The ‘El Clasico / Manchester Derby’ Composite Best XI
By Chris Wright
With the first of four quick-fire Clasicos and an FA Cup semi-final Manchester derby to look forward to tomorrow, Pies – as is our wont on such occasions – have put together a two-birds-with-one-stone composite best XI from the four clubs involved; Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Why not flick through our Clasico/Mancfest first string, then try and better our selection? We’ve plumped for a zeitgeisty 4-3-3 formation but the tactics board with the little red and blue magnets on is, as they say, your oyster…
GK – Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United
VDS gets the nod betwixt the sticks ahead of Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes and Joe Hart because, as far as I’m concerned, he’s still the best stopper in world football despite being older than most giant redwoods.
RB – Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
We’re not exactly spoilt for choice as far as right-backs are concerned. I’m not sold on Dani Alves’ supposedly mercurial abilities, Rafael - while enthusiastic and ever-improving – is still far too green and Micah Richards just plain ain’t good enough to get in ahead of Senor Ramos.
CB – Gerard Pique, Barcelona
Carles Puyol, Rio Ferdinand and Vincent Kompany are all perfectly worthy shouts but, crucially, Pique is younger, quicker and more poised than all of those aforementioned. The Barca man’s form may have dipped a little recently after a cracking outing last season, but he’s still an elite centre-back in the making.
CB – Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United
To counter Pique’s relative flair, you’re going to need a tough son-of-a-gun, well versed in the dark arts of defending. There is no finer example currently active than Nemanja ‘I will headbutt you until you explode’ Vidic.
LB – Patrice Evra, Manchester United
Again, Paddy is one tough nut and – given that neither Barca, Real or Man City actually possess a left-back that can hold a candle to him – he waltzes in almost completely unopposed.
DMF – Nigel de Jong, Manchester City
In this scribes’ humble opinion, Man City have got themselves one of, if not ‘the’, best destructive midfielders in the business in De Jong. When deployed in front of the defense, De Jong binds City’s often fractious midfield together, a fact which becomes instantly apparent when he’s not available – usually through suspension.
Strange how only one City player makes the cut, especially considering their outlay over the past few years.
CMF – Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid
Never puts a foot wrong, has an impeccable eye for a pass and never whines about taking a kicking. Thinking about it, perhaps playing Alonso alongside De Jong may not be the smartest idea.
CMF – Xavi, Barcelona
With all the slack-jawed eulogising about Barca’s little artisan partisan we do here on Pies, did you really think his spot in our central midfield was ever in doubt?
RWF – Lionel Messi, Barcelona
Basically, Nani can f**k off.
LWF – Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
Again, Nani can f**k off. Mesut Ozil may have take to life at Madrid like a duck to water but Ronaldo is a force of nature on his day. There’s also the small matter of the 40 goals he has scored for Los Merengues this season…40, blooming, goals.
CF – Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
String me up if needs be but, regardless of some stellar competition for the sole centre-forward berth, I’m going to opt for the nicotine and nonchalance of one Dimitar Berbatov up top (he’d be in his element, gently caressing the ball hither and thither as Messrs. Messi and Ronaldo darted in and around him all game) even if that does mean having to regretfully snub David Villa, Wayne Rooney, Jo, Carlos Tevez et al – don’t worry though, they’re all on the bench.
So, that’s Pies’ stab at a composite dream team – feel free to post your XIs below…
Do Arsenal Artificially Enhance The Emirates Atmosphere? – OTP
Big Cup Bullshit – The FCF
Guess UEFA Cup Finalists From Their Shirt – Three Match Ban
20 Damning Steve Kean Quotes – Mirror Football
'Abandon All Hope…' – Sunshine Room
Leaked Blackburn Letter Shows Extent Of Turmoil – EPL Talk
Genius Who Couldn't Exist Today: Dragan Stojkovic – LBITCR
German Philosopher Reflects On Jose Mourinho – Futfanatico
Rule Changes That Could Hand Title To Man Utd – FourFourTwo
Welcome To Posh – Danny Last for IBWM
I’ll go with
VDS
Alves Carvalho Vidic Marcelo
Xavi Alonso Scholes
Messi Rooney Ronaldo
VDS
Alves Kompany Vidic Marcelo
No Iniesta? Clearly, you’re just trying to balance things out.
I think I agree with most your choices here chris…maybe carlos for berba! I would try wriggle scholesy into the mix, just to see him playing alongside xavi. Im a sucker for vincent kompany so many throw him in as well for pique…
Casillas
Alves, Ferdinand, Pique, Evra
Busquets
Xavi Iniesta
Ronaldo Messi Villa
Casillas
Alves Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Xavi Alonso Iniesta
Messi Villa Ronaldo
“sex god” (awful name by the way there mate) dont act like a mug. if you dont like it. jog on.
on a lighter note.
except for de jong, i would say that was spot on.
so…
VDS
Ramos Kompany Vidic Evra
De Jong
Scholes Xavi
Ronaldo Messi
Tevez
Ronaldo would have to learn to play the Barca way though, or he’d be out for Silva or Pedro like a shot!
VDS
Alves Kompany Vidic Marcelo
De Jong
Scholes Xavi
Ronaldo Rooney Messi
Great lineup, though I would perhaps swap Mascherano or Busquets for De Jong, and definitely have Rooney over Berbatov. I think Rooney in a free role would be unstoppable whereas Dimi tends to be a little one dimensional at times, though undoubtedly a top class footballer.
@Liam E: Don’t worry about him. Standard troll, dealt with accordingly.
GK: Casillas
RB: Alves
CB: Carvalho
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
DM: Busquets
CM: Xavi
CM: Ozil
RW: Messi
LW: Ronaldo
CF: Tevez
Casillas
Ramos Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Alonso
Xavi Iniesta
Ronaldo Villa Messi
Villa is probably the best striker in the world, and certainly better than Berbatov in my opinion. Messi and Ronaldo pick themselves, no explanation necessary. The midfield 3 of Xavi/Iniesta/Alonso might be a little too lightweight, but I can’t bring myself to drop any of those 3 to accommodate De Jong. Evra, Ramos and Vidic are pretty straightforward choices. It was tough between Pique and Ferdinand, but I feel when fit Ferdinand is the better defender. He also has a great partnership with Vidic. Casillas I think is probably better than VDS, but that decision could go either way really.
I love the cheecky comment on Nani, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHHA.
Perhaps…
Casillas
Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique
Alves Marcelo (WIng Backs)
Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta
Ronaldo, Messi
its obvious chris wright loves the manure scum! seriously how can you pick VDS over casillas!? what a load of shit! and berbatov over villa!? think you nobhead!
Van der sar by far the best keeper. Rafaels the only one who can actually defend, unlike Ramos, Alves, and Richards. Ferdinand and Vidas the best central defensive partnership around but as Rios usually on Twitter I ll go for Piqué. Evra again the only one can defend, unlike Marcelo, Kolarov and Maxwell. Can’t break up the Xavi Iniesta partnership as they are the best around. Alonso to break stuff up and well Ronaldo and Messi walk into any team around. Rather reunited Ronny Rooney duo tho and Tevez Silva, Rio, Busquets, Villa, Higuain and Casillas on the bench
Hey pies. I don’t understand why you guys are always beating up Nani.
He is a really good player and has great potential to become one of the greats.
Any team in Europe would be pleased to have him on their starting lineup.
@ gilly
you biased fucker! you know fuck all…! how can you say ramos cant defend? you are an idiot! get your facts right you pompus prick!
@Me Is The Gaffer with a Huge Dick
Because Nani is a massive cunt.
GK – VAN DER SAR
RB – ALVES
CB – FERDINAND
CB – PIQUE
LB – EVRA
CM – XAVI
CM – INIESTA
CM – GIGGS
RW – MESSI
LW – RONALDO
CF – TEVEZ
SUBS – CASSILLAS, VIDIC, KOMPANY, ALONSO, NANI, ROONEY, VILLA
Valdes
Alves – Puyol – Pique – Adriano
Busquets
Xavi – Iniesta
Pedro – Villa – Messi
That was easy.
For all the Casillas love I am seeing in the comments you would think that he had the ability to cure Nani’s gashed leg. Van Der Sar is quite simply the best keeper of his generation.
You got to be freaking out of your mind…..
1. Berbatov over villa. In what universe?
2. You talked about Pique being young and all, but don’t hesitate to pick VDS over the world best goalie – Casillas…. A joke!
3. Where is Iniesta? I understand you have to have someone from Man City to look fair but Nigel de Jong? C’mon man…. snap out of your fantasy land
This is ridiculous.
Casillas
Ramos, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra,
Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso
Messi, Villa, Ronaldo
Its not that difficult really. Ferdinand was the only toss up based on the fact he’s always injured but on his days he’s better than Pique et al.
The article lost credibility when you chose Berbatov in front of Tevez, Villa, Rooney and Higuain? lol
What kind of football have you been watching?? When has Berbatov last scored against a big team or even made it in the starting line up? Surely if Ferguson doesnt think he’s up to the task then why would he be on this list or even mentioned??
@CF4: I chose him because Berba is, technique-wise, a better footballer than the other strikers listed and therefore would be a perfect foil to task with providing the ‘intellectual’ creative link between Ronaldo’s self-absorbed direct approach and Messi’s non-stop flitting.
Just saying.
this is the obvious choice
casillas
ramos pique vidic evra
xavi de jong iniesta
messi tevez and…….
david n’gog
ha! that will never get old
When you say technique-wise do you refer to his first touch? Of which he would be probably be ahead of the pack. However when it comes to his ability to strike the ball it would be debatable that he is better than Villa or Rooney.
Also providing the ‘intellectual’ creative link between Ronaldo and Messi? I would have to disagree. I have to say, Rooneys creative runs to link up with Ronaldo back in the Man united era was to be feared. In addition Messi and Villa have shown that they link up really well. Evident in the last El Clasico where Messi contributed to both of Villa’s goals.
I just dont see there being much evident of Berbatov being a good link up play to either of Ronaldo or Messi.
Anyway enjoyed this debate. Love the site nonetheless.
@CF4: Thanks mate, and debate is always welcome here.
I was simply refering to Berbatov’s inclusion with the setup of the rest of the XI in mind. Rather than Rooney’s froth and fury, Tevez and Villa’s knack for a clever finish or Higuain’s sniping, Berba’s impeccable control, clipped round-the-corner passing and ability to roll the ball in from four yards – for me – make him the preferential pick when you consider the attributes of the various players deployed behind and alongside him.
It’s just a case of ‘horses for courses’ I reckon. Agree to disagree?
how do you even mention Jo?
Can you take off your premiership/english glasses off and realize that the predictable way of playing destructive football that has brought nothing but heart break to your national team and if it weren’t for international coaches (SAF included) your premiership teams would suck as well…
Scholes doesn’t belong near a list like this. What are you guys smoaking?
apparently I’m smoking enough to misspell smoking.
…In what world would Andres Iniesta (2nd in Ballon d’Or) not start?
How can a butcher like DeJong (kung fu world cup) play ahead of Yaya Toure, Busquets or Mascherano. And btw, have you seen any of the last 5 clasicos where Ramos has done nothing but give Madrid fans reasons to hate him and get ejected for not knowing how to lose. Also, do u not see that spain plays way better when Xabi Alonso does not play. Have u heard of a David Silva, btw. Oh, and Berbatov has 20+ goals because he scored 5 in one game. Not because he has scored many goals when the game is on the line (unlike Tevez, Higuain, Rooney, Villa).
Pies should stick to funny news…well, this article is just that.
I completely agree with you on Berbatov, I find him a joy to watch (if a little frustrating at times) and this is coming from a Liverpool fan! However I fear he’d get into one of his strops ’cause obvs Messi and Ron score for fun but, so does Xavi and he may just be left to forlornly flick the ball around the edge of the box with his ‘oh god please end it now’ face on.
poor nani.. pls dont hate him.
VDS
Ramos Pique Vidic Evra
Alonso
Xavi Iniesta
Messi Rooney Ronaldo
Rooney over Villa, Higuain and Tevez because he played well together with Ronaldo at Man Utd. Man City have no players except Tevez that get anywhere near this team.
MAD props go to you for selecting Berbatov as center-forward. You were right to pick him and your reasoning is clear. As soon as I read 4-3-3 I thought the typical and obvious front line of Ronaldo-Rooney-Messi would be up. What a treat to see Berbatov instead. He could make that line work like no other, and to have Xavi behind him would be an unstoppable force.
The only criticism I have of the selection is the De Jong/Alonso midfield. I don’t think they are the right players for those positions nor would they work well together (a fact you graciously conceded). I may be biased, but given their recent form, Giggs and Carrick would be my choices in those positions.
Love the jabs at Nani too. He’s getting there, but no one truly thinks he’s one of the best in the world, except perhaps Nani.
VDS
Dani Alves Pique Vidic Evra
Xavi Scholes Iniesta
Messi Villa Ronaldo
No defensive midfielder because well……with a midfield like that, this team would get at the minimum 98% of possesion; on a bad day.
OK here we go:
Victor Valdes (yeah, that’s right)
Alves Pique Vidic Marcelo
Xaviniesquets (you figure it out)
Messi Chicharito Villa
Ronaldo may be a brilliant player, but he’s never going to be able to play alongside Messi. Chicharito is much better at teamwork, plus he is fast and good with his head.
Subs: Yaya, Casillas, Silva, Ozil.
thank god someone else realizes that berbatov is massively underrated and very much so deserves to be in this lineup as the CF. his technique and skill on the ball is unparalleled by any other striker with the exception of ibrahimovic. its a shame most fans are stupid and dont know a real quality player when they see one. and for him not scoring against any big teams- has everyone forgotten he dragged man united against liverpool with a hattrick? and then won th epenaty against them in the FA cup?
GK: Van Der Sar
LB: Evra
CB:Abidal
CB:Vidic
RB: Alves
CDM: Alonso
CM: Xavi
CM: Iniesta
LW: Ronaldo
RW: Messi
ST: Tevez
A bit spoilt for choice here, but here’s my XI:
Hart
Alves Pique Vidic Evra
Iniesta Toure Xavi
Ronaldo Berbatov Messi
the only thing that really stood out for me was jo on the bench…i’d say the bench size would have to be tripled for him to have any chance. otherwise, not too shabby.
4-2-3-1 + Bench
Casillas sub: VDS
Ramos/Pique/Vidic/Evra subs: Alves, Kompany
De Jong/Alonso sub: Busquets
Messi/Xavi/Rooney sub: Iniesta
Ronaldo subs: Villa, Tevez
Why would this work? Because Jose Mourinho the manager!! womp, womp, womp…
Anyway, Rooney would be an absolute beast play just back off Ronaldo again, along with his all-around form hitting stride this year. Messi/Xavi don’t really need explaining, but I would love to see Messi also in a winger role/license to roam in-between the oppositions last-4 and midfielders as Ronaldo pushes the oppositions back line for him. De Jong/Alonso hold down the mid and protect the back like nobody other than Pique/Vidic giving the defensive side a very firm core and allowing Ramos/Evra ability to push forward and support very easily…
Bring on your Cantona/Cruyff/Pele/Beckenbauer Roster…
No way, you people all don’t know what you’re talking about.
Valdes
Boateng, Pepe, Pique, Marcelo
Xavi, Iniesta, Kaka
Ronaldo, Villa, Ozil
Subs:
Obertaon, Carvalho, Lass, Benz, Lloris.
A german/portuguese/spanish/brazilian combo. The best mixture there possibly is. With a French bench. It’s just deadly.
Completely agree with everything. Having Berba as the striker is kind of odd for me to see but there’s not really anyone else I’d pick over him. And also, Nani can definitely fuck off.
Casillas
Alves-Pique-ferdinand-evra
Busquets-Xavi-Iniesta (need to play together because of their understanding)
Messi-Villa-Ronaldo (assuming he can work as a team with the other 2)
Casillas
Alves S. Ramos Pique Evra
Busquets Xavi Iniesta
Messi Villa Ronaldo
Van der Sar Marcelo Vidic Oezil Alonso Rooney Higuain
Casillas
Alves, Vidic, Abidal, Evra
Toure
Xavi, Iniesta
Messi, Tevez, Ronaldo
A valiant effort to put more Manchester relevance into the side, but really, Vidic is the only player getting in that composite side from Manchester.
Maybe Evra, if he hadn’t been replaced by an alien body-double who has yet to figure out quite how his body works.
casillas
ramos vidic puyol evra
iniesta xavi scholes
messi ronaldo villa
casillas
ramos vidic puyol marcelo
iniesta xavi scholes
messi ronaldo villa
If we are going by the performance of this season, as opposed to reputation, which seems to be driving most of the 11′s I have seen.
GK: VDS (This is really a 4 way tie, with all 4 having good seasons but none having an exceptional one. But VDS has been most consistent)
RB: Dani Alves: He is just having a phenomenal season right now.
LB: Marcelo: He is right now the most influential LB in football. And he is no worse a defender than Evra, who has slowed considerably, and is having an average season
CD: Vidic & Kompany: While I have gone with the 2 most consistent,t he best CD performer of all 4 teams has been Eric Abidal. He is better than either of te Barca starters this season. And Dwarfs Ferdinand and the Real lot. The only reason I din’t put him is because he hasn’t gotten as many games there as the Vidic/Komps. Who have also been phenomena;/
Midfield: Xavi-Iniesta-Busquet-Ozil. This is the easiest picks. In terms of talent, and chemistry. You really cannot get a better combination by putting any 4 together anywhere.
Forwards: Messi/Ronaldo (One has 49 goals the other has 41) You do the math!
casillas
ramos vidic pique
nani ozil alonso xavi iniesta
ronaldo messi
Hard to choose this XI because I’m a bit spoilt for choice
GK Casillas
RB Ramos
CB Pique
CB Vidic
LB Evra
RM Ozil
CM Xavi
LM Iniesta
RW Ronaldo
ST Villa
LW Messi
Subs:
Valdez
Nani
Rooney
Busquets
Alvez
Gotta choose Casillas after his Copa Del Rey heroics
all these cunts who say nani, nani – if he played in one of yours crappy team youll be more than happy to have him, the same was with ronaldo, what an incredible pieces of shit you are
De Jong…ur a joker.
No Man City player is anywhere near good enough.
VDS
Alves Albiol Ferdinand Fabio
Messi Scholes Xavi Nani
Rooney Berbatov
SUBS
Kuscszak Evans Ozil Iniesta Lass