Hey all, was thinking this during the game yesterday. If you could choose any 11 players to field against barca, who would it be? The only rule is that the players still have to be currently playing professional football, although not necessarily in their prime. If selected, their ability would be considered as if they were still in their prime. (It'll make more sense when I post my team I hope).
I'll start off with my team:
GK- Buffon -IMO one of the greatest goalkeepers during his prime several years ago
RB-Maicon-I remember he did very well against Barca in 2010 although he's fallen off big time since then
CB-Vidic and Thiago silva-These two together would have pace, strength and defensive ability in abundance making it extremely difficult for the Barca attack to breakdown
LB-Ashley cole- Several years ago he would've provided both solid defensive cover and and serious attacking threat. Although I remember messi toying with him even before he was a regular so maybe a wrong choice?
RW-C.Ronaldo-Do I even need to justify this one?
DM-Essien- Before his knee injury he was one of the best in providing defensive cover and converting defence into attack. Would do a very good job against Barca's midfield trio.
MC- Scholes and Pirlo-Both are majestic midfielders that can keep hold of possession with neat passing as well being able to provide killer assists. Pirlo also had some devastating set pieces. IMO they're just as good as xavi and iniesta.
LW-Giggs-In his prime was the best LW in the world, his pace and skill would've caused Barca no end of problems
ST-Henry-his pace, agility and footballing skill as well as knack for scoring goals would've given the Barca defence a run for their money.
I've chosen a 4-5-1 formation as I believe its the only way to compete with Barca in midfield. The team I've chose seems to be quite attacking (particularly the full backs) and this might create a few holes at the back, but I think this might be the only way to ensure Barca don't enjoy free reign of the game. I would've selected Roberto carlos, cannavoro and Brazillian Ronaldo but unfortunately I found out they all recently retired.
So what's your starting 11?
Admins can you please multi-board? Thanks
Current players XI to beat Barca
posted on 4/4/12
I'd be tempted to go for Neuer in goal. I consider Cadillas to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but they would struggle to scoop it over Neuer (might go through his legs though, that's the trick with keepers like Neuer and Schmeichel).
posted on 4/4/12
I don't think many people got the rules. You're allowed to pick your all time favourite XI, but they still have to be playing, not necessarily in their prime.
posted on 4/4/12
OP - is this supposed to be a team of players currently playing, but in their prime? eg Henry is still playing, but in this team he would be in his prime. Or is it players as they are now?
posted on 4/4/12
Ah, answered my question seconds before I asked it
posted on 4/4/12
Casillas
Ramos Ferdinand Nesta Carlos
Alonso Essien
Scholes
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo Henry
posted on 4/4/12
Strange formation, but oh well
posted on 4/4/12
Buffon (2004)
Lahm (2008)
Ferdinand (2008)
Ramos (2012)
Cole (2010)
Essien (2007)
Scholes (2003)
Kaka (2007)
C.Ronaldo (2012)
Del Piero (1998)
Giggs (2003)
4-5-1/4-3-3 formation
posted on 4/4/12
^^^^^^^ Actually swap Giggs for Ronaldinho
posted on 4/4/12
I forgot about Kaka! Ah well, I went for two defensive midfielders anyway and I can't leave out Scholes.
posted on 5/4/12
Buffon
Maicon Nesta Terry A.Cole
Ronaldinho Lampard Kaka C.Ronaldo
Henry Drogba