Very little explanation is needed – essentially I am determining the best possible starting XI players currently in Europe. This list places much emphasis upon performances in big matches this season so far: crucial domestic games and European Cup competitions. I have had everybody from Zlatan to Iniesta on the phone, each begging for a place on the list – how did they manage to get hold of my number? Anyway, astonishingly (or perhaps not so astonishingly) you won’t find either name here.
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below, as I am expecting some probing questions. I approached this article with an objective mind, open to any player, regardless of age or “reputation”. I also decided on a widely-used 4-4-2 formation.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer: Bayern Munich
Mignolet, Moraes, Ruffier, Buffon, Cabbalero, Courtois, you name them, no goalkeeper in the world has been in better form this season than Bayern Munich and Germany’s No. 1, Manuel Neuer. The charismatic shotstopper has been a commanding presence behind Bayern’s back four. The definition of the word reliable, like Ron Burgundy, Neuer is an anchor-man, and he has provided Munich with just as many match winning moments as Franck Ribery and Mario Götze.
Neuer’s searing hot form has not just been limited to the domestic scene, however. The 27-year-old has recorded numerous clean sheets in the UEFA Champions League, notching up man of the match performances along the way. Whenever called upon, he rarely fails to make fine saves, while his distribution is always notable.
On current form, Neuer will most certainly be one of the best keepers on show at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Right Back: Pablo Zabaleta: Manchester City
The much admired Arg