is an attack-minded full-back who is an excellent crosser of the ball and provides the team with a reliable attacking outlet down the left flank. He has appeared 17 times for the Dutch champions this season with 3 goals and 2 assists to his name.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari