Defenders:
Dani Alves
Brazil have redefined the full back, with the lung busting performances of Cafu and Roberto Carlos at the 2002 World Cup making the world sit up and take notice.
Tactics deity Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian believes that in the modern game the full back is the most important position on the pitch.
Dani Alves has been a huge part of Barcelona’s success in the last few years. His uncanny athleticism has enabled him to be both full back and winger, and a regular Barcelona goal would be a Xavi through ball between centre half and opposition left back to Alves, running at pace, who would pull the ball back for Messi to thump home for a goal.
Though Alves has had mixed form this season, he has been the best right back in the world for quite some time.
Jordi Alba
On the opposite flank, Jordi Alba.
In Spain’s major tournament wins of 2008 and 2010, Sergio Ramos played a similar role to Dani Alves for Barcelona, but there was not the same threat on the left flank.
Barca too cycled between Eric Abidal, a more defensive option, Adriano and Maxwell in their bid to find a solution.
Only this season has that been resolved – Jordi Alba providing both goals and assists from the left, as well as carrying out his defensive duties.
Raphael Varane
Carles Puyol will feel hugely unlucky to miss out on this team when he inevitably reads this article, but out with the old and in with the new: Raphael Varane is destined to be a superstar.
The French centre back is still just 19 years of age but has already demonstrated remarkable maturity in a difficult position, and was a major part of denying Barcelona clear cut chances until Jordi Alba finally broke the deadlock in the closing stages.
Varane has shone in both La Liga and UEFA Champions League level, and now surely international football beckons.
Sergio Ramos
Also in the middle, Sergio Ramos, back in his original role of centre back.
The Spain star gave an incredible performance on Tuesday evening to totally shackle Lionel Messi up front, tracking him tightly even when the Argentina star dropped deep.
Ramos’ time as a full back has aided his technical abilities enormously, whilst his defensive solidity has rarely been in doubt.
The more senior partner in defence, he provides a steady head to guide Varane through matches, with the Frenchman solid enough to mop up when Ramos steps up to track the man he is marking.
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