First things first: Maradona is in it and that mean no Platini, which is a shame, but you wouldn't build a side to get the best out of Platini with the personnel available.
Maradona also means no tiki taka bollocks, which also makes sense since with the choice of personnel just go and outplay anyone.
The fullbacks are a shoe-in as a pair: Cafú and Carlos. You could contest either, maybe, but no arguments on an individual difference would make me break up the set.
The central defence is a bit trickier. Milan's defence stands head and shoulders over any other, but it didn't play with flying fullbacks. Still, Baresi and Maldini were so brilliant I know I can trust them, can't overlook them, and if you want the game closed out you just bring in Bergomi or Nesta as RCB for a forward and make it an impenetrable trio.
Rijkaard was a beast of a DM, and can drop back if Baresi wonders forward as a libero. Matthäus likewise. That pair are unlikely to get on well off the pitch, mind, but I can't see that affecting them on the pitch.
Messi has to be there and slots in nicely at RWF. Ronaldinho
doesn't have to be there but I can't see Cristiano fitting in and I'd rather watch Goofy taking the piss out of defenders.
Van Basten to me is the gold standard as a CF in this period. Ronaldo was extraordinary, but what he brings to the table is well covered elsewhere and what is needed van Basten is perfect for.
Goalie settled by making it an Italian unit. Could easily be Schmeichel or Kahn, but Buffon gets the nod.
