Alessandro Nesta reveals what his perfect XI would look like.
Alessandro Nesta's perfect XI:
GK: Buffon.
"His ability to react is second to none, and he’s really a smart player. His performance in the 2006 World Cup helped propel Italy to the title. Without a doubt, the best keeper I played with."
RB: Cafu.
"Cafu battled all game long. He was never tired and was very tough to play against. He was always competitive during the important matches. His runs down the flanks created much for Milan."
CB: Stam.
"Stam was one of the strongest players. Like Cafu, he would be at his best during the key games. Stam was difficult to beat on the ball and in the air. His passing ability was underrated as well."
CB: Thiago Silva.
"The youngest of the group, but a leader who was named Milan captain in 2011. A big part of our Scudetto success in 2010-2011. I was always impressed by his speed, professionalism and class."
LB: Paolo Maldini.
"He played as a left or central defender, and he was strong with both feet. A legend at Milan, playing 25 years at the highest level. Maldini was one of the greatest leaders that I’ve ever played with."
RCM: Pirlo.
"One just has to look at his performance at the Euros this summer to see his quality. His playmaking ability from deep in the midfield is the best in the world. He can take over a game."
CM: Veron.
"The driving force behind Lazio’s Scudetto season in 2000. He is one of the most accomplished players of all time. Most notably, his technique with and without the ball was simply one of the best."
LCM: Kakà.
"Extremely quick-footed. His balance and composure help him see the pitch better and use his team-mates well. He has great finesse on the ball, is a superb passer, and he possesses a great shot."
FW: Vieri.
"Bobo Vieri was one of Europe’s best strikers during his playing career. He wasn’t afraid to work hard to score his goals. He was great with his head, and was strong on the ball and in the box."
FW: Ibrahimovic.
"Like Vieri, Ibra is very strong on the ball and defenders couldn’t take the ball away from him. One of the greatest finishers that I’ve ever seen. His ability to free himself from defenders is amazing."
FW: Shevchenko.
"Great at set-pieces and a master at penalties. Shevchenko was one of the greatest goalscorers of his time, at club and at international level. Every time a match was on the line, he’d score a goal."
There's an argument for virtually any Juve defender over anyone in the back line, but Gonzalo Rodriguez is there on merit, as he's Fiorentina's third most important player right now behind Valero and Pizarro. You can also argue Totti was snubbed, but fuck Totti.
Napoli, good stuff.
