International Friendly: France vs Brazil – Combined XI

Any match involving two giants will always invite discussions about whose squad is better and who is is more inclined to win. A convincing comparison, between two teams, can only be done with a combined line up. The team with more players showcases the precedence of a team over the other.Having star attractions such as Neymar, Oscar and Karim Benzema in a single team is a mouth-watering prospect. So here we enlist the combined starting XI of France and Brazil:

#1 Goalkeeper: Diego Alves

After a calamitous time in the World Cup with Brazil, Julio Cesar is once again overlooked from the squad and stepping into his shoes will be Valencia custodian Diego Alves, who has managed to keep 3 clean sheets in his last 4 outings with the Seleccao.

The 29-year old has been terrific in goal for Valencia, surrendering a meagre 22 goals in 27 league appearances, the 2nd best record in La Liga this season. Alves was once again called up to the national side ever since Dunga was re-appointed and has repaid the manager’s faith with some exquisite goalkeeping.

Had Hugo Lloris not been ruled out of the clash owing to his injury, this spot wouldn’t have been in question.

#2 Right-back: Danilo

One of the promising youngsters currently plying their trade in Europe, Danilo has shown glimpses of his potential with his club side FC Porto, where he is one of the first names on the teamsheets and is slowly but gradually, making his case with the national team as well.

Pacy, brawny and adept at making tackles, Danilo is a highly talented player and has already garnered interests from European powerhouses such as Manchester United and Real Madrid. While his defensive contributions are simply top-notch, he also offers a lot offensively as his penchant to drift forward also provides an extra attacking outlet to his team.

Watch out, for he’s going to give the French attackers a tough time.

#3 Centre-back: Raphael Varane

The centre-back position belongs indisputably to none other than the Real Madrid stripling Raphael Varane, who has established a reputation as one of the best young defenders in Europe right now. The 22-year old pulled off top drawer performances at the World Cup with Les Tricolores and was also nominated for the ‘Best Young Player’ award, which he lost out to his compatriot Paul Pogba.

Exuding great composure with the ball, Varane is a bulwark for his team and his presence gives a strong base to his side. His towering stature also makes him a threat in the air and has often popped up with a goal or two in set-piece situations.

Barring a few blips here and there, Varane is having another sublime season with Blancos.

#4 Centre-back: Thiago Silva

Partnering Varane at the centre of the defence in this commingled line-up is PSG captain Thiago Silva, who marks his return to the squad following a prolonged injury.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender was left out by Dunga due to an injury lay-off post the World Cup and his place in the squad was blowing hot and cold when the captaincy was transfered to Neymar. In his absence, David Luiz and Miranda forged a strong partnership at the back. However, with the former pulling out lately on account of an injury, Silva has been handed a new lease of life, an opportunity to prove his mettle before Dunga announces his final squad for the Copa America and an opportunity he is determined to grab with both hands.

The 30-year old has been a revelation for the Parisians and is touted to be one of the best centre-backs in the world. The upcoming games against France and Chile will ferret out his international future.

#5 Left-back: Marcelo

Patrice Evra and Jeremy Mathieu are great left-backs, but this Real Madrid man is still a cut above. Marcelo has been in an excellent nick for the Whites this season and has shaken his World Cup woes off successfully.

The left-back’s nous and savvyness is an asset to his team and also offers a lot going forward. Very few players out there manage to juggle both offensive and defensive duties with equal flawlessness. Marcelo is definitely one of them.

#6 Midfielder: Moussa Sissoko

Newcastle United are currently in a limbo, reeling 12th in the EPL charts, but their no.7 has been one of their brightest spots along with Papiss Cisse. The Frenchman played a part in Les Blues’ quarter-final finish in the 2014 FIFA and has been a constant name on Didier Deschamps’ team-sheet.

Sissoko is known for his incisive passes down the right wing and his impeccable dribbles are one of his best traits. He is comfortable in the holding role or as an attacking midfielder and sporadically weighs in with a goal or two.

#7 Midfielder: Oscar

The diminutive Brazilian is one of the foremost figures in the Brazil line-ups and despite his Chelsea woes of late, is likely to take up the central position in the three-man Brazil midfield.

Although just 23, Oscar has already earned a reputation of one of the best young midfielders currently plying their trade in England. Crisp tackles, precise passing and the ability to cut inside, Oscar’s dynamism makes him a battering ram for his side. The Chelsea man’s capacity to press and defend from the front is an attribute that Dunga greatly admires.

In his 23 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, Oscar has accrued 6 goals and 7 assists while also maintaining an 84% passing accuracy.

#8 Midfielder: Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool’s Lilliputian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has come of age this season and has started to show his incredible potential. After a sluggish start to the campaign, Liverpool’s surge towards the top 4 has gathered momentum and are now currently sitting 5th on the table, just 3 points adrift of a European berth and this Brazilian has been highly integral to their fine run of form.

He has evolved into a reliable midfield presence, who has helped immensely in the attack. Coutinho is skilled and a technically gifted player. His long range goals and impeccable set-piece executions are tour de force as he stands as one of the pivotal figures for his side.

#9 Left winger: Neymar

After a tumultuous start to life in Spain, Neymar has finally attuned to Spanish football and is firing on all cylinders this season. His partnership with fellow Latin Americans Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is one of the deadliest tridents in Europe at the moment.

Internationally, Neymar has been a different proposition altogether. He is their talisman, the torch bearer, the cynosure of Brazil team. He doesn't have to share the limelight like he does at Barcelona. With Brazil, the whole team is built around him, making him the focal point of their attack.

Although aged just 23, the Barca starlet has already earned 60 international caps, amassing a stonking 42 goals in the process! With a plethora of football left in his legs, Neymar is destined to surpass Pele’s tally of 77 in near future.

#10 Right winger: Mathieu Valbuena

They say size doesn't matter, but Mathieu Valbuena personified it. The stubby Dynamo Moscow winger proved his worth at the FIFA tournament on Brazilian soil last year where he showed tremendous workmanship and was also on target in their 5-2 mauling of Switzerland.

Despite his dwarfish stature, possesses the wherewithal to fumble even the meanest defences and poses a great threat going forward. Valbuena, after a few faltering years with his national side, has now become a regular name in their line-up and is also a constitutive element of the resurgent France side.

#11 Striker: Karim Benzema

The Real Madrid hitman has gained some sort of confidence in front of the goal for Les Blues after his 15 match barren run at one point. Benzema is back to his very best for France and is now scoring goals at will.

After an impressive Brazil tour, Benzema started in the same vein for his club side Los Blancos and now has 20 goals in 40 appearances. He will once again be leading the line against a star-studded Canaries and France's outcome in this game largely depends on him.