Bearded 11

First Hair, now Beards... I promise I'll start with the serious stuff soon.

A beard is a wonderful thing. So a team of bearded players must be eleven times more wonderful than just one bearded player (turns out I have learnt something that could be of use in math!).

This post is my way of showing appreciation for all those bearded geniuses out there. 

GK: Iker Casillas (Spain)

He's known as Saint Iker for a reason... and the reason is his beard. Well, maybe not for the beard, but it would be completely understandable if that was the actual reason. It's rumoured that just rubbing a 'keeper's gloves against his facial hair has enough power to guarantee a cleansheet. Valdes should consider it.

Defenders

RB: Alvaro Arbeloa (Spain)

I might not be his biggest fan, even if I am a Madrid supporter, but no one can deny his fantastic facial hair. If his performances were as strong as his beard is, he'd be a definite starter for every game, and he wouldn't be on the list of outgoing players during this transfer window. Also, My sister loves him.

CB: Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Sergio's form might be unstable nowadays, going from "The Best in the World" to "Why is he even on the field?" in the space of a week, but one thing that has been consistent in recent times is his fabulous facial hair. The beard was born after he cut his hair for Euro 2012 tournament, and I don't think there's any need to look back now.

CB: Gerard Pique (Spain)

Another Spaniard on this list. Seriously, what is up with that? I'm not even a fan of La Furia Roja (just felt like I needed to say that seeing as this list has been made up of mostly Spanish players).

With Pique's erratic form, he's even more erratic than Ramos, people are often found wondering why he is still playing for a club as great as FC Barcelona and I think we all know the answer. It's the beard.
Think about it. Cristiano makes a fool of him in almost every single El Clasico, but he still starts whenever fit for one of the best clubs in the world. Average, under-performing CB at one of the best clubs in the world yet he still starts every game. How does it make sense? THE BEARD. Just let that sink in...

LB: Olof Mellberg (Sweden)

Olof just looks like he knows how to cut down a tree. Impossible to not picture him in flannel, because he looks so much like a lumberjack. He also looks like a manlier version of Thor (which might not be difficult to do, but it is still worth a mention). Easily the manliest player on this list (sorry, Xabi).

Midfield

RM: Antonio Nocerino (Italy)

Antonio has dedicated his life to his beard. You might think I'm exaggerating, but it's 100% true. Try to find photos of him without a beard. It's OK, I'll wait. Did you try? If you did, you failed. 

His amazing beard, coupled with his big face makes him look like a bear, BUT a nice, friendly bear. One that would take you in if you were lost, one that would protect you from other bears. A friendly bear that loves football. 

It's a great beard, OK?

CM: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)

Not Sure if Andrea Pirlo or Chuck Norris.

CM: Xabi Alonso (Spain) (C)

Xabi's the king of passing, the king of the bearded footballers and the king of holding-midfielders. He just oozes this old-timey style, a certain level of class that puts him above all other players. It's not only the magnificent beard though. His composure, his style of dressing and general behaviour (on and off the field) all form a part of Xabi as we know and love him. Hope we'll see the beard for many years to come.

LM: Claudio Marchisio (Italy)

Another Italian with a permanent beard, this one isn't as full as the previous, but I personally prefer Claudio's.  It actually looks as if his beard is as soft as the hair on his head. An incredibly talented midfielder but also an incredibly talented beard-grower. If that is a word. If it is, that's what he is.

CAM: Yoann Gourcuff (France)

Yoann is the only entry on here that saddens me. Tipped for greatness when he was younger, he's failed to reach his full potential, except where beards are concerned. It's just sad to see the world agree that they'd rather see him in a magazine instead of on the field. While he occasionally shows his potential on the field, the one thing that can be seen as a beacon of hope is his beard. 

At least he has his beard and his modelling career. I'd be content with that. 

Forwards

CF: Cesc Fabregas (Spain)

It's impossible to hate Cesc. It's even more difficult with his great beard. The beard definitely suits him more than the clean and smooth look he used to have. It actually makes him look like a warrior. He could so easily be a Spartan with that beard. 

Rumour has it that the only reason Ronaldo doesn't score every single time he takes a shot against Barcelona is due to the fact that Fabregas' beard is so intimidating. One of the most believable rumours ever. Let's face it, Valdes defiinitely doesn't deserve any of the credit.

Players who narrowly missed out on being in the Bearded XI

Miguel Veloso (Portugal)

I really wanted to put Miguel in this team, but I felt that Andrea and Xabi just had extra fabulousness that he lacked. Sorry, Miguel.

David Beckham (England)

Everyone loves David. I love his facial hair in this photo, mainly due to the similarities between David and V. Best facial hair I've ever seen on a field, but his beard isn't exactly good enough to take the place of Antonio, Andrea or Xabi.












To the two people who actually wanted me to upload another post: I've been so busy with work that I haven't had a chance to finish this article. I actually started writing it two weeks ago but I only had time to complete it today.