ESPN Commentator Craig Burley’s El Classico dream team…
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Former Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Craig Burley recently picked his El Classico Dream Team. The 42-year-old works as a commentator and pundit for ESPN, while he is also a regular contributor for BBC Radio 5 Live and Absolute Radio.
Check out his XI in the pages below, and see whether you do, or do not agree with it:
GK) Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
The Chilean World Cup goalkeeper beat out competition from Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez to get the nod between the posts for Burley’s XI.
RB) Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)
The former Liverpool full-back was a surprising choice in this team, ousting Dani Alves and Sergio Ramos – who could have been deployed in this position if there wasn’t space in the middle.
LB) Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)
Another surprising choice considering that he is arguably not even first choice for Madrid, with Marcelo regularly getting the nod. Barcelona’s Jordi Alba was the other man left out.
CB) Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s stand out centre-half following the retirement of Carles Puyol, but arguably could have been left out in favour of Sergio Ramos.
CB) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
The excellent young Frenchman has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the world, and is an obvious choice in this team.
CM) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
A strange choice considering the absence of Luka Modric, Xavi and Andres Iniesta from this team. Perhaps the German’s tough-tackling style was the reason for Burley including him.
CM) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Has established himself as one of the best midfield players in the world during his time with Bayern Munich, and is coming off the back of a successful World Cup campaign.
RW) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
No real surprise that the Welshman has ousted Barcelona’s Neymar from this team – having impressed during his first season with Madrid, scoring in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League finals.
AM) Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The skillful Argentine was always going to be included this team, and would no doubt be included in an all time El Classico XI as well.
LW) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Another obvious choice – although the inclusion of Bale, Messi and Ronaldo means that there is no room for Real’s latest big-money addition, World Cup star James Rodriguez.
ST) Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
The third most expensive player of all time, and coming off the back of an incredible season with Liverpool – another clear choice despite the controversy that constantly surrounds him.
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