World XI

I commented on another blog last week that had shown their dream team for world soccer, it's over at twofootedtackle.com. I agreed with him with the exception of a couple of players. Well, I have now changed my mind and would like to show my dream lineup.

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