It has been a full 10 days since the FIFA World Cup 2010 ended but the fever still prevails. iSporter Pulasta Dhar tries to solve a dilemma of picking his WC XI squad.
This world cup will be known for its highs and lows and remarkable records. The first time on African soil, it turned out to be a mega success and bookmakers have already tipped the tournament to return to South Africa 16 years down the line. Picking a best XI squad is never easy when there is so much talent available. On the basis of performance and a hint of personal prejudice, here is my squad:
GOALKEEPER: Richard Kingson
Kingson almost single handedly took charge of matters and it was his incredible saves that kept his team in the running till the Quarter Finals. If it was not his hands that made the saves, then his outstretched legs were in the way. During corners, his reflexes were impeccable from point blank range headers. He was undoubtedly my first choice keeper.
CENTRE BACK: Lucio
It doesn’t matter if you call him Lucio or The Animal. The Inter Milan defender had a wonderful time at his club keeping out incessant attacks from the Barcelona squad that were out to decimate the Italians and he carried his form into the WC. After what I have seen, he can never…..never be pushed out of the way. For that, you need Muhammad Ali.
CENTRE BACK: Carles Puyol
What has this man not achieved? Puyol, though small in stature has made it work for him when it comes to out pacing his opponents or cutting through the air to head the ball during set-pieces. One such flyer was what ruined Germany’s hopes and his defending was impeccable.
RIGHT BACK: Phillip Lahm
It was either him or Sergio Ramos. But when it came to exemplary football, Lahm won the race easily. He was absolutely solid at the back and a supreme crosser of the ball when he was in the attacking half. Lahm was a youngster leading a pack of boys and he did it wonderfully. He also had the confidence to come out and say that he wanted to retain the armband.
LEFT BACK: FABIO CONTREAO
You might think why this chap. But he was the only player that made the Portuguese think that they had a chance of performing better than expected. Contreao has had a terrific season at his club and is also the number one choice of Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex in case their high profile left-backs move in the summer. This player is one to watch.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Mark van Bommel
For a player who is knows to break bones more than attacks, this tournament is where he showed grace, poise and brilliance to win the ball back. Just a couple of yellow cards up until the last game was a surprise to everyone and his ability to slow down attacks and game-play was excellent. He also knows how to make a foul not look like one.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Wesley Sneijder
Not Iniesta, not Xavi, not Kaka, but yes, Wesley Sneijder. Simply brilliant on the ball and an eye for a pass that no one else could make out. He can take free-kicks, shoot from distance and assist players with such class that currently I hold him in the highest regard in European football. He had competition from Mesut Oezil here, but the German still has some years till he becomes like the Dutch no.10
LEFT WINGER: Lionel Messi
He might not have got tons of goals, but he was the one around whom the Argentinian game was revolving. I personally think he would have been more effective if restricted to the wings, but Maradona gave him the freedom to roam around everywhere. He was still a constant thorn to defenders and he will make any squad of mine. Cristiano Ronaldo could have been here, but he didn’t do anything to prove a point at World level.
RIGHT WINGER: Arjen Robben
There was no doubt about this. Arjen is world class. He can run with the ball almost as good as Messi and his shots in the corner of the net are inch perfect. He has the best chance of the game against Spain and it was injustice to his talent that Casillas’s heel denied him probably the best moment of his life. He also showed how important he is to his team by travelling injured and scoring in all the important games…..not only with his feet, but also his head.
DEEP LYING STRIKER: Diego Forlan
He was at times breath-taking. Any hopes of a World Cup victory were resting on this 31 year old’s shoulders. He has finally taken his name off the list of high profile flops at United, not by scoring goals for the Reds, but by proving what he has at the highest level. He was the only player to have mastered controlling the Jabulani and goalkeeper’s would fear every attempt of his. The electric blue eyes were burning with passion and match his national colours all for a reason….he is their hero.
OUT-AND-OUT STRIKER: David Villa
It could have been Miroslav Klose, but David Villa’s ability to be at the right time and the right place is unmatched. He always kept defenders guessing and it is high time he got recognized in a World Cup. Some brilliant goals and great support to his midfielders is what any manager would opt for. Villa is now headed to Barcelona where I am sure he will succeed at club level too.
SUBSTITUTES: Casillas (GK), Sergio Ramos, Maicon, Walter Samuel, Mesut Oezil, Thomas Mueller and Sergio Busqeuts. These guys cover all bases and can be deployed at various positions.
Feel free to comment. I’m sure I have missed out on a lot of players just by forgetting about them while writing this instinctive piece.
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