Football Dream Team

Iker Casillas – Real Madrid & Spain
The Real Madrid stopper has proven himself on numerous occasions for both club and country, captaining both sides to trophies in a 13-year career this far.
At 31, the 137-cap international still has plenty of years ahead of him, and could add to his two European Championship and one World Cup trophy. Could the FIFA Ballon d’Or be next?
Philipp Lahm – Bayern Munich & Germany
It’s hard to believe that Bayern allowed the full-back two years at Stuttgart on loan, with the 28-year-old not breaking into the senior side in the capital until 2005.
However, his performances on loan earned a first international call-up in 2004, and he now has 91-caps to his name, as well as the captain’s armband, for Joachim Löw’s team. Able to play on either flank, Lahm is settled on the right with a dangerous left foot.
Gerard Pique – Barcelona & Spain
The 25-year-old centre back slipped through Manchester United’s fingers without making much of a scratch between 2004 and 2008, and has since blossomed at the heart of football’s greatest domestic side.
Pique is one of the best ball-playing defenders on the planet, is strong in the tackle and can also chip-in with a vital goal. He’s certain to play another decade at the highest level.
Vincent Kompany – Manchester City & Belgium
The Belgian centre back hasn’t been tested at the elite level on the international stage, but there is absolutely no question of his ability after guiding Manchester City to the Premier League title last season.
In a team of superstars, Kompany is the heartbeat, wearing the armband for Roberto Mancini and building their success on a solid defensive foundation at centre back.
Ashley Cole – Chelsea & England
The only England representative in the starting XI, Cole has shown his ability time-and-again for both the Blues and Three Lions, picking up 98-caps in the process for his country.
Still only 31, the left-back has won three Premier League, seven FA Cup and one Champions League trophy to-date, and will be looking for more under Roberto Di Matteo.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid & Portugal
Forced out to the right wing, Ronaldo has proven his ability in a number of positions for both club and country, shining for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United and currently Madrid.
Recognised as one of the two best players in the world right now, Ronaldo scooped the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2008, and could win it again this year after helping Los Blancos to the title in Spain and his country to the Euro 2012 semi-final.
Andres Iniesta – Barcelona & Spain
The 28-year-old took time to gain the recognition he deserves as one of the best midfielders in world football, but is now seen as the vital cog for both his club and country’s success.
Having won Champions League, La Liga, European Championship and World Cup winner’s medals, motivation must be hard, but Iniesta continues to show the skill and spirit of a true champion.
Xavi Hernandez – Barcelona & Spain
At 32, the central midfielder has four years experience over Iniesta, and has helped form the most dynamic pairing in recent football history alongside his domestic and international colleague.
Much like Iniesta, Xavi is comfortable in possession, completes hundreds of passes every game and isn’t afraid to press and make tackles on the opposition. One of the all-time greats.
Gareth Bale – Tottenham Hotspur & Wales
A potentially controversial decision, but Bale has already shown at Tottenham Hotspur that he’s one of the hottest-properties in world football, impressing in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Spurs will need a top four finish this season to hold on to their star player, and don’t be surprised if the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United come calling in either January or next summer. At 23, the future’s very bright.
Robin Van Persie – Arsenal & Netherlands
Still an Arsenal player, but for how long? It’s no surprise that Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus all want the Dutch star, whilst clubs in Spain have also been linked in the past.
With injuries now behind him, the 28-year-old has shown himself to be deadly in-front of goal, scoring 30 in the English top flight last season. Any club would want the 68-cap international in their side.
Lionel Messi – Barcelona & Argentina
What else can be said about the Argentine maestro, who scored 73 times in all competitions for Barcelona last season and is already the club’s record goalscorer at the age of 25.
A three-time winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or and one of the two best players on the planet, Messi still has time to re-write most of the football record books, and will be looking for international success on the World Cup stage in 2014.