I was sitting in a garden a few days ago when a friend of mine asked which brand had a better all-star team: Nike or adidas? Thinking about it made me excited. I felt as if I had to blog about it.
As a brand, I prefer adidas, but when it comes to boots I think it's very difficult to come close to Nike (except adidas' Lethal Zones - but that's a story for another blog post). I am also aware that Puma would be able to make a team of their own, but I really don't think it's fitting for the epic battle that these teams could have, so for now it's Nike v adidas... and Nike's up first.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut is one of my favourite young players at the moment, even though he happens to be on the wrong Madrid team. He's so good that Petr Cech has to worry about his spot at Chelsea and he is only 22 years old! Definitely one for the future, I'm pretty sure he'll become the best in the world some day.
Defenders
CB: Sergio Ramos
It's no secret that I love Sergio Ramos. I think he's been on almost every list I've made on this blog (yes, I know there are only five posts). I promise that he didn't make this list because of that love; he made this list purely on merit and fabulousness. Easily, the second best defender in the world.
CB: Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is a player that you can't hate. The best defender in the world (sorry Sergio!) and a true leader, one of the most well-rounded players to ever grace the pitch. If you don't know what I mean, watch him play... you'll see. He is definitely needed in this team, especially to balance how erratic his fellow defenders are.
CB: David Luiz
David is a player that is always worth watching. You never know when he's going to take a shot at goal, and you never know if it's going to be horribly wide or a goal-of-the-year candidate. The level of excitement, coupled with the fact that he is one of the funniest players you'll ever watch, makes him a must-have.
Midfielders
CM: Andrea Pirlo
Andrea is the classiest player I have ever seen. He drips class. I'm sure his sweat could be used to clean wine glasses, reading spectacles, a yacht or other classy people things (as in the things classy people own). He's really sophisticated.
He is also one of the best midfielders of all time, so there's that I guess.
CM: Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta has the unique ability to look like an old man but also a baby at the same time. Seriously, just look at his face.
On a technical side of things, Andres must have been taught how to play the beautiful game at Hogwarts, because every touch of his on the field is pure magic.
Ten points to Ravenclaw! (he just has that Ravenclaw vibe to him).
CAM: Eden Hazard
Eden is the PFA Young Player of the season for 2013/14 and Chelsea's player of the year (not that they had many candidates - let's be honest) and it's well-deserved. He is one of the best dribblers I have ever seen. He has a few things in common with Courtois: both Belgian, both belong to Chelsea FC and they are two of the best young players in the world.
Forwards
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo
He is the best player in the world, one of the greatest of all time and the face of Nike - there's no way he wouldn't make this team.
I don't even need to justify this selection.
(I am aware of how sassy that makes me sound, thanks.)
CF: Neymar
A young player with so much potential, all he needs is to toughen up a bit.
Once you get over the fact that he goes down like he's made of wafers and glued together with icing sugar, he is a great player (I think). Sometimes I can't get over the ease with which he goes to ground, but that's only when he plays against Real Madrid.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan needs no explanations.
RW: Franck Ribery
He might not be the best sportsman (for so many reasons), but you cannot deny that he is an amazing player. Technically the third-best player in the world (which I disagree with), he does deserve this spot though.
Using lineupbuilder.com, I made a representation of how this team would look on the field. Here it is:
I strongly suggest that you watch this advertisement, I think it might be the greatest soccer ad of all time:
Well done, Nike.
Yes, I left Wayne Rooney out of the team. I find him incredibly overrated, and he sure as hell doesn't deserve a place ahead of any of the players in this team.
If there's anything you want to say, or if there's any topic you'd like me to blog about - comment.
