2008's Top XI  

I am going to join the countless players, coaches, and journalists in creating the best lineup of 2008 from Europe.


Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)


The classy, Spanish international had an outstanding year (even by his standards). Leading Real Madrid to back-to-back titles is impressive enough but add the fact that he captained Spain to their first Euro victory in many decades is his greatest feat this past year. He was the most shot at keeper in La Liga but he also conceded the least and for these reasons there is no other keeper to consider.


Left Back: Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

Evra has cemented a starting role on United after a season of consistent performances. The French international is solid in the back and makes run after run down the flank, often playing one-twos with Cristiano Ronaldo.


Center Back: Vidic (Manchester United)

An outstanding year for the Serbian hit man. He doesn't make many mistakes and when he does, well the fans song says it best; "He comes from Serbia, he'll f**king murder yer". He was key to their Champions League final game versus Chelsea and it looks like he will have a long, successful career.


Center Back: John Terry (Chelsea)

Though the first half of 2008 ended poorly with his Champions League penalty miss, it did not do John Terry justice after a virtually flawless Champions League competition. He lead the Premier Leagues second meanest defense almost single handed.


Right Back: Daniel Alves (Sevilla/Barcelona)

Danny Alves has stayed true to his Brazilian heritage and is one of the top fullbacks in the world. He scores, creates, takes scintillating free kicks, and never seems to tire. His runs down the flank rip defenses apart and his newly formed partnership with Messi gives fans of Joga Bonito something to look forward to for seasons to come. Add this to his leadership qualities (captaining Sevilla for a number of years) as well as his hard-nosed defensive play and you have a very complete player.


Center Mid: Xavi (Barcelona)

Xavi has been hard to ignore this season. The relatively unsung midfielder finally got the plaudits he deserved when he won the best player of Euro 2008. His play for Barcelona has been nothing short of spectacular and while much is made of Messi, Henry, and Eto'o it could be argued that Xavi is their most important player.


Center Mid: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Stevie G scored 21 goals for Liverpool last campaign and seemed to thrive in his partnership with Torres. The first half of this campaign has started strong as he has lead the charge for Liverpool to be top of the table before Christmas.


Right Wing: Leo Messi (Barcelona)

Barcelona's mercurial attacker cannot be overlooked. When he is healthy he gives Ronaldo a run for the best player in the world. Messi won gold with Argentina in the Summer Olympics and won player of the tournament. Still only 21 years old Messi is an integral part of Barcelona and Argentina's attack. In 15 games this season he has 11 goals and 7 assists.


Left Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

You would have to be crazy to leave Ronaldo out of 2008's top team. While he has been a shadow of last season's Ronaldo he is still key to United's success and with over 20 goals between January and June in 2008 he is the undisputed best player in the world. Hopefully he can regain his form and focus more on being a footballer rather than a celebrity.


Striker: Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

According to his home country's supporters, Fernando Torres is the Spanish Thierry Henry. In 2008 he showed that he was capable of living up to that claim. He was a prolific scorer in his first year in England and in Euro 2008 he and Villa had a dangerous partnership.


Striker: David Villa (Valencia)

David Villa was top scorer in Euro 2008 and has been a consistent scorer in La Liga for the past several years. His combination of speed, positioning, and unrivaled finishing makes him one of the world's most dangerous strikers.