____T.H.E. .P.A.S.S.

____Robin's Select

Finally I have decided on my world's starting eleven. I have watched and admired many players since I started watching football and these eleven are the best in the history (from the time I started watching) of world football. These is, of course, room for debate over the selection of certain players but as this post is titled, "Robin's Select", speaks for itself - my dream team of the world. Noticeable exclusions include the greatest stars before my time such as Pele, Maradona, Cryuff, Best and many more, but the eleven mentioned will no doubt trigger some nostalgia and images of them in full flight - certainly the best.

Formation chosen is the 3-4-3. Reason not only due to the fact that there aren't many really outstanding defenders in my time, but also due to the fact that everybody loves an attacking team. So here goes. (Clubs stated reflects the era in which the players provide their most inspired performances)

Goalkeeper - Peter Schmeichel (Denmark/Manchester United)
This man is seemingly impossible to beat in a one-on-one situation. He opens his arms wide, palms large like that of a gorilla's and most strikers would find it hard to see the goal. His size masks his agility. And I cannot count the number of "double saves" he has made whilst playing for Manchester United. I also like the way he commands the defence - a very vital quality in a top class keeper. And because of these reasons, he beats other honourable mentions such as Gianluigi Buffon, Petr Cech and Iker Casillas to the "No. 1" jersey.

Leftback - Paolo Maldini (Italy/ AC Milan)
A legendary leftback. Whilst recent times remind us of his lack of pace. This rightfooted leftback used to tear down the left side of the field and score some amazing goals. However, it is his ability to win the ball back for the team while executing the sliding tackle is attribute that caught my eye. His technique in the sliding tackle is superb. Most times, defenders tackle their opponents to put the ball out of play, but Maldini slides in to win the ball back, keeping the ball at his feet. Coupled with his longevity in the game, nobody else comes close. Not even Roberto Carlos.

Centreback - Alessandro Nesta (Italy/ AC Milan)
This classy defender is fast and reads the game well. Probably the most likely player to lose his spot in this team as there are many defenders able to do what he does. However, as an Italian Catenaccio admirer, I tend to favour Italian defenders. Keeps things simple and is not prone to high profile mistakes. Tackles well too. And very mobile. Honourable mentions include Marcel Desailly, Fernando Hierro.

Rightback - Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/ Juventus)
Not one to be remembered for his club career but he is still a World Cup winning captain. No nonsense defender. Great concentration. Small but fast. Tends to be a little risky with his rough challenges. But nontheless a great defender for his size. Close rivals for this spot include Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram.

Defensive Midfielder - Roy Keane (Ireland/ Manchester United)
One of the last few tough defensive midfielders. Does the simple things well. Disrupts the opponents' attacks. In his prime, he is the driving force of the team. Constantly urging and fighting, he never gives up. Recent times have brought the emergence of the flair-type defensive midfielders such as Andrea Pirlo and Xabi Alonso. However, I favour the ability to win the ball and disrupt play in defensive midfielders. Coupled with Roy Keane's box to box engine, this World XI is a Rolls-Royce in motion.

Left Winger - Ryan Giggs (Wales/ Manchester United)
In his prime, Giggs blazes past defenders. Possesses a keen eye for the final pass. Best known to run with the ball at a speed faster than just about any defender. His crossing ability remains a doubt but his improvisation remains a very underrated ability. Scores wonder goals. My favourite winger of all time.

Centre Midfielder - Zinedine Zidane (France/ Real Madrid)
If Pele is the best player in history and Diego Maradona is second, Zidane is third. The first player to make it to this list. Amazing control. Superb technique. Great passing ability. Zidane remains the player I would continue to search on Youtube for his fluid movement. He is like water controlling the ball - sure, strong and sublime. A World Cup winner. A Champions League winner several times. Scored an unforgettable volley against Bayer Leverkusen in 1 particular CL final - technique at its best.

Right Winger - Ronaldinho (Brazil/ Barcelona)
The clown on the field. Treats tricks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Frustrates the hell out of defenders. Explosive. Superb control. Does the most difficult with remarkable ease. Not an out-and-out right midfielder but his control and awareness is an asset that can allow him to play anywhere in the final third of the field. Very direct and chooses the shortest path to goal. Simply selected due to his ability to carve something out of nothing. Beats David Beckham and Luis Figo for his spot in the team.

Attacking Midfielder - Kaka (Brazil/ AC Milan)
A debatable selection considering his relatively young career. Very fast. Very dangerous from long range. Keen eye for the final pass. His most underrated asset is to tire out the opponents' defence with his off the ball running. His fantastic movement and decoy runs make him extremely difficult to track and also opens up the defence for his teammates to exploit. A world-beater sooner than later.

Forward - Thierry Henry (France/ Arsenal)
Another player with amazing pace and movement. Makes scoring simple goals look simpler than ever. A player I like due to his movement and willingness to play the short pass instead of the long one. A debatable selection too as this team needs a more direct striker that can stick the ball into the net. He beats Ruud van Nistelrooy and Andriy Shevchenko because of his superior movement.

Forward - Ronaldo (Brazil/ Barcelona)
El Phenomenon. Ronaldo remains the most enigmatic player of modern football. His finishing is undoubtedly the best in the business. Yet, to some extent, he has failed to live up to his enormous potential. In his prime, nothing stops him except a goal - one of the few players capable of picking up the loose ball in midfield and going on a explosive burst all the way to score. Ronaldo at his best is just scary.

I know there are other players such as Francesco Totti, Steven Gerrard, Roberto Baggio, Gianfranco Zola, Rivaldo, Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer that deserve some mentioning. Drop me their names and reasons in my tagboard and help me reminisce these great footballers' best performances.

That's all for now. Presenting to you again... Robin's Select.

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