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GK – Robert Green, Queens Park Rangers
One of the highlights of 2010 was Robert Green’s slip up against the United States in the FIFA World Cup. Green makes my squad because there is no possible scenario that could be worse than that mistake – literally every save he makes is guaranteed to never be that bad, and with odds like that, I’ll take him over Casillas, every day.
RCB – Cafú, Brazil/AC Milan
Oh captain, my captain. Cafú had a tremendous influence in my footballing formative years, captaining Brazil to a World Cup title in Japan/South Korea in 2002. I was only nine years old but those yellow shirts still resonate with me.
CB – Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
One of the best up-and-coming centerbacks in the world, Hummels is a physical presence in both Dortmund and Germany’s backlines and will surely be the target of a big move in the coming years. Whether it’s Real Madrid or Manchester City, one thing’s for certain; Hummels has got the skill to thrive.
LCB – Adrian Cann, Toronto FC
The friendliest and most accommodating player I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Cann is always good for a quote here or an anecdote there, and always, always has a smile on his face. His excellent taste in pie (pumpkin, in case you were wondering) makes him an easy pick in my top XI.
CDM – Gennaro Gattuso, AC Milan
Basically I know that if I was a head coach I’d be carded (if my behaviour while playing FIFA 13’s manager mode is any indication), so I need a player like Gattuso to deflect attention off of me and give the referee a clear target for his yellow and reds. Also, he looks like he’d make a decent gladiator, which comes in handy on the field.
CM – Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid
Zidane was the first player that impressed me. While trying to learn the game of football, I thought certain moves to be impossible, but time and time again, Zidane’s first touch and skill on the ball shattered that notion.
LAM – Kaká, Real Madrid (Captain)
There was a year where I was obsessed with Kaká and he is, to this day, my favourite player. Every football fan has that one player they will always remember and for me, it’s Kaká. I dream he captains Brazil to a World Cup victory in a couple years – now that would be something special.
CAM – Frank Lampard, Chelsea FC
It’s no secret that Toronto is split between Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool fans, but as a Chelsea fan *ducks under the table* Frank Lampard is an example for every footballer out there. His work rate, his production, his dedication to both club and country make him stand out in a world of very good midfielders.
RAM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shakhtar Donetsk
If you haven’t heard of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, he’s the Armenian international who gave Canada a headache during the two country’s encounter in Cyprus. Mkhitaryan may be playing his football in Ukraine, but a move to Juventus is all but certain – his goal against Italy turned heads and his level of skill is impressive, too.
ST – David Villa, Valencia Barcelona
Fine! Have him then. It’s not like he was my favourite player when he donned a Valencia shirt. It’s not like I dedicated hours watching him playing for my favourite team. I guess Villa being the first player jersey I ever bought just doesn’t matter to you, Pep. Just go ahead and take him, Barcelona, you jerks.
ST – Neymar, Santos
He’s the best player in the world. Not Lionel Messi, not Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar.
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