Franco Baresi's Perfect XI
Franco Baresi
Voted as the A.C. Milan player of the century in ’99, Franco Baresi, tells ” Four Four two ” Magazine about his All time Perfect 11 and as expected, he came up with one Classy lineup.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon
The Juventus and Azzurri stopper was selected as the goalkeeper.
“He was just 18 when I met him in his very first Serie-A match. Tall, agile, intuitive and with a strong personality, he does the most difficult things easily. An example for the next generation.”
The Michelangelo of Goalkeepers
Defenders
Ricardo Cafu
The A.C. Milan and Brazillian legendary player was selected as the right back.
“Exceptional athlete, and a great personality too. He played for 20 years and won everything. He’s the only man in history to have played in three World Cup finals- what else do you need?”
The evergreen Brazillian.
Paolo Maldini
A very predictable pick. The most coveted Milan player was picked at the centre back slot.
“We were team-mates for 15 years. We read each other’s brain;moved as if we were one person. He could play in every defensive role – extraordinary. Playing with him was a pleasure and an honour.”
No.3 Maldini
Alessandro Nesta
Nesta was selected to partner Maldini. A magnificent defensive pair who played together for Milan and the Azzurris for a long period.
“Fast and very technical, he has been playing for almost 20 years at the top level. He gets few yellow cards, and almost no reds- he always stops the attackers without fouling. Strong in the air too.”
Evergreen Nesta
Roberto Carlos
The former Real Madrid and Brazillian defender occupies the left back spot.
“In modern football the two ” laterals ” are fundamental, and he was one of the best ever in that role. Fast, powerful, very technical and his free-kicks were terrifying!”
The hard running Carlos.
Midfielders
Luis Figo
The magician from Real Madrid and Portugal plays on the right midfield.
“I was lucky because I never faced him during his Real Madrid period. When the ball was on his feet, it literally disappeared. If you want to keep the ball, pass it to Luis.”
Luis Figo – The Portugese Wizard.
Frank Rijkaard
Rijkaard, the Milan and Holland defensive beast is employed in the centre midfield role.
“The best midfielder I ever met, with all the qualities someone in his position could dream of. I’ve never seen another midfielder so good as a defender and as a striker. And what a physique!”
Rijkaard, the Dutch monster.
Zinedine Zidane
The ex Juventus and Real Madrid star, appears on the centre midfield.
“He was as elegant as a dancer- he even used the soles of his boots efficiently. Everything was easy for him; he made such movements that if I tried to copy them I would break my legs.”
Zidane at his best.
Ryan Giggs
A surprise, but nevertheless a deserving inclusion. The Manchester United veteran plays on the left flank.
“He is so intelligent- you notice that where ever he runs. He’s covered every midfield role, but I think he prefers the left side. He is a joy for everybody’s eyes…except, of course, the opponents!”
Ryan Giggs, never grows old.
Forwards
Diego Maradona
The phenomenon from Argentina, played for a while at Naples. He is used as a centre forward.
“The number one: one of the best players in football history. He demonstrated with both Argentina and Napoli that a genius always wins. He could even play alone and win.”
Maradona, the Napoli frontman.
Marco Van Basten
The sensational Milan and Dutch striker plays as the partner to Maradona. Technically, Van Basten is the most gifted player in the history of football.
“So elegant, he never seemed to sweat, but concrete too and with both feet and his head. His footsteps are evident in football history: who doesn’t know his goal in the Euro 1988 final?”
A Class apart, Marco Van Basten.
Substitutes
George Weah
The only African to win the World and European player of the year. Weah played for a memorable period with Milan.
“It seemed impossible for a man so strong and muscular to have such agility, but he managed it.”
Weah was voted the African player of the century.
Zvonimir Boban
Croatia never lost a match in which Boban scored. A well known figure at Milan, Boban is an honourable mention.
“Over a decade at Milan, and he was perfect in every midfield role- and he was also good in the defensive positions.”
Boban, a World Cup semi-finalist and a former Champions League winner.
Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro is the only defender to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year. The former Juventus player led the Azzurri’s World Cup winning team.
“Fast and always on time. He was not tall, but nevertheless he was almost unbeatable in the air.”
Fabio Cannavaro with the WC.
Manager
Carlo Ancelotti
The manager who led A.C.Milan to two Champions League triumphs in this fascinating decade.
“I know he wasn’t my manager, but I have to choose him because he is the perfect synthesis between Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, my favourite two!”
A manager whose team always displayed a unique brand of football.
The ” Pichinin ” has made a perfect 11, indeed!