Brief lowdown on my players
Iker Casillas
Captain of Spain and Real Madrid. World Cup 2010 Golden Glove winner, FIFPro World XI (2008-2010), UEFA Team of the Year (2007-2010). Best goalkeeper in the world today.
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)
Alessandro Nesta
Italian Maestro who has perfected the art of defending. His flawless reading of the game, first-rate anticipation and immaculate positioning keeps him a step ahead of others.
Walter Samuel
Nicknamed Il Muro (The Wall), Samuel's astute positioning, strong tackling, natural power and speed make him one of the toughest defenders in the game. Long-time team-mate Javier Zanetti referred to him as the hardest player he has played with. Serie A defender of the year 2010 as voted by his fellow professionals (jointly won with Chiellini).
Federico Balzaretti
Fast, strong, tireless fullback with 7 assists from 33 league appearances last season. First-choice left-back for Italy.
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.
Gökhan İnler
Midfield general and captain of Switzerland. Tough, uncompromising all-action midfielder who starred for Udinese before moving to Napoli this season.
Santi Cazorla
The best player in Spain outside of Camp Nou and Bernabeu. Technique, speed and creativity rolled into one irrepressible pocket dynamo. 7 goals and 15 assists last season. 6 goals so far this season.
Danny
Talented ambidextrous playmaker who inspired Zenit to consecutive Russian league titles. Has scored 18 league goals in past two seasons. Player of the Year in 2010.
Florent Malouda
Pacey versatile winger with intelligent off-the-ball movement, 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.
