Your Best 11 Ever
by Sweet science on Jun 12, 2011 2:42 PM BST
Email
PrintThe Title say's it all really. End of season can be a little slow, so how about a little D-scussion :)
Any Team. Any Era. Any Formation. (Hell you could pick a 1-1-8 if it so damm pleases you) if you really want, pick a bench and a manager. My team is after the jump. Just as a note, I have used players more from my life time (with one or two exceptions), as I have seen them play, and know what positions I would like them in.
Keeper - Peter Schmeichael (Apoligies to the big dane for the spelling). Do I really need to justify this pick on a United forum?? Massive stature behind the back four. Great shot stopper, fantastic 1 on ones. Ideal
RB - Really struggled to find a RB. Prehaps there is an obvious choice that is just slipping my mind. In the end I plumped for Dani Alves. Another very fast player, nota shabby defender but lethal when going forward.
LB - Roberto Carlos - Rapid..... Great attacking. Can hit a free kick (I think it was against France when he scored that fantastic swerving effort with the outside of his foot) And not excatly the worst defensivley either
CB - Bobby Moore - A fantastic reader of the game defensively. A man of principle. A born leader. And as an Englishman, it would be a crime not to put him in :)
CB - Paulo Maldini - What a player. Played mostly at Centre back, but in later years, switched to LB. Played into his 40's for AC Milan and his level of play did not drop as age went by. A player SAF coveted but never got his hands on.
DM - Franz Beckenbeur - The Kaiser. Another Defensive genius. Can play just in front of the defence and his distribution was so good, that he can link defence and attack.
CAM - Zinidene Zidane - Such a graceful player. A master at dead balls. He had the ball under his spell in possesion. Can dribble around you, or play a pass. Fantastic Vision.The skills in his locker are deep.
CAM - Zico - The Brazilian playmaker had an amazing goal scoring record for his country. Great dead ball player
LW - Ronaldinho - How many Barcalona players get a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu? He did for an outstanding performance in his prime against Real. He tore them apart. His dribbiling skill set is one of the best to grace the beautiful game. And he sure knew how to play beautifuly.
STK - Ronaldo - The Brazilian, record goal scorer for his country (unless im mistaken) is IMO the best finisher the game has produced. Pace, Power and prescision. Lethal. On his day one of the greatest.
RW - Lionel Messi - The best player to play the game. Certainly in my lifetime. As small as he is, it is an impossible task to knock him off the ball. Fantastic finisher one on one. His goal scoring record is sensational. But he is so much more than that. His first touch, his short passing, off the ball movement. He is a defender's nightmare.
Manager - Fergie
Before anyone say's how could you leave out Pele and Maradona. I will just say that I base this on how much I have seen of the players, and of course personal preference. It is such a subjective discussion anyway.
Cheers for reading
This FanPost represents the view of the member who posts it and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Busby Babe or SB Nation.
48 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
This sounds fun...
I will definitely get to this later… but I might just submit my best XI since I can vividly remember… my earliest football memories are USA ’94.
quick right-back suggestion… the idol of the da Silva twins – Cafu
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
the man with about 6 lungs
jesus how could I forget him
by Sweet science on Jun 12, 2011 10:33 PM BST up reply actions
I thought this would be a fun discussion for those that wish to participate...
therefore, I’m putting this on the front page so that it’s easier to see. Sweet science has submitted a pretty formidable side in a 4-3-3 shape… anyone care to challenge his team?
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
how would this United XI stack up to his team?
I should probably build a United side in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape… otherwise, you risk the likelihood of being completely overrun in the center of the pitch. Since I never saw Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Denis Law, Duncan Edwards, etc play… I’ll keep it to those I’ve seen the mid to late 90s when I became a United supporter as a kid.
4-3-3
GK- VDS (since Schmeichel was chosen)
LB – Evra
CB- Rio
CB- Vida
RB- GNev
CM- Keano
CM- Hargo
CM- Sat Nav (Scholes)
LW- Giggsy
CF- CR7
RW- Wazza
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
Don't know if Hargreaves warrents a spot
He only had… what…. One good season?
Maybe Nicky Butt if you want a holding midfielder
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 10:51 AM BST up reply actions
Have you picked up yet...
on how much I loved Hargo? I become sad when I think about what happened these past few years…
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
He really was a top player
But he spent too much time getting to know the physio
Don’t get me wrong, if we had him and Fletcher fit in two pretty big games (you know the ones) over the last 3 years, we could have 5 Champions league titles
Maybe
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:31 PM BST up reply actions
One
GREAT season.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jun 14, 2011 10:49 PM BST up reply actions
For United
several for Bayern before that. Other than Keane the most talented defensive midfielder we have had the last 10 years. Imho.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jun 15, 2011 1:55 AM BST up reply actions
You can't count the Bayern season's for a United team :)
Veron might sneak in otherwise… Maybe Forlan
I agree your second sentence. But we still only had 1 year out of him. Unless you count the 5 minutes Vs Wolves this season
by Sweet science on Jun 15, 2011 11:56 AM BST up reply actions
I guess it depends if you are basing it on
ability or service to the club.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jun 18, 2011 1:14 AM BST up reply actions
all-time side
I might have to give this more thought but on the top of my head – again, I’m going on the players that I’ve seen in my lifetime…
4-3-3
GK- Schmeichel
RB- Cafu
CB- Maldini
CB- Vidic
LB- Roberto Carlos
CDM- Makelele
CM- Scholes
CAM – Zidane
RW- Messi
ST- Ronaldo
LW- Cristiano Ronaldo
so hard for me to leave out Xavi… but I’ll still take Scholes over him.
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
I was sorely tempted by Makalele in the holding role
by Sweet science on Jun 13, 2011 12:03 PM BST up reply actions
At least you could make a case for Der Kaiser
If you have a holding midfielder, there’s very few players that could even have a case over Makalele
by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 14, 2011 12:40 AM BST up reply actions
good read on Beckenbauer and liberos
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/chalkboarding-the-past-liberos/
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
From players soley from my own life time, roughly the same period of yourself
GK – Schmeichel
RB – Cafu (changed from Dani Alves after my slip of the mind)
CB – Vidic
CB – Puyol
LB – Maldini
Lets go 4-4-2 (4-4-1-1 hybrid)
RM – C. Ronaldo
CM – Xavi
CM – Scholes
LM – Giggs
AM-CF – Riquelme – I know I could get some stick for this one, but in his prime he was a joy to watch. Just in that hole, so hard to pick up, had sublime talent.
STR – Ronaldo
Obviosuly I have some different players from the 1st team I put up. This is to combat the different fromation. Maldini to LB for a more defensive mindset. Scholes to sit in while Xavi and Riquelme rome.
Just realised I have missed Messi
by Sweet science on Jun 13, 2011 12:29 PM BST up reply actions
Jesus, what a topic!
This is one to keep you awake all night! I’ll go for a 4-3-3, one that looks quite weak defensively but would need ‘Barca’ -style’ pressing for getting the ball back.
GK: Edwin Van Der Saar Perhaps it is nostalgia, but all those great saves keep coming back to my mind! Can’t think of anybody better between the posts.
RB: Cafu Frankly, no choice on this one. Alves might one day be comparable, but when I think right back, there is only one darned name that ever pops up!
CB: Jaap Stam Surprised to see nobody mention probably our greatest ever defender. He had everything. Strength. Speed. Positional sense.
CB: Nesta My own wet dream: Nesta and Staam together in United backline. I reckon they’d have complemented each other quite well too.
LB: Roberto Carlos I think there might be defensively sounder choices, but this is a team that uses its fullbacks as wingers so…
CDM: Roy Keane The man. The machine. Fergie, I want Roy back! Or at least somebody even remotely like him! Roy in front of Nesta/Staam? Impenetratable defense!
RCM: Paul Scholes My opinion: the greatest midfielder that I have ever seen on a football field. If he was a bit more flashy, a bit more egoist and a bit more attention seeker, he would have certainly been in the pantheon of greats alongside Zidane/Pele/Maradonna/et al. But Paul just wanted to hit trees from 40 yards out.
LCM: Zinedine Zidane The 2nd greatest midfielder I’ve seen on the football field. Complimenting Scholes, I reckon he’d do a good job.
RW: Lionel Messi I think total football and I think Messi. The kid really just wants the ball and can make it talk! Would have preferred him at center, but then….
CF: Johann Cruyff I don’t quite know whom I liked best, Scholes or Cruyff… but for my no. 10, it has to be the man himself. I’d like him to coach the team too while he’s at it!
LW: Diego Maradonna Don’t reckon Diego would like a team not built around him, but I’d still want him in mine. On the football field, there is no better magician. No, not even Messi.
Playing style: Total Football
Manager: Johann Cruyff/ Sir Alex
good stuff
I considered Stam
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
Player manager Cruyff lol
That is a hell of a team
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 10:54 AM BST up reply actions
Love that quote too
On Messi
I think total football and I think Messi. The kid really just wants the ball and can make it talk!
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:51 PM BST up reply actions
Offtopic
Apparently Phil Jones signed
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/13/manchester-united-16m-signing-phil-jones
GK- Schmeikel
D-Vidic
D-Beckenbauer
D-Moore
M- Figo
M-Giggs
M-Zidane Manager- Sir Alex
M-Becks
F-Eusebio
F-Maradona
F- Sir Bobby
For Horton
Not quite sure if Becks could squeeze in
But il forgive you for putting Sir Bobby in :)
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 10:55 AM BST up reply actions
I like the 3-4-3!
and I’m always in awe when I see footage of Eusebio.
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
Roberto Carlos from the right side and Cristiano from the left?
as a former goalkeeper myself, I would stab any of my defenders if they conceded a free kick to a side with both of them.
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
4-5-1
GK – Schmeichel
RB – Gary Neville
CB – Foulkes
CB – Bruce
LB – Irwin
RW – Best
LW – Giggs
CM – Charlton
CM – Edwards
ACM – Cristiano Ronaldo
F – Law
Bench:
Nobby Stiles
Bryan Robson
Roy Keane
Paul Scholes
Rio Ferdinand
David Beckham
Eric Cantona
Billy Meredith
Manager:
Fergie
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jun 13, 2011 10:03 PM BST reply actions
I really wanted a spot for Cantona on my team
If I build a side in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1… I’d probably try to put him into that side.
Editor and Writer for SB Nation's Manchester United blog, 'The Busby Babe'
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
"ROOOONEY!.... It defies description. How about spectacular?...How about superb?"
Thing is
I think I rate Rooney slightly more than Cantona
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 10:49 AM BST up reply actions
Maybe in 3 or 4 more years
I would put Rooney ahead of Cantona.
But keep in mind that as recently as 2 or 3 seasons ago Cantona was voted greatest ever United player. That’s pretty high praise. And he was a very special player.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jun 14, 2011 10:51 PM BST up reply actions
Really I find that surprising
He had more aura than anyone ever to pull the shirt on but Georgie Best was far ahead of him in terms of skill.
My all time favorite quote on Cantona (all hail the king) was Roy Keane’s
“Collar turned up, back straight, chest stuck out, he glided into the arena as if he owned the fucking place. Any arena, but nowhere more effectively than Old Trafford. This was his stage. He loved it, the crowd loved him”
Check out my pic a day for a year project-
Life Through My Lens
Again I would state,
If I watch Cantona on TV as much as I watch Rooney (week in, week out) maybe I would have a different opinion. Maybe Im just a little too young. When he left in 97 (I think) I was 7.
As for being United’s greatest player…. Really not for me…. Best, Charlton Giggs and Scholes are above him for me
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:34 PM BST up reply actions
They are probably for me too
but he was beloved by the fans. He had more to do with this era of success than perhaps any other player. If you go back and watch some of the seasons we won the championship with Cantona in the team and count the number of goals he scored to secure points it is astounding. Rooney is great. But only the last 3-4 seasons has been playing at a level even close to Cantona’s.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jun 15, 2011 1:57 AM BST up reply actions
Interesting topic for sure!
GK- Lev Yashin (I’ve watched a ton of clips on this guy and he was simply amazing, but he’ll be my only pick outside of my time)
RB- Cafu
CB- Nesta
CB- Desailly
LB- Maldini (my all time favorite player)
CM- Scholes
CM- Zidane
AMR- Christiano Ronaldo
AML- Best (ok slightly out of my range but couldn’t resist)
ST- Romario
ST- Van Basten
Man that was really difficult in some areas
Check out my pic a day for a year project-
Life Through My Lens
I'd probably switch Ronaldo and Best
Ronaldo cutting in from the left on to that deadly right foot. Where’s Best could just dribble round any which way he liked!
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 10:31 AM BST up reply actions
Good point
I think that would be a good idea.
Check out my pic a day for a year project-
Life Through My Lens
And I had completly forgotten about Nesta
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:02 AM BST up reply actions
One of my all time favorites
I was always a full back when I played so I tend to have a thing for defenders :)
Check out my pic a day for a year project-
Life Through My Lens
Left back
in the dressing room?
Me too :)
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:35 PM BST up reply actions
Tough, tough decisions
GK – Oliver Kahn This is a pretty subjective position, but for me it’s Kahn. The big German was IMO the best ever. The guy is still a youngster, but clearly one of the best attackers from a wing position to ever play the game. In a few years he’ll be in the discussion of best ever.
RB – Lilian Thuram – Unreal stamina and speed, he was a great blend of attack and defense and a key player for France for many years. He’s also quite capable at playing in the center of the defense or on the right wing.
CB – Paulo Maldini – Most of you are familiar, great anchor of a great defense for a long time
CB – Franz Beckenbauer – Probably the greatest and most influential defender of all time, he also happens to be my all time favorite player. I was fortunate enough to get his autograph at a Cosmos game in my youth.
LB – Ruud Krol – Probably the greatest defender in dutch history, he could play anywhere on the line. His blend of attack and defense led to his best work being on the left.
DM – Claude Makalele – The guy was never flashy, but he redefined the holding midfield role. With the fullbacks and attackers I have in this squad, Makalele is the perfect glue guy to protect the defense.
CM – Zinadine Zidane – He’s an all time great, and recent enough that everyone here has probably seen him to know what he brings to the table.
CM – Diego Maradona – Usually more of an off striker, he did occasionally play in an attacking midfield role. For all his goal scoring ability, his runs and passing were just as capable of unlocking a moment of brilliance. He’d be a great partner for Zidane behind Cruyff
RW – Messi
CF – Johan Cruyff - Once again, an all time great talent. He played several positions all over the attack, but for my 11 he’s going to man the center forward slot. I’m not looking for a target man anyway, as the guys to the wings and just behind are all supremely capable of making runs as well.
LW – Pele - One of the all time greats to play the game, he was one that was capable of playing anywhere in the attack and still being the best player on the pitch. He compares a lot to Wayne Rooney in that regard, except with footwork, vision, and a skillset that rivals any of the all time greats.
by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 14, 2011 12:09 AM BST reply actions
Here it is again without all the strikethroughs...
GK – Oliver Kahn This is a pretty subjective position, but for me it’s Kahn. The big German was IMO the best ever.
RB – Lilian Thuram – Unreal stamina and speed, he was a great blend of attack and defense and a key player for France for many years. He’s also quite capable at playing in the center of the defense or on the right wing.
CB – Paulo Maldini – Most of you are familiar, great anchor of a great defense for a long time
CB – Franz Beckenbauer – Probably the greatest and most influential defender of all time, he also happens to be my all time favorite player. I was fortunate enough to get his autograph at a Cosmos game in my youth.
LB – Ruud Krol – Probably the greatest defender in dutch history, he could play anywhere on the line. His blend of attack and defense led to his best work being on the left.
DM – Claude Makalele – The guy was never flashy, but he redefined the holding midfield role. With the fullbacks and attackers I have in this squad, Makalele is the perfect glue guy to protect the defense.
CM – Zinadine Zidane – He’s an all time great, and recent enough that everyone here has probably seen him to know what he brings to the table.
CM – Diego Maradona – Usually more of an off striker, he did occasionally play in an attacking midfield role. For all his goal scoring ability, his runs and passing were just as capable of unlocking a moment of brilliance. He’d be a great partner for Zidane behind Cruyff
RW – Messi The guy is still a youngster, but clearly one of the best attackers from a wing position to ever play the game. In a few years he’ll be in the discussion of best ever.
CF – Johan Cruyff – Once again, an all time great talent. He played several positions all over the attack, but for my 11 he’s going to man the center forward slot. I’m not looking for a target man anyway, as the guys to the wings and just behind are all supremely capable of making runs as well.
LW – Pele – One of the all time greats to play the game, he was one that was capable of playing anywhere in the attack and still being the best player on the pitch. He compares a lot to Wayne Rooney in that regard, except with footwork, vision, and a skillset that rivals any of the all time greats.
by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 14, 2011 12:10 AM BST up reply actions
my best 11
1 the great dane : best keeper ever , won it all with united and even helped denmark win the euro’s
2 carloz alberto (brazil ) scored the wonder goal in the 1970 world cup final http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZkR5Wb2KQs&feature=related
3 zambrotta : exceleet player , the ryan giggs of full backs
4 franco baresi : linchpin of the great milan team of the 80’s and 90’s
5 paul mc grath : played for years without ever being able to train and was voted on the best 11 of the 1990 world cup . one of ferguson’s only mistakes
6 bobby charlton : scored a record 48 goals for england and won a world cup in 66 . european footballer of the year and united legend . all hail sir bobby
7 george best : top 10 players in the world ever . on a team with charlton and law ,it was best that the fans paid to see .
8 diego maradona : best player i have ever seen . won the 1986 world cup on his own , changed napoli from a lowly italian club to winning seria A all by himself .
9 marco van basten : best striker ever , scored bag fulls of goals for milan and helped holland win euro 88 with this goal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOgOmEUiqOg
10 pele : “only player better was george best” said pele , so thats good enough for me
11 johan cryuff : legend , best football brain of all my 11 players . changed how the world played football . did things never seen before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjGbB0_fUXA
1 the great dane : best keeper ever , won it all with united and even helped denmark win the euro’s
Lindergaard…. bit soon for him maybe
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:36 PM BST up reply actions
Zambrotta is a good pick
out n out full back
by Sweet science on Jun 14, 2011 11:38 PM BST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
