Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
we all know that soccer is one of the few sports that doesn't succumb to the Caste System, so i thought in my spare time i'd put together the best soccer team on the planet. and with so few guys in the NFL to keep tabs on, i had plenty of time. needless to say, it was VERY easy to load every position with amazingly gifted white players. here we go:
Forwards: these guys are the goal scoring machines. there job is to create offense, period. GOAL!!!!!!!
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine-FIFA 2004 European Footballer of the Year. With over 100 goals to his name in less than five seasons in the notoriously ultra-defensive Italian championship, Andriy Shevchenko is the supreme goal-poacher. The first and only Ukrainian to earn a Champions League winner's medal, 'Sheva' is also the first foreigner ever to finish top scorer in his debut season in Italy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Netherlands-It's hard to think of a more natural-born goalscorer than Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker plundered a century of United goals in under three seasons and overtook Reds legend Denis Law as the Club's all-time top scorer in European competition in November 2004. Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ruud is the best in Europe. His record is incredible ever since he joined Manchester United. He is a big game player."
Wayne Rooney, England-became England's youngest ever player in February 2003 when he came on as a substitute against Australia at Upton Park. He is also the youngest player to have scored for his country at the age of 17 in September 2003 against Macedonia. His reputation as one of the world's most exciting young players was further enhanced by his hugely impressive performances for England at Euro 2004 in Portugal. At 19, his career is just beginning, but he has been described as the greatest teenage talent since Pele Has a bad temper though and needs to mature.
and off the bench, Michael Owen, England-noted particularly for his speed, acceleration and clinical finishing. He has enjoyed a hugely successful and high-profile career at both club and international level and was the European Footballer of the Year in 2001.
Midfielders: these guys do it all. pass, score, and even defend a little.
Pavel Nedved, Czech Republic-2003 European Footballer of the Year. Lethal with both feet, Pavel Nedved ranks among the world's top midfielders. Comfortable at left or central midfield, the Czech native orchestrates plays and isn't afraid to unleash his stinging shot. His rigorous work ethic extends off the pitch, and his leadership qualities are second to none.
Zinedine Zidane, France-Zidane is considered by many to be the best soccer player ever. Two-time World Player of the Year. His individual brilliance is enough to make him a legend, but he is much more than that. He is a winner. Zidane has captured the World Cup, the European Championship and League Cups and titles in France, Italy and Spain.
David Beckham, England-The most popular athlete in the world. Beckham is famous for his unbelievably devastating free kicks, and his passing skills. Can score goals for himself or his teammates from nearly anywhere on the pitch.
and off the bench, Luis Figo, Portugal-2001 World Player of the Year. He can run, kick, pass, and dribble with the best of them. Best of all, he leads by example, always shows up for every game, plays hard, and more often than not, is responsible for all his teams' success.
Defenders: the offensive linemen of the soccer world. they never get the credit, but are the most important unit of any team. sadly, there are no defensive statistics for defenders, so these are four guys that i think are really good.
Chris Perry, England
Asier Del Horno, Spain
John Terry, England
Carlos Bocanegra, USA
Goalkeeper: self-explanatory. they love zeroes.
Kasey Keller, USA-One of the world's finest goalkeepers, Keller has an uncanny shot-stopping ability and a penchant for making key saves ... Has posted an astounding 33 shutouts in 67 international matches.
and off the bench Oliver Kahn, Germany-still acknowledged by many as the best in the world, i feel he has slowed just a little bit.
Forwards: these guys are the goal scoring machines. there job is to create offense, period. GOAL!!!!!!!
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine-FIFA 2004 European Footballer of the Year. With over 100 goals to his name in less than five seasons in the notoriously ultra-defensive Italian championship, Andriy Shevchenko is the supreme goal-poacher. The first and only Ukrainian to earn a Champions League winner's medal, 'Sheva' is also the first foreigner ever to finish top scorer in his debut season in Italy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Netherlands-It's hard to think of a more natural-born goalscorer than Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker plundered a century of United goals in under three seasons and overtook Reds legend Denis Law as the Club's all-time top scorer in European competition in November 2004. Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ruud is the best in Europe. His record is incredible ever since he joined Manchester United. He is a big game player."
Wayne Rooney, England-became England's youngest ever player in February 2003 when he came on as a substitute against Australia at Upton Park. He is also the youngest player to have scored for his country at the age of 17 in September 2003 against Macedonia. His reputation as one of the world's most exciting young players was further enhanced by his hugely impressive performances for England at Euro 2004 in Portugal. At 19, his career is just beginning, but he has been described as the greatest teenage talent since Pele Has a bad temper though and needs to mature.
and off the bench, Michael Owen, England-noted particularly for his speed, acceleration and clinical finishing. He has enjoyed a hugely successful and high-profile career at both club and international level and was the European Footballer of the Year in 2001.
Midfielders: these guys do it all. pass, score, and even defend a little.
Pavel Nedved, Czech Republic-2003 European Footballer of the Year. Lethal with both feet, Pavel Nedved ranks among the world's top midfielders. Comfortable at left or central midfield, the Czech native orchestrates plays and isn't afraid to unleash his stinging shot. His rigorous work ethic extends off the pitch, and his leadership qualities are second to none.
Zinedine Zidane, France-Zidane is considered by many to be the best soccer player ever. Two-time World Player of the Year. His individual brilliance is enough to make him a legend, but he is much more than that. He is a winner. Zidane has captured the World Cup, the European Championship and League Cups and titles in France, Italy and Spain.
David Beckham, England-The most popular athlete in the world. Beckham is famous for his unbelievably devastating free kicks, and his passing skills. Can score goals for himself or his teammates from nearly anywhere on the pitch.
and off the bench, Luis Figo, Portugal-2001 World Player of the Year. He can run, kick, pass, and dribble with the best of them. Best of all, he leads by example, always shows up for every game, plays hard, and more often than not, is responsible for all his teams' success.
Defenders: the offensive linemen of the soccer world. they never get the credit, but are the most important unit of any team. sadly, there are no defensive statistics for defenders, so these are four guys that i think are really good.
Chris Perry, England
Asier Del Horno, Spain
John Terry, England
Carlos Bocanegra, USA
Goalkeeper: self-explanatory. they love zeroes.
Kasey Keller, USA-One of the world's finest goalkeepers, Keller has an uncanny shot-stopping ability and a penchant for making key saves ... Has posted an astounding 33 shutouts in 67 international matches.
and off the bench Oliver Kahn, Germany-still acknowledged by many as the best in the world, i feel he has slowed just a little bit.
