A combined lineup of the best players from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Check in to FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid
With the first Clasico of the season coming up at the Nou Camp this Saturday, there are more and more big names on show than ever. Both clubs continued their tradition of big-name and big-money signings as they brought in some of the world’s best talent during the summer transfer window. With £48m Brazilian prodigy Neymar finally making a keenly-anticipated move to Europe to link up with Messi and co at Barcelona, and Real Madrid breaking the world transfer record again with their £85m signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, just how do we go about fitting all this world class attacking talent into one starting eleven?
Defence
Iker Casillas – The Spanish goalkeeper may not currently be first choice for Real Madrid, but as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history and still a world class performer, Casillas has to make this El Clasico XI ahead of his backup Diego Lopez or Barcelona counterpart Victor Valdes.
Dani Alves – The stand-out performer in a somewhat dodgy Barcelona backline, the Brazilian right-back is the only member of the Catalan giants representing his side in this all-star team.
Marcelo – Alves’ fellow countryman Marcelo is the starter at left-back here after a superb few years as first choice for Real Madrid, though Barca’s Jordi Alba is an unfortunate exclusion from the side.
Pepe – A rock solid and uncompromising centre-back, Portuguese international Pepe makes up one half of the Real Madrid central defensive partnership, which is certainly superior to Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol on recent form.
Sergio Ramos – The long-serving Spanish centre-back partners Pepe in the defence, and his fine form and commitment to the cause could make all the difference this weekend.