We often have PL XIs and World XIs posted on here but let’s take it to the next level.
GOAT XI
GK: Iker Casillas
LB: Nilton Santos
CB: Gaetano Scirea
CB: Franz Beckenbauer
RB: Sergio Ramos
CM: Zinedine Zidane
CM: Lothar Mattheus
LF: Cristiano Ronaldo
CAM: Diego Maradona
RF: Lionel Messi
CF: Pele
I know people will say Ramos is a CB, but he became World Champion playing RB and he has to be in the team.
Left-back was tricky, Maldini and Roberto Carlos just missed out. Nilton Santos won 2 World Cups for anyone who doesn’t know.
I’m not a fan of Zidane but he was the best fit for that CM spot. Xavi doesn’t have the physical presence, and Platini & Cruyff were too attacking in their play - they would unbalance the team.
The harshest omission is Garrincha. The only superstar to ever win 2 World Cup titles back-to-back. He won the second of those titles without Pele, who was injured. But I couldn’t put him ahead of Messi or Maradona.
All-time Starting XI
posted on 23/6/20
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
George Best has to be in there
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who would you drop for him?
Also, judging by your username, did u see Garrincha play? I’ve read he was probably the best dribbler ever. Was Best as good as him?
posted on 23/6/20
comment by #LiquidGenius (U20571)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
George Best has to be in there
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who would you drop for him?
Also, judging by your username, did u see Garrincha play? I’ve read he was probably the best dribbler ever. Was Best as good as him?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't see a lot of Garrincha but I saw nearly every game George played
. Garrincha from the little I've seen was at least as good. But George was a better all round footballer, good in the air, could tackle, he was a genuine great.
posted on 23/6/20
I'd drop Christiano for him.
posted on 23/6/20
comment by RB&W (U21434)
posted 2 hours, 25 minutes ago
still the best I have seen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I kind of preferred Van der Sar to Schmeichel. It's hardy to say he was a better keeper - he was certainly less flamboyant, with fewer headline saves (which is why Van der Sar would probably look out of place in an all-time XI while Schmeichel would not). But Van der Sar was such a steady, reliable presence, and I felt safer when he was there. Schmeichel was probably the right keeper for the more cavalier United sides of 92-94 and 99, but Van der Sar epitomised the sheer quality of the 2007-2009 team.
posted on 23/6/20
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 44 minutes ago
comment by RB&W (U21434)
posted 2 hours, 25 minutes ago
still the best I have seen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I kind of preferred Van der Sar to Schmeichel. It's hardy to say he was a better keeper - he was certainly less flamboyant, with fewer headline saves (which is why Van der Sar would probably look out of place in an all-time XI while Schmeichel would not). But Van der Sar was such a steady, reliable presence, and I felt safer when he was there. Schmeichel was probably the right keeper for the more cavalier United sides of 92-94 and 99, but Van der Sar epitomised the sheer quality of the 2007-2009 team.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It was like playing with your dad behind you, in a good way.
posted on 23/6/20
Nicely put, 52
posted on 23/6/20
VDS was solid. I remember wanting Arsenal to sign him when he was still at Fulham.
I’d have him behind Schmeichel & Cech in the PL era though.
posted on 24/6/20
No one makes all time XIs because 99% of football fans haven't seen most of these greats play on a regular basis.
This 2000s onwards front six looks tasty though:
----------------Makele------------------
--------Zidane---------------------------
---------------------Ronaldinho--------
--Messi------Ronaldo-------CR7--
posted on 24/6/20
I kind of preferred Van der Sar to Schmeichel. It's hardy to say he was a better keeper - he was certainly less flamboyant, with fewer headline saves (which is why Van der Sar would probably look out of place in an all-time XI while Schmeichel would not). But Van der Sar was such a steady, reliable presence, and I felt safer when he was there. Schmeichel was probably the right keeper for the more cavalier United sides of 92-94 and 99, but Van der Sar epitomised the sheer quality of the 2007-2009 team.
______________
I've always wondered why VDS escaped any form of criticism for his performances in our two CL final losses against Barca.
If I remember correctly, he conceded the opening goal at his near post in both those finals. I'd also say he should've done better for Messi's long shot in the second final. So 3/5 goals I'd say he was partly at fault. Other than that though, he was near faultless for us and IMO, a better overall keeper than DDG, but not quite Schmeicel
posted on 24/6/20
Very harsh to blame VDS for Pedro's goal. Vidic was ball watching and Pedro done him with the eyes.