Left-footed World XI

When the final whistle sounded at the Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro on the 13th of July, 2014, the fruits of all the hard work and planning of 15 years had finally paid off for Germany – they had become the champions of the world. As the 11 players were given a standing ovation, what was interesting to note was that they were all right footed. Benedikt Howedes played at left-back and Andre Schurrle had replaced Mesut Ozil at left-wing.The only other left footer who took the field for them throughout the World Cup was Lukas Podolski, who was on the pitch for a shorter time than the vanishing spray. This left me astonished. How can a team, that too the best national team in the world, reach so far with same-footed players? We’ve all heard of the so-called balance, wherein the ideal situation is for a team to have the right blend of left and right footed players.But then, can an entirely left-footed team hold its own against the best in the business like Die Mannschaft did, with their right-footed army? Let’s look at how a southpaw-only World XI would look like. Our team plays with a midfield diamond and two up front. Substitutes: Petr Cech, Jordi Alba, Dante, Nemanja Matic, David Silva, Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge.

#1 Thibaut Courtois (GK)

Arguably the best young player in the world today, along with the likes of Neymar, James Rodriguez, Paul Pogba and Mario Gotze, Thibaut Courtois is among the most complete goal keepers in the world. Combining his intimidating physical presence with scarcely believable positional nous for a player so young, the Belgian can hold his own against any team and any player. The incredible save when faced one-on-one with Leo Messi at the World Cup is just one among a list of highlight reel moments for the Chelsea goalkeeper.

The very fact that he has kept Petr Cech out of the Chelsea team (and this list) is an achievement in itself, and shows how much Jose Mourinho values the former Atletico Madrid No.1. With his team on a high with high profile signings like Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa hitting the ground running, things are only looking up for the 22 year old. Also, big things are expected of the Belgian National team in 2016, with their golden generation reaching their peak age.

Expect Thibaut Courtois to win more silverware for club, country and himself in the years to come. There’s no better player to guard the sticks than the former Genk goalie, for our team.

#2 David Alaba (RB)

The most problematic position in our team, without doubt, is that of the right-back. While we’ve seen many successful right-footed left-backs in the game, with likes of Philip Lahm, Paolo Maldini, Glen Johnson, Cesar Azpilicueta and the aforementioned Howedes all excelling in the position, the reverse is very hard to find. In fact, the only high-profile case where a left-footed player has played at right-back was in Euro 2012, when Cesare Prandelli played Federico Balzaretti at RB, due to injuries to Christian Maggio and Ignazio Abate.

And so, with no specialist left-footed right-back plying his trade at the very top tier of the game, a little bit of improvisation is necessary. And, when you have one of the most versatile players in the world in your team, improvisation isn’t the hardest thing to do.

Originally a right-winger, Alaba was transformed into a world-class left-back during his early days in Bavaria. He has lost none of his ability to play in other positions though, as he is Pep Guardiola’s answer to any and every deficiency in the Die Roten squad, even playing as a No10 in pre-season. And, if wingers can play on the opposite sides and cut in, surely, the full-backs can do the same thing. And there are few better players than David Alaba, when the manager wants to try something new.

#3 Giorgio Chiellini (CB)

Touted as Gianluigi Buffon’s successor to the throne in both the club and national team set-up, Giorgio Chiellini is a player any team would love to have. The archetypal example of the rough, tough, no-nonsense defender, Chiellini holds no punches back, with his dominating, tough tackling style of play. And, while classy, ball playing centre-backs are more in vogue than ever, defenders like Chiellini form the spine of most successful teams – just look at the Bianconeri.

Off side traps and zonal markings never really interest him, as he has always been more of a hands-on defender, somebody who is less concerned with tactics, and more concerned with averting danger. There are few defenders in the world who can match the Italian’s formidable combination of pace, physicality and a vicious left-foot. Also, he’s among the most potent aerial threats in the world today, a trait that helps his team on both sides of the pitch.

Still only 30 years old, the Pisa native has it in him to stay on top for another 4-5 years. And for that, there’s no better player to learn from, than his partner and long-time friend, Andrea Barzagli. The Italian No 3 is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world today.

#4 Jan Vertonghen (CB)

The second Belgian in our list is centre back, Jan Vertonghen. And while we talked earlier about defenders who are rough and tough, a look at the best teams in the world shows that most attacks begin from the back. And for this, defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, are a must. Gerard Pique used to and still does it Barcelona, Daniel Agger did it for Liverpool, Jerome Boateng does it for Bayern Munich and Jan Vertonghen does it for Tottenham Hotspur.

And being classy and polished doesn’t mean he lacks toughness or physicality. In fact, the former Ajax man is one of the best headers of the ball in the game today. And while there are other world-class left footed defenders like Mamadou Sakho, Eliaquim Mangala and Dante, none of them have the range of abilities the Belgian has – pace, aerial ability, passing, vision, tackling and strength.

Together with Giorgio Chiellini, he forms a centre-back pairing that is as fast as any in the world today. Both of them have played at left-back too, and that stands as testimony to their pace, versatility and commitment to the team cause.

#5 Marcelo (LB)

One of the best left-backs in the world, David Alaba, was shifted to the right because there was another, equally able fullback lying in the wake. Known for his distinctive afro hairstyle (there’s nothing better than seeing Marcelo, Dante and David Luiz play for the Selecao in tandem), the Brazilian is one of the most complete left backs in the world today.

His goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final showed his ability in the final third of the attacking half, proving yet again, that there are few better attacking fullbacks in the world today.

Though he commits the occasional error and has bad days here and there, like that fateful night against Germany, Marcelo is by and large, a very dependable defender. And, it is this adeptness at both halves, that sees him edge over the likes of Jordi Alba, Gael Clichy and Filipe Luis in our list.

Only 26 years old, the Robinho-Michel Bastos-Urby Emanuelson look-alike, has already accomplished so much in an illustrious career, which has seen him win the Champions League, the La Liga(3), the Copa Del Rey(2), the Uefa Super Cup and the Confederations Cup. Surely, there’s more to come from Carlitos, as he’s fondly called. And indeed, there’s no better tribute to him than being compared to the great Roberto Carlos.

#6 Blaise Matuidi (CDM)

One of the most unsung players in the PSG squad and the world today, is Blaise Matuidi. His value to whatever team he plays for, cannot be overstated and should not be understated. There are few better players in the world who do the Makelele role, as well as the Toulouse native, a lifelong fan of Makelele. Described by Didier Deshamps as the only “untouchable” in his team along with Franck Ribery before the 2014 World Cup, Matuidi is up there with the best holding midfielders in the world today.

He may lack the vision of Steven Gerrard, the languid elegance of Andrea Pirlo, the robotic intelligence of Sergio Busquets and the useful exuberance of compatriot, Paul Pogba; but, what he lacks in style and image, he makes up with heart and industry.

Almost always the player who covers the maximum ground, Matuidi is seldom given credit for his magnificent finishing ability. Important goals at the World Cup and against Barcelona in two, different Champions League campaigns, all point to a player who relishes the big occasions. And, while he may never be seen in the same light as Thiago Silva or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he’s equally important to the Parisiens set-up as them, if not more.

#7 Arjen Robben (RM)

Till the 89th minute of the 2013 Champions League final at Wembley, Arjen Robben’s career was one of monumental regrets. Always blamed for taking his team to the brink of success and then snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, Robben was never given the credit he deserved until he put the ball into the back of the net against Dortmund that day. His stock has sped faster than him ever since.

Probably the best right winger in the world today, Robben can tear any team or individual to shreds on his day. His solo goal against Spain at Salvador and his magnificent individual goal at the Camp Nou in the aforementioned Champions League campaign, are just some of the moments of magic in the career of a player, who sees football as a game of five, small words – Run, Cut in and Shoot.

The Bayern Munich No10, forms the world’s scariest wing line-up along with Franck Ribery at Bavaria. And, for the Oranje, his partner-in-crime is Robin van Persie.

One of the best players in the world today, Arjen Robben is a sure-fire Ballon d’Or candidate for the coming year. And while he may not win it, the statement that he’s up there with the top five footballers in the world today is by no means, false.

#8 Angel Di Maria (CAM)

Definitely the position with the toughest competition in our team, some of the best playmakers in the world today are left-footed. David Silva, Mesut Ozil and Juan Mata are all stellar names, and are among the very best at what they do – dictating play and finding space. But a common failing they all have is that lack of breakneck speed, and the lack of work ethic, working their socks off, sprinting after the ball in the 94th minute. The same can’t be said of Angel Di Maria, who is without doubt, the most complete attacking midfielder in the world today.

So important is Di Maria and the versatility that he brings that, without him, Argentina stuttered in the business end of their World Cup campaign; and Manchester United looked like a clueless team before his arrival added some much needed oomph to a pedestrian attack.

While he can play between the lines and pick the forwards like the best playmakers do, his direct running, relentless harrying and ability to play on the wings, make him a wonderful asset to the team he plays for. One thing is for sure – Real Madrid’s loss is Manchester United’s gain.

#9 Gareth Bale (LM)

If there’s anybody who can rival Messrs Alaba and Di Maria for the title of Mr Versatile in our team, it is this man. And, though we see him playing on the right for Real Madrid (even there, he swaps sides with Ronaldo every now and then), he has played everywhere, from left-back to striker for Tottenham Hotspur and the Welsh National Team. And, that is precisely why he plays on the left side of midfield in our team. He can switch positions with Di Maria anytime he wants, and the very thought of them linking up again is awesome.

The best thing to happen to British football in a long, long time, Bale started out as a left back at the South Coast, with Southampton. He was moved to the left flank during an injury crisis for Spurs in 2007-08, and played there (memorably destroying Maicon in the match that announced his arrival on the biggest stage) and stayed there till he was moved to the right flank, and then to the centre, by the club in 2012-13.

Today, he’s part of a fearsome triumvirate, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu. The costliest player in the world is only going to scale greater heights, with age on his side. The world is Gareth Bale’s oyster.

#10 Robin Van Persie (CF)

The first forward in our team is Dutch captain, Robin van Persie. One of the best strikers of the Premier League era, the “Flying Dutchman” is a forward who has everything in his arsenal (excuse the pun, Gooners) – poacher’s instinct, aerial ability, dead ball ability, dribbling, positional sense and a thunderous left foot. Part of a mouth-watering attacking line-up along with Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera at Old Trafford, Van Persie is one of the most well-known faces in world football today.

Whether it be at North London or Manchester, his finishing was never in doubt. But, what stood him apart from everybody else was talent to score sublime goals with ridiculous ease, every other match. And with Luis Suarez in Barcelona now, RVP, Diego Costa, Falcao and Sergio Aguero are the best strikers in the Premier League today. And, the latter three would be delighted if they come anywhere close to the Dutch captain’s goal record in the league.

And, while it looks like he is slowing down, one can never count him out – after all, class is permanent. Iker Casillas knows it better than most people – he was the victim of that famous Van Persie special in Brazil.

#11 Lionel Messi (CF)

This is obvious, isn’t it? The phrase “Last, but not the least”, was tailor made for announcers and commentators, who had to utter the four syllables Leo Messi, after a long list of less-interesting names. What do I say about this man? Where do I begin? Calling him a centre forward is grave injustice – he has no position. He’s a 9-and-10-and-11-and a half, playing wherever he wants, doing whatever he wants, with the end result being the hapless goalkeeper picking up the ball from the back of the net.

I’m not going to talk about why Lionel Andres Messi is in the team, or what he’s going to offer to them going forward. I don’t have to. All I can do is sit and imagine a Left-footed XI vs Right-footed XI match, with Messi and Ronaldo being the respective spearheads. Wouldn’t that be some sight?

And, Lionel Messi gives our team the cutting edge, if it lacked any. He gives the team the outlet for a solution, when they can find none. He gives them a reason to stand in awe and celebrate every game. He gives the team closure; he makes the team complete.

And that is our left footed XI.