Ok...I am NOT asking for your modern legends XI.
We've had too many "XI this" and "XI that" threads.
What I am asking you is, from the last 10-15 years, who has been the best player in every categorical position?
I mean, in each position, who has been that one player who has stood out for you? The one that you will tell your children about as soon as they are old enough to understand? The one that, at his peak, took your breath away.
Here is my take....
Goalkeeper:
Peter Schmeichel- Absolutely incredible career, I lost count how many Premiership titles he has won and to end his career with the treble is just what the man deserved. His FA Cup semi-final replay performance against Arsenal at Villa Park was one of the most heroic performances I have ever seen.
Defender:
Paolo Maldini- What can you say about the man? 4 European Cups, 4 Uefa Cups, seven-time Serie A champion, the only disappointment he has had in his career is at International Level with Italy. One of the best professionals to ever play the game. I also love the fact he has always stayed committed to the Milan cause despite temptations from elsewhere. I have a lot of respect and time for people like that, and to still go strong in his mid 30's just goes to show what a professional he is.
Midfielder (defensive):
Fernando Redondo- Im actually writing an article reflecting on his career which I will post soon on the Real Madrid XT forum, so you can read on there how I feel about him. I will post it next week.
Midfielder (attacking):
Zinedine Zidane- The french maestro has won everything there is to win and was the best player in the World for three years in a row at his peak. The critics can hate all they want about his tendency to pick and choose which games he wants to show up in, but does it matter when he shows up when it matters?! The guy has done it time and time again on the biggest stages and on his day he is still the most influential player in the World IMO. He is also responsible for the one sickest play I have ever witnessed in football on all platforms, I honestly thought nobody in their right mind could conjure that one up. It's going to live in my memory forever.
Striker:
Ronaldo- There is no doubt about it, Ronaldo at his peak was not from this planet. Right from his PSV days to his Barca days to his Brazil under-23 performances and his first season with Inter, the man was simply a machine. Ex-Barca coach Bobby Robson once said; "If Ronaldo didn't have knee ligament problems, we are talking about the greatest player to ever play the game. Take it from me." For those of us who were lucky enough to see the man play at his peak, and not forgetting he was only 20-22 years old at the time, Sir Bobby's comments do not come as a surprise. Even as a Real Madrid fan, tuning in to watch Barcelona in the 96/97 season was often my highlight of the week. The way he came back from injury to destroy the last World Cup (how much did Brazil suck without him?!) was also incredible and is the exact sort of accomplishment legends are made of. Despite all his problems with injuries and weight, he is still the best striker in the World for many, many people- which speaks volumes.
We've had too many "XI this" and "XI that" threads.
What I am asking you is, from the last 10-15 years, who has been the best player in every categorical position?
I mean, in each position, who has been that one player who has stood out for you? The one that you will tell your children about as soon as they are old enough to understand? The one that, at his peak, took your breath away.
Here is my take....
Goalkeeper:
Peter Schmeichel- Absolutely incredible career, I lost count how many Premiership titles he has won and to end his career with the treble is just what the man deserved. His FA Cup semi-final replay performance against Arsenal at Villa Park was one of the most heroic performances I have ever seen.
Defender:
Paolo Maldini- What can you say about the man? 4 European Cups, 4 Uefa Cups, seven-time Serie A champion, the only disappointment he has had in his career is at International Level with Italy. One of the best professionals to ever play the game. I also love the fact he has always stayed committed to the Milan cause despite temptations from elsewhere. I have a lot of respect and time for people like that, and to still go strong in his mid 30's just goes to show what a professional he is.
Midfielder (defensive):
Fernando Redondo- Im actually writing an article reflecting on his career which I will post soon on the Real Madrid XT forum, so you can read on there how I feel about him. I will post it next week.
Midfielder (attacking):
Zinedine Zidane- The french maestro has won everything there is to win and was the best player in the World for three years in a row at his peak. The critics can hate all they want about his tendency to pick and choose which games he wants to show up in, but does it matter when he shows up when it matters?! The guy has done it time and time again on the biggest stages and on his day he is still the most influential player in the World IMO. He is also responsible for the one sickest play I have ever witnessed in football on all platforms, I honestly thought nobody in their right mind could conjure that one up. It's going to live in my memory forever.
Striker:
Ronaldo- There is no doubt about it, Ronaldo at his peak was not from this planet. Right from his PSV days to his Barca days to his Brazil under-23 performances and his first season with Inter, the man was simply a machine. Ex-Barca coach Bobby Robson once said; "If Ronaldo didn't have knee ligament problems, we are talking about the greatest player to ever play the game. Take it from me." For those of us who were lucky enough to see the man play at his peak, and not forgetting he was only 20-22 years old at the time, Sir Bobby's comments do not come as a surprise. Even as a Real Madrid fan, tuning in to watch Barcelona in the 96/97 season was often my highlight of the week. The way he came back from injury to destroy the last World Cup (how much did Brazil suck without him?!) was also incredible and is the exact sort of accomplishment legends are made of. Despite all his problems with injuries and weight, he is still the best striker in the World for many, many people- which speaks volumes.
