All-time great video game XI

All-time great video game XI


Years of my life have been dedicated to FIFA; I remember being three years old, and playing on my PS1 on the FIFA World cup. Since then I've become addicted, in every sense. Quite honestly to the point that I've made an all time great's side from the third-gen FIFA's: FIFA WC 2006 - 2013.

How did I do it?

I blew the dust of my old FIFA's , and returned them to their rightful place -my 360'- from there, I looked at all the team managements from any side rated above 4 and a half stars. I then took note of any player rated above 85 and added them to a list; from there I tallied 38 players spanning from the mercurial Zinedine Zidane to the brilliance of Lionel Messi. This team is only hypothetical,  and it can only be left to the imagination at how good or bad the team would be.

Starting XI:

GK;Oliver Kahn; 93; FIFA WC 2006:

Oozing past the likes of: Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon is 'The Titan' Oliver Kahn. Kahn, the eldest member of the squad (b. 1969) represented Germany 86 times over the course of  12 years. I gave Kahn the #1jersey due to his 96 positioning; which against world-class opposition would be more than useful.

RB; Cafu; 85; FIFA  WC 2006:

Enstating Cafu in the side was a 50/50 toss up with FIFA 09's 85 rated Sergio Ramos. It was a hard choice. But ultimatley watching Cafu play as I grew up made me make the decision. Cafu played in three World Cup finals in an international career which lasted 16 years. His 91 stamina coupled with his 83 tackling make him a deadly addition to the sqaud.

CB; Sol Campbell; 90; FIFA WC 2006

One of the best centre backs England's ever produced - to put it plainly. Quick on his feet, and strong in the air. Campbell was a key member of the 'Arsenal Invincible's of 2004. His career spanned nearly 20 years; representing 5 clubs during that time. With his 87 pace/acceleration it would take Buggatti Veyron speeds to outpace him - Thiago Silva, eat your heart out.

CB; Fabio Cannavaro; 90; FIFA 07

Fabio Cannavaro, is one of only two defenders to hold the unique distiniction of being crowned FIFA world player of the year - the other being Lothar Matthäus. This just shows the quality of this player. Cannavaro captained Italy during their World Cup winning campaign of 2006. His 96 marking will add a much needed defensive discipline to the back four.

LB; Philpp Lahm; 87; FIFA12

The 'Magic Dwarf' is a world renound footballer. Who has spent almost enterity of his career at Bayern Munchen. In 2011, he was made captain of Bayern Munchen for the duration of the season; he is also the captain of the national side. With 92 interceptions Lahm nails down his place in the starting XI over the likes of Ashley Cole and Roberto Carlos.

CDM; Xavi; 91; FIFA12

Xavi, arguably is the key in the Barcelona team that has dominated football for the past 7 years. Among his trophy cabinet there will be: 2x European Championship medals, 1x World cup winners medal, 3x Champions league medals and various different domestic trophies. His short passing stat of 97 is paramount to the sides success

CDM; Andrés Iniesta; 91; FIFA12

During his 12 year career -Thus far- Andrés Iniesta has won 24 titles (international and domestic level). He also scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final v. The Netherlands. A great visionary of the game. Along with Xavi, he makes Barcelona tick. His 89 long passing can offer a diferent playing style.

LAM; Ronaldinho; 91; FIFA WC 2006

Since reaching world fame; following his countries victory against Germany in the 2002 World Cup. Ronaldinho has reached angelic heights, that few can match. Compatriot - Pele placed Ronaldinho in his FIFPro World XI three years running 2004-2007. He is a two time winner of the FIFA player of the year. His 96 dribbling,  along with his 96 ball control would allow him to slip behind the tightest defenses.

CF; Lionel Messi; 94; FIFA 12

Lionel Messi

Football experts all around the world have heralded Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer to have ever lived; ahead of the likes of Pele and Maradona. EA have Lionel Messi down as the highest ranked FIFA player to date (Yes, even ahead of  Shola Ameobi). To put it bluntly: Lionel Messi is a dynamic force. At the age of 25, he is already Barcelona's leading goalscorer. Messi's 93 finishing brings a prolific edge to any side.

RAM; Cristano Ronaldo; 92; FIFA 12

For every Sherlock Holmes, there is a Morrati. Ronaldo is a phenomenal talent. After playing a friendly against Manchester United in 2003, manager Alex Ferguson was prompted into signing him instantly. Since then: he has set the world alight. More often than not in a good way. His 94 pace coupled with his 94 acceleration would blow even a Cheetah away.

ST; Adriano; 92; FIFA WC 2006

Err.. a surprise inclusion. Adriano pipped the likes of: Henry, Ronaldo and Rooney to the starting berth in the XI. If you put his chequered past behind him like that at Roma. He actually had unbelievable potential. But it was wasted. Inconsistency blighted his career; he actually holds the most Bidone d'Oro awards, which is awarded to the Serie A's 'worst' player. But EA seen enough in the Brazilian to award him a 92 rated player. His 94 finishing would be welcomed to any side.

The Bench:

GK; Gianluigi Buffon; 93; FIFA WC 2006
ST; Thierry Henry; 91; FIFA WC 2006
CAM; Zinedine Zidane; 89; FIFA WC 2006
CM; Juninho; 91; FIFA WC 2006
CB; John Terry; 89; FIFA 2007
LB; Ashley Cole; 85; FIFA 2012
ST; Ronaldo; 91; FIFA WC 2006

Five Players Who Played For Too Long!

Players such as Ryan Giggs, Cafu and David Beckham were all perfect examples that longevity and football can go together. But then again there are also the players that played too long... the likes of Shola Ameobi for example. This article will list five players that should of climbed into their slippers earlier. 

Sol Campbell:

Sulzeer.. I mean Sol!

Sol Campbell, or Judas as Tottenham Hotspur fans would refer to him, was nine years ago, a pivotal member of the Arsenal Invincible side that took the Premier League by storm; he was one of the best centre backs in the world, if not, the best. He was one of the fastest centre backs England had ever seen. Five years after the glory days of Arsenal, Sol moved to Notts County, for one game. He left the club by mutual consent. Perhaps it should of been here where he finally called it a day. But he felt as if he had something left in his locker. In 2010, he began training with Arsenal, and with their shaky defensive problems was offered a short, but romantic return to the Emirates; he impressed, netting against Porto in the Champions League. But with the season coming to a close Arsene Wenger deemed him surplus of requirements. This should of been where he retired. Instead he signed a one year contract with Newcastle United, and he failed to impress.The highlight of his Toon being the football bouncing of his head in a 3-1 victory against Liverpool. After being released once more. Sol Finally called it a day. 

Old Teddy.

Teddy Sherringham:

Most people below the age of sixteen will only remember Teddy Sherringham from their sticker albums as a child. But about sixteen years ago, Teddy Sherringham was rubbing shoulders with: Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand for England's best striker. Born in 1966, Sherringham played for ten different clubs; he even holds a rare distinction for an Englishman, having played abroad at Djurgardens FC. His most successful stint at a side to date would be in the treble-winning side- Manchester United, during the 1998-1999 season; he scored the equaliser from David Beckhams corner against Bayern Munich, in one of the Champions League's finest comebacks. Sherringham remained at the top level until 2007, when he was released from West Ham. This is the point when the -then 41- year old should of hung up his boots. But instead he joined the Championship side Colchester United, and had a dull season. He managed 3 goals in 19 appearances. At the age of 42, Sherringham retired in 2008. He remains one of the oldest players to ever appear in the Premier League.

Regretting missing that penalty, Ruud?

 Ruud Van Nistelroy:

As a child the Premier League was dominated by two strikers: Thierry Henry and Ruud Van Nistelroy. Ruud Van Nistelroy was one of the best strikers to ever grace the Premier League, breaking records with every stride. He holds the record for the most consecutive games scoring record; with eight. Another impressive record Van Nistelroy holds is that he is Manchester United's all time top Champions League scorer, with 35 goals. After his five year contract ran down with the might of Manchester, he moved the Galacticos of Real Madrid; where he would continue to prosper, netting 46 times in 68 appearances. However, with the arrival of Jose 'The Special One' Mourhino, he was deemed surplus of requirements at the Santiago Bernabau. Like the players above, perhaps this is where Van Nistelroy should of called it a day. From here, he moved to Germany with Hamburger SV finding the net 12 times, in 36 appearances. He would then move to the then mega-rich Malaga in which he would undergo the worst season in his illustrious career; a sign the legend had fallen. Only finding the goal 4 times, in 28 appearances. He finally decided to call it a day, on a negative note.

Rivaldo:

The Brazilian is the only player on the list still playing; he plies his trade currently in his native Brazil with São Caetano, at 41 years of age, Rivaldo should be well past his sell by date. But he is still kickin' around; for lower league material, at that. Having played for fourteen different sides, all around the globe, one thing he does not lack is experience. Two moments live long in the memory, both completely different. His sensational overhead kick when he played for Barcelona. Then his infamous fall against Turkey in the 2002 World Cup. The last 'big' club he played for was AC Milan in 2004. He still has talent, but perhaps, it is time for the mercurial talent to hang his boots up, before it fades away.

Romario:

Yeah.. He's that Legend on FIFA14

Another Brazilian superstar that played in too long for his own good. Romario, was voted the best player in Brazil's 1994 winning World Cup campaign; he was also top scorer on that occasion. Renowned for his 'poking' of the ball technique, Romario once said he was second only to Pele in terms of footballing ability. Romario has a club list as long as your arm, and holds the unique distinction along with the likes of Pele, to have scored 1000 goals. After leaving Valencia in 1997, aged 31, he played for Fluminenseno fewer than four times, often leaving to join poorer teams than he played for in his prime and re-joining. His ability to score never faded, but the interest from the big teams faded; which speaks levels. Playing for likes of Miami may of offered a huge pay-cheque, but it was never a league that would be difficult to score in- in all fairness. The Brazilian finally retired in 2009, aged 43. Perhaps ten years too late.