The finest team on the planet ahead of the new season.
The 2014/15 season is upon us and the best players from across the globe will be competing for a variety of honours.
So in tribute to the new campaign here is CaughtOffside’s best XI in world football currently.
GK – Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich
Fresh from winning the the 2014 World Cup with Germany this goalkeeper has shown with his performances for both club and country that there is no better option between the sticks.
RB – Philipp Lahm, Bayern Munich
Calm and collected at all times this German has been used in defensive midfield by Bayern head coach Pep Guardiola in recent times, but whether on the right or left there are few better full-backs ever than Lahm.
CB – Thiago Silva, Paris Saint-Germain
He may have just lost his title as the most expensive defender of all time to his Brazil and new PGS teammate David Luiz, but Silva is still streaks ahead in terms of capability.
CB – Vincent Kompany, Manchester City
For sheer reliability and a cool head in any situation the Citizens captain gets the nod ahead of Mats Hummels and Sergio Ramos and will play a big part in any success his club have this term.
LB – David Alaba, Bayern Munich
The youngest player in the team and a left-back who has progressed at an alarming rate to go from a promising defender to one of the best in the world and Alaba is the complete modern full-back.
CM – Arturo Vidal, Juventus
There are several big clubs looking into signing this Chile international this summer after his brilliant performances over the past few years and to many he is the best box-to-box midfielder in the game.
CM – Yaya Toure, Manchester City
The only person who could really challenge for Vidal’s crown is this 31-year-old, who added a better attacking edge to his game last year as City won the Premier League title once again.
RW – Gareth Bale, Real Madrid
Became the most expensive player of all time last summer upon completing his £85.3m switch from Tottenham Hotspur and has lived up to all the expectations of him since.
LW – Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
On the opposite flank is the previous holder of Bale’s title and the Welshman’s club teammate and was also the 2014 Ballon d’Or winner for his fine displays for Los Blancos over the past 12 months.
ST – Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona
He may find controversy follows him wherever he goes, but this former Liverpool forward is also hugely talented and has been snapped up by Barca this summer as a result.
ST – Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona
To many this Argentine is one of the greatest of all time and although he fell short at the World Cup in Brazil, on the domestic stage there are few more decorated in history than this 27-year-old.
SEE ALSO: best Premier League players 2014/15