Transfer - Walter Samuel out, Thiago Silva in
Touched up on my player profiles
Iker Casillas
Nicknamed San Iker (Saint Iker) for his miraculous goalkeeping displays, Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the world today. He captains Real Madrid and Spain, and is among the select few in history to have won every major trophy at club and international level. His personal accolades include, but is not limited to, FIFPro World XI (2008-2010), UEFA Team of the Year (2007-2010), World Cup 2010 Golden Glove winner, World Cup 2010 All-Star Team, Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament.
Darijo Srna
Captain of Croatia and Shakhtar Donetsk. His marauding runs and excellent delivery of crosses made him one of the outstanding performers in the Champions League last season with 5 assists from 9 appearances (the third highest tally of any player in the competition). He also carries a threat from long range shots and set-pieces.
Thiago Silva
Probably the most complete defender in the world. Technically, physically, mentally, he has everything - accomplished technique, tackling prowess, aerial strength, searing pace, Rolls Royce power, immaculate composure and reading of the game. Excellent at bringing the ball out of defence too.
Alessandro Nesta
Italian Maestro who has perfected the art of defending. His flawless reading of the game, first-rate anticipation and impeccable positioning keeps him a step ahead of others. His recent masterclass against Barcelona is the hallmark of a great defender at the top of his game. Legend in the true sense of the word.
Federico Balzaretti
Fast, strong, tireless fullback whose overlapping runs and good wing-play yielded 7 assists from 33 league appearances last season. Defensively solid and first-choice left-back for Italy.
Gökhan İnler
Midfield general and captain of Switzerland. Tough, uncompromising all-action midfielder who does all the 'basics' very well - position, tackle, pass and even fire long range screamers with either foot. He starred for Udinese before moving to Napoli this season, having established himself as one of the best centre midfielders in Serie A.
Xavi Hernández
Playmaking Maestro who orchestrates his team to produce the most beautiful footballing symphony. The heartbeat of Spain and Barcelona, his imperious form over the past few seasons has rightly earned him an exalted pedestal in the pantheon of footballing legends.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Probably the most complete midfielder today in terms of his all-round ability in the attributes required of the modern day midfielder. World-class.
Santi Cazorla
The best player in Spain outside of Camp Nou and Bernabeu. Technique, speed and creativity rolled into one irrepressible pocket dynamo, Cazorla's fleet-footed dribbling and visionary passing can cut defences into ribbons. He is also a highly skilled exponent of free-kicks and long range shots. Van Nistelrooy, now playing with him at Malaga, exclaimed "What a player Santi is". 7 goals and 15 assists last season. 6 goals so far this season.
Florent Malouda
Pacey versatile winger with intelligent off-the-ball movement, excellent work-rate, an eye for the pass and a nose for goals. An output of 32 goals and 20 assists in the past two seasons makes him the one of the most productive attackers around.
Lucas Barrios
Dortmund's star striker. Fast, strong with good off-the-ball movement and aerial ability, he is excellent at leading the line whether it is running the channels, playing in team-mates or applying the finishing flourish. A prolific goalscorer with an appetite for the big games, he has scored 35 goals from 65 Bundesliga appearances in the past two seasons.