Posts
GK Casillas
RB Maicon CB Vidic CB Chiellini LB Lahm
CDM Cambiasso
CM Xavi CM Iniesta
RW Messi ST Ibrahimovic LW Ribery
I have quite a few differences now. First, I have Chiellini instead of Carvalho. I think Carvalho is a smarter player, but Chiellini is more physically imposing. Also, seeing Juventus without him last weekend against Sampdoria just shows how important he is to their back line.
I have Lahm instead of Evra. I personally believe that Evra is very good, but he benefits from having great centre backs. Lahm is smaller, but I think he is a better marker and he is a great finisher when going forward.
I excluded Steven Gerrard (my favorite player), who I think is the best attacking mid in the world, and Alexandre Pato. I put in Xavi and Iniesta in two central midfield spots and let me give my reasoning. I don't think they are the best at the position, but seeing how well the play together for Barcelona and Spain, they have a connection that can't be overstated. They also have great chemistry with Messi.
I opted for one striker to put both Xavi and Iniesta in, and I also took out Ronaldo for Ribery. I don't think Ronaldo is on the best of form right now, and in a squad like this you don't need sulking ball hogs like him. Ribery is as dangerous as anyone and he is on great form.
I sincerely believe that Ibrahimovic is more than capable of playing as a lone striker, especially with Messi making runs all over the pitch. He can hold the ball up and find Iniesta, Ribery, Xavi, or Messi darting around the field. I think this team would provide killer through balls to any of the attacking players more often than not.
Reserves:
GK Buffon
RB Sergio Ramos
LB Marcel Jansen
CB Carvalho
CDM De Rossi
CM Gerrard
CAM Hamsik
LW Robben
RW Ronaldo
ST Benzema
