My Best XI of the Decade (2002-2012)
I’ll start by saying that when asked if I was interested in doing this piece – I jumped at it. However, the more and more I thought about it, the more it had me scratch my head.
To come up with the best XI from an Arsenal perspective would be a hard enough prospect – so to add the rest of the world and the task becomes all the more hard.
For the purposes of the article – I’ll be fielding a 4-4-2*
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon
The most expensive goalkeeper of all time, Gianluigi Buffon is whom I have plumped for. Iker Casillas ran him close, but Buffon’s domineering presence, stupendous saves, and fierce loyalty to Juventus despite relegation is why the Italian pipped Iker for me.
He has represented Italy in four world cups, and has surpassed the 100 cap mark. His reliability and professionalism has seen Buffon ranked so highly by his peers and opposition alike.
My greatest memories of Gianluigi Buffon have to be the 2006 World Cup – in which he helped Italy go all the way and win the competition. The save that he will be most remembered for is the header from Zidane in the final, a truly remarkable save.
Right Back: Dani Alves
I’ve never seen a wing-back with the same attacking intent as this buccaneering Brazillian. Combine his iron lungs, amazing technique with a great work rate and passion, and you have a fine player. A criticism leveled at Alves is because of his poor defensive ability – but this is simply untrue.
His pace and determination more than make up for his slightly poor positioning. Despised by opposition fans, Dani Alves is a player who delivers on all occasions.
He has become pivotal to all of Barcelona’s success. Who would have thought that when he transferred from Bahia to Sevilla in 2002?
Left Back: Roberto Carlos
This was one of the easiest decisions for me. Roberto Carlos was simply an amazing player at Real Madrid. He was always moving up and down the left wing unlike player that we had previously seen in football. The World Cup of 2002 was an eye-opener for me, as I saw Cafu and Carlos redefine the role of side-backs into wing-backs.
Imagine if he had a thunderbolt left foot from which he scored countless free-kicks? Oh wait, he did. Carlos had it all. This was a no-brainer for me.
Centre Backs: Fabio Cannavaro & Nemanja Vidic
Despite not being a domineering presence, Fabio Cannavaro seemed to grow two feet every time he stepped on the field. With well over 100 caps for Italy, and his remarkable ability to anticipate opposition attacks, Fabio became the first ever defender to win the Ballon D’or.
Fabio Cannavaro was a real inspirational captain – and is one I would have in my team anytime.
Paired with Cannavaro – I would have the current lynchpin of the Manchester United defence, Nemanja Vidic.
Nemanja has been a revelation since moving from Spartak Moscow to Manchester United. His aerial ability is very useful both offensively and defensively. The aggressive defensive style employed by the Serbian has led to him becoming a fans favourite at Old Trafford.
Right Midfielder/Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo
Simply a phenomenal player. The Portuguese player has had an amazing career so far, with spells at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United and now Real Madrid.
He is perhaps one of the best ‘athletes’ we have ever seen – with his scary combination of pace and power, not forgetting his stupendous ability to score with either foot, Ronaldo is perhaps the most ‘complete’ player I’ve ever seen.
It was just where I would fit him in the squad which was my only dilemma.
Left Midfielder/Winger: Ronaldinho
It would be hard to find a better natural talent than the goofy Brazillian. During his time at Barcelona, he lit up grounds around Europe – even earning a standing ovation after a stunning performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldinho will be remembered for his great tricks, amazing dribbling and instinctive finishing ability. However, the thing which will stick in my mind is the fact he always played with a smile on his face.
Central Midfielders: Steven Gerrard and Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is undoubtedly one the best footballers ever to grace the planet. His volley against Bayer Leverkusen sums up his career – spectacular. He single-handedly carried France to the 2006 World Cup final – before a lapse of his usual professionalism saw him see red in his final game. It was a sour end to an otherwise amazing career.
Gerrard is a player I picked due to many reasons. His ability to drag his team through bad situations, the fact he never shied away from the big game and his spectacular technique.
Strikers: Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry
Is there anything left to say about Lionel Messi than that hasn’t already been said? The man is quite simply the best player I have ever seen play the beautiful game. He delivers when it matters, when it doesn’t, and when it seems impossible.
He’s scored in two Champions League finals, won three Ballon D’or’s and has been the catalyst for Barcelona’s recent success. It is criminal not to pick Messi in a Best XI list.
Much more open to debate is the other striker. I’ve gone for ‘the King’, Thierry Henry. During his time at Arsenal, he scored 228 goals, and won plaudit after plaudit, whilst winning two league titles and countless other medals.
Thierry Henry has also picked up a European Championship medal and a World Cup medal – before adding a Champions League medal to his collection.
Added to that, he played for Arsenal , so the nostalgia of him blessing my great club shunts him straight into the side for me.