Pep’s dream XI, with some huge names missing out!
Pep Guardiola has revealed his best-ever XI from his time in charge as manager of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with whom he has managed some of the best players in the world and taken charge of some of the finest sides in the history of the game.
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Unsurprisingly some big names miss out, but there’s no doubt this team is up there with the best, with world class stars keeping the likes of Victor Valdes, Mario Gotze, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique out.
GK: Manuel Neuer
Undoubtedly a goalkeeping great of the modern era, Bayern Munich shot-stopper Manuel Neuer is in ahead of Barcelona legend Victor Valdes.
DR: Philipp Lahm
A long-serving great for Bayern and Germany, Philipp Lahm has been described by Guardiola as the most intelligent player he’s worked with – some compliment!
DL: David Alaba
A terrific young player, David Alaba gets in at left-back after some superb form under Pep at the Allianz Arena.
DC: Carles Puyol
An all-time great at Barcelona, Carles Puyol is an unsurprising choice in central defence here after great form and leadership skills for Guardiola at the Nou Camp.
DC: Eric Abidal
Another fine defender from Guardiola’s time at Barcelona, Eric Abidal was a top class performer and inspiration to his team-mates after his recovery from serious illness.
MC: Xavi
An all-time midfield great, Barcelona star Xavi is no surprise in this best XI, having shown himself to be a key player in Guardiola’s style of play at Barca.
MC: Bastian Schweinsteiger
A Bayern Munich legend, Bastian Schweinsteiger lines up alongside Xavi in what would be an absolutely stunning midfield pairing.
AMR: Arjen Robben
Consistently one of the best wingers in the world, Arjen Robben has raised his game under Guardiola at Bayern, and looks another superb choice in this lineup.
AML: Andres Iniesta
Along with Xavi, a crucial part of Barcelona’s stylish play in midfield under Guardiola, Andres Iniesta takes a place on the left-hand side here.
AMC: Lionel Messi
No surprise here – Barcelona star Lionel Messi blossomed into the best player in the world under Guardiola, and perhaps the best of all time.
FC: Samuel Eto’o
Despite playing just one season under Pep at Barca, Samuel Eto’o was another attacking great for Barcelona and scored in the Champions League final to help the Catalan giants to the treble in 2009.
