Midfielders:
Left winger: Ryan Giggs
Trending
Good ol’ Giggsy has been the most influential person at Manchester United, not just as a player, but also as an assistant manager in the recent years. Part of the second wave of Fergie's fledgelings, the Welshman gave United that extra flair, skill and pace that they needed after George Best departed.
He played 963 matches for the Red Devils and scored 168 goals during the time. He had extraordinary vision, intelligence and technical ability which made him one of the best footballers on the planet.
His footballing attributes are well reflected in that FA Cup semi-final of 1999 when Giggs waltzed past several of Arsenal’s players and beautifully scored from the left side of the pitch. It also shows exactly what United miss in their squad now.
Central Midfielder: Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta is probably the most humble, most loyal and honest player the footballing world has ever seen. The Barcelona man is the master of the midfield, and his importance, though it is noted, is often overshadowed by Messi’s.
He still plays for the Blaugrana and has appeared in 606 matches and has racked up 55 goals along with recording more than 70 assists. The Barca man has played as a winger, a central forward and as an attacking midfielder at some point in his career. He has excellent skill on the ball and is a master of dribbling, creating sublime moves and tying defenders in knots. Making those crucial final passes and pre-assists are some strengths of the phenomenal Spaniard.
Central Midfielder: Daniele De Rossi
De Rossi is one of the most unlucky football players in recent time. His loyalty to the club is hardly noticed due to the fact that he is on the same team as Francesco Totti, another club legend.
The defensive midfielder has played 521 matches so far and has scored 54 goals. The Italian has excellent vision, passing, tackling, strength and considerably good height, all of which makes him a force to be reckoned with in the midfield.
From an attacking perspective, he has the ability to start dangerous counter attacks after winning back possession. He has fared well in Roma so far and has shown no signs of leaving the club.
Central midfielder: Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes was stamina personified. He could run and run, and continue running. The Mancunian represented hometown club Manchester United in 718 matches and scored 155 goals.
He was technically gifted and versatile, given his ability to play anywhere in midfield; be it in defence or offence. The Salford man’s discipline was one of his weaker attributes and he was renowned for his bad tackles and the numerous yellow cards he picked up in an otherwise glittering career.
The “ginger ninja” was even lauded as the best in his position by the likes of Xavi, Nani and many other football stars.
Right winger: Lionel Messi
Don’t tell me you didn’t see this one coming. The mesmerising Argentine has been Barcelona’s most crucial player in recent years. He has shown absolutely no signs of leaving the club that has made him who he is today.
Funding his growth hormone supplements, Barcelona raised a superstar that has brought them fame and glory. So far he has played 551 matches for Barca and has scored a staggering 476 goals. His short stature translates to lower centre of gravity which helps him make those long and mesmerising dribbles which keep all of us on the edge of our seats.
Messi playing football is a feast to a football lover’s eyes.
