The Bench XI - The world's best who aren't able to get a game

In the ruthless world of club football, reputations do not count for much, as players, regardless of how famous and experienced, earn one of the 11 coveted starting spots for their clubs based on recent performances and form.

In the process, there have been many big names thrown by the wayside, as managers, unconvinced of their ability to perform on a regular basis, have chosen to bench them and risk a backlash over playing them without any results.

Here is a team made of players who you would think would walk into almost any team in the world, but cannot buy a place on theirs.

GK – Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

2012 – Part of the UEFA Team of the Year.

2013 – Benchwarmer and second-choice behind a keeper who got relegated from La Liga in 2012.

This is the state of affairs for one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, who despite being 32 years of age, which many suggest is a custodian’s prime, is unable to find a game in goal for lifelong club Real Madrid.

Many thought that Casillas’ spat with Jose Mourinho was the sole reason for his absence from the starting XI last season, but Carlo Ancelotti has stuck with Diego Lopez as the club’s first-choice keeper this time as well, leading Spain’s number one to contemplate a move away from the club.