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By Shivashankar
After
yet another fascinating year of football, it’s time to choose the best, among
the rest. We have seen European
championships, league sessions and a champions league finale in 2012 to pick
the best XI.
Goalkeeper:
Iker Casillas
The best Goalkeeper across Europe and the
world, without any doubt or any competition has to be Iker Casillas. Iker has
led Spain to another Euro triumph and Real Madrid to liga #32. La Liga #32
would be more special for Iker, as Real trashed Barcelona FC (resulting in Pep
G, running away from Spain) and the rest of the clubs for a record number of
goals and points.
Defenders:
Dani
Carvajal (RB)
Dani Carvajal is the best young RB at the
moment. He made his presence felt against Bayern Munich, his assist winning the
game for Leverkusen. In 15 games so far, he has four assists and one goal. Far
better than Dani Alves or Rafael.
Sergio
Ramos (CB)
When Jose Mourinho shifted him from RB to
CB, many eyebrows were raised. His performances have spoken volumes as a CB. For
Spain and Real, Ramos has been rock solid.
Raphael
Varane (CB)
Varane is perhaps the best young CB across
the globe. He snubbed Man Utd, as he wisely choose Real and develop his career
at the Bernabeu and he has rightly done so. Arial ability, knack of scoring
goals, dribbling, tackling, positioning, strength, what more?! Varane has it
all and rightly dubbed as the next Fernando Hierro.
Marcelo
(LB)
If you are in search of an excellent
attacking LB, you have Marcelo. He owns the left flank, along with CR and La
Liga knows how. Man City got a firsthand experience in the champions league.
Dortmund escaped punishment as Marcelo got injured. He has even featured in the
FIFpro XI, ahead of Lahm (if you are wondering why he is not mentioned here)
Midfielders:
Mesut
Ozil (CAM)
When someone says Iniesta/Xavi is the best
midfielder, punch their nose and ask for stats. Mesut Ozil has the most number
of assists across all of Europe, surpassing Iniesta, Pirlo, Xavi, CR, Lampard
or anyone. The best CAM, imo. Strange that he has not made it in FIFpro’s XI,
but he has been voted as the best German player.
Xabi
Alonso (CM)
His performances have dramatically improved
since his move from Liverpool. Xabi Alonso is the focal point in the midfield
for Real Madrid as well as Spain. He plays a far deeper role for Real, wherein
he dictates play. Has been used even as CB by Jose Mourinho, and the basque born
Spaniard has proven his worth everytime. Impressive Euro 2012 as well as a
stellar La Liga campaign.
Yaya
Toure (CM)
The versatile midfielder can shift gears
and can accommodate either defensively or join in the attack anytime. Played a
very big part in City’s BPL triumph.
Juan
Mata (RM)
Juan Mata is yet another product of “La
Fabrica”. Undoubtedly, one of the best midfielders in Europe and has won the
UCL in his debut season. Amazing performances has seen him cement his place in
Del Bosque’s all conquering side.
Cristiano
Ronaldo (LW)
CR is the man UEFA and FIFA love to hate
and er, also to cheat. A couple of season’s back, when he won the Golden Boot,
panelists took the view that even though he scored umpteen goals, his tally of
silverware was not impressive. In 2012, when he had a prolific scoring record
(both of club and country), coupled with a very very impressive La Liga
triumph, criteria’s were changed. Leo messi won again as he failed to win any
major silverware. Farce.
Forward:
Falcao (ST)
El Tigre, as Falcao is known is chased by a
lot of clubs for a staggering 40 million for him being a ‘complete striker’.
The one you get to see in FIFA. He can score with his head, both legs, assist
and dictate play.
Single handedly destroyed Chelsea in
European Super Cup finals. (messi has not scored a goal against Petr cech or is
he a complete striker, if you are wondering why he is not in the list)
Team
of the year: Real
Madrid- record breaking session and most feared team across Europe
Losers
of the year: Barcelona
– Messi won the Ballon d’Or, but what did Barca win? Mickey mouse cup and Pep
cowardly ran off from La Liga.
Cheaters
of the year – Barcelona
again. Penalties, red cards, unfair calls, you name it you have it. But it
was not Barcelona alone. Man Utd and Juventus come a close 2nd. No
wonder they are top of their respective leagues.
Cules, if you are wondering why there are none from Catalonia, here is the reply.
The talking (e)pic!
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