Chelsea’s Brazilians miss out on our ultimate continental side…
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Combing the South American teams that will participate at this summer’s World Cup (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador) here’s our greatest possible XI comprised of players from the six stellar nations…
(It’s a bit special!)
GK) David Ospina – Colombia
If there’s one spot the South American sides are not especially blessed, it’s in goal. Brazil’s Julio Cesar is still contracted to QPR, while Argentina’s Sergio Romero spent the last term on loan at Monaco. David Ospina did excellently for Nicee though, and has been linked to Arsenal as a result of his Ligue 1 pedigree.
Click through the pages to read the rest of the XI…
DR) Dani Alves – Brazil
The barnstorming Brazilian has long been regarded as the world’s most exciting attacking fullback. He’s won everything on offer with his club side Barcelona, but would love to collect the World Cup this summer with the host nation.
DC) Diego Godin – Uruguay
Probably the best defender in the whole of La Liga last term, the no-nonsense Uruguayan is remarkably consistent and will be looking to thwart England’s Daniel Sturridge in the group stages.
DC) Thiago Silva – Brazil
Rated by many as the world’s best centre-back, Silva is football’s most expensive ever defender, having moved to PSG from AC Milan in 2012. He seemingly has no weaknesses.
DL) Marcelo – Brazil
Real Madrid’s flying Brazilian fullback can pass, shoot and create – but his defensive ability is actually improving as he matures. He pips Argentina’s Marcos Rojo to a place in our XI.
MC) Arturo Vidal – Chile
The Juventus man is wonderfully combative, and prides himself on his box-to-box work-rate for club and country. Vidal offers as much defensively as he does offensively, and could complete a £41m transfer to Real Madrid this summer.
MC) Angel di Maria – Argentina
Naturally a winger, due to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale at his club side Real Madrid, and Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero at international level, di Maria has had to transform himself into a central midfielder. He’s done so with aplomb – and no other player provided more assists in European football than the 26-year-old.
AMR) Lionel Messi – Argentina
The diminutive Argentine has a chance to be regarded as the greatest player of all time if he enjoys a career defining tournament this summer. On his day, he’s quite simply, untouchable. We’re sticking him on the right in our side, although he’ll play centrally for his country.
AML) Neymar – Brazil
Neymar is Brazil’s main weapon. He’s exceptionally quick, can shoot off either foot, and loves to beat a defender with his dribbling skills. Don’t be surprised to see the 22-year-old rise to the big occasion this summer.
AMC/FC) Sergio Aguero – Argentina
Manchester City’s Argentine forward forms a mouthwatering duo with Lionel Messi for his country. Aguero loves to get on the shoulder of the last defender, but his skill on the ball means he can similarly drop deep and create chances for teammates.
FC) Luis Suarez – Uruguay
Liverpool’s talisman is winning his race to be fit for the World Cup with Uruguay, following a breathtaking campaign at club level. England will hope he isn’t firing on all cylinders when they take on Uruguay in the group stages.
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