Three Spanish stars also make our superb European side…
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Due to the humidity and soaring temperatures in Brazil this summer, European sides are arguably expected to less well than their South American counterparts such as Argentina and Brazil.
However, looking at this unbelievable fantasy European XI – we’re sure that the world-class ability on show will be there for all to see despite the potentially difficult weather conditions!
GK) Thibaut Courtois – Belgium
Spain’s Iker Casillas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, France’s Hugo Lloris and even England’s Joe Hart could form a case for their inclusion in this side – but due to his performances in La Liga last term, which saw Atletico Madrid sensationally win the title – we’ve plumped with the phenomenal young Belgian.
Click through the pages to read the rest of the side!
DR) Philipp Lahm – Germany
Lahm skippers the excellent German national side, and is most comfortable at fullback – even though his wonderful technical ability means he’s almost just as impressive in holding midfield.
DC) Sergio Ramos – Spain
Ramos has won 116 caps for Spain, and is still two years from his 30th birthday! Voted into the FIF-PRO World Team of the Year on a remarkable four occasions, Ramos will be on a high after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid last term.
DC) Vincent Kompany – Belgium
Manchester City’s Premier League title winning captain will also lead out dark-horses Belgium this summer. He’s powerful, strong, and a superb passer – and just gets in this side ahead of Germany’s Mats Hummels.
DL) Ricardo Rodriguez – Switzerland
Jordi Alba was defensively shaky for Barcelona last term, while Rodriguez was arguably the best fullback in the whole of the Bundesliga, scoring five goals and registering nine assists from the left of defence.
MC) Steven Gerrard – England
Gerrard dictates tempo and provides a platform from which the rest of the side can perform for both Liverpool and England. The legend still managed to reach double figures for both goals and assists for his club last term despite his deep position.
MC) Paul Pogba – France
The youngest player in our side, Pogba nips in ahead of his Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo because of his increased mobility. Pogba provides consistent work and legs in midfield, but has the technical skill to provide creatively as well.
MC) Andres Iniesta – Spain
Spain’s diminutive midfielder scored the winner in the World Cup final four years ago, and is still one of the very best in the business. His vision in the final third is practically unrivalled.
AMR) Arjen Robben – Holland
Robben nips in ahead of Eden Hazard in our side – as he’s more comfortable than the Belgian on the right wing. Robben can either beat his fullback on the outside, or cut inside and shoot on goal with his left.
AML) Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Right now, Ronaldo is the world’s best footballer. He scored over 50 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions last season, making it a really quite absurd 252 goals in 246 matches for his club. He has the ability to single-handedly fire Portugal far this summer.
FC) Diego Costa – Spain
England’s Daniel Sturridge had an excellent season last term with Liverpool, and Wayne Rooney’s pedigree is undeniable. However, Costa scored 36 goals for Atletico Madrid last term – more than any other European forward bar Ronaldo.
