The Non-World Cup XI
Brazil 2014, Internationals, Latest Posts 09 May 2014
Most of the world’s biggest stars are set to grace Brazil 2014 in what should be a magnificent tournament. There are however, some big players who won’t be strutting their stuff. Here, we take a look at the best of the unfortunate eleven.
Goalkeeper – Petr Cech
Czech Republic’s big number one has had another excellent season between the sticks for Chelsea. Named in the PFA team of the year once again, Cech has been a model professional for both club and country. Only conceding nine goals in the ten qualifying games gave his team a great chance of qualifying but they fell a point short of the mark. His Premier League form has been as wonderfully consistent as ever and rarely makes an ever. His organisation of the Chelsea defence has been superb and it says a lot he is still keeping the excellent Thibaut Courtois out of the Chelsea side.
Right Back – Seamus Coleman
Another player named in the PFA eleven, Coleman has enjoyed a fantastic season under the tutelage of Roberto Martinez. The Irishman has been given a licence to relentlessly attack the opposition and has put in some exquisite performances this season. He even has six goals to his name, which is more than his total goal tally for Everton combined. He’ll be disappointed The Toffee’s missed out on 4th place, but it doesn’t detract from an excellent season.
Centre Back – Martin Skrtel
The big Slovakian star has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success this season. The Red’s have shipped quite a few goals this season but that has far more to do with Rogers’ style, which often leaves the defence exposed while the fullbacks are bombing forward. He has scored key goals against both Manchester clubs and a total of seven. His unashamedly aggressive defensive work has put fellow centre backs Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure to shame at times. His ultra-competitive attitude has really driven Liverpool on this year.
Centre Back – Medhi Benatia
Another dominating centre back, Moroccan star Medhi Benatia stands at 6’ 4” and is a true force of nature in the heart of Roma’s defence. Having enjoyed their best season for years, Roma have only lost 3 of their league games and conceded only 23 goals. A natural leader, Benatia has been attracting the attention of German champions Bayern Munich. Unfortunately for him, Morocco were drawn against Ivory Coast in World Cup qualifying and fell four points short.
Left Back – David Alaba
The 21-year-old Austrian is one of the hottest properties in world football at the moment. Having already won multiple Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and named Austrian player of the year three times; Alaba looks set to have a long and prosperous career at the highest level. He tried his hardest to help Austria to qualify, but his six goals were not enough as they fell three points short.
Right Winger – Gareth Bale
Any team in the world would be delighted to have the electric Welshman in their squad. Blessed with incredible pace, he graces either side of the football pitch and has enjoyed a solid first season with Real Madrid. Despite injuries, he has still managed 14 goals in 26 appearances including five in the Champions League. His four goals from seven was not enough to send Wales through the qualifying stage but Bale is a true game changer and truly one of the world’s best players.
Centre Midfield – Marek Hamsik
The second Slovakian on the list, Marek Hamsik is fast becoming a Napoli legend. Formerly part of the “three tenors”, with Edison Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi, Hamsik chose to stay with Gli Azzuri and has made close to 300 appearances for the club. Manager Rafa Benitez has likened his influence to that of Steven Gerrard at Liverpool. Physically strong and remarkably aware on the pitch, Hamsik has long been on the shopping lists of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Centre Midfield – Aaron Ramsey
As with Bale, Aaron Ramsey joins a long list of Welshmen who have not had the chance to compete on the biggest stage. The Arsenal man was integral in The Gunner’s excellent start to the season and many have argued his injury was a major factor in their eventual downfall. A complete midfielder, he was voted Arsenal player of the month for four consecutive seasons and was instrumental in their Champion’s League campaign. Despite missing the majority of 2014, Ramsey is still Arsenal’s second top scorer and assist leader.
Left Midfield – Arda Turan
Turkish winger Arda Turan has been a huge part of Atletico Madrid’s staggering campaign. The silkily skilful winger’s performances have been nothing short of brilliant during Madrid’s unrelenting march towards a La Liga and Champions League double. Full of flair, he has made the left wing position his own and seemingly carves out chances at will. He will be devastated with Turkey’s poor qualifying campaign, finishing behind Romania and Hungary.
Striker – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The World Cup will be a poorer competition due to the absence of the iconic Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Considered by many to be on par with Messi and Ronaldo, the legendary striker has had yet another wonderful season, scoring 40 goals in 42 appearances. He is unquestionably one of the greatest finishers of all time and regularly scores goals other players can only dream of. Pace, power, flair and an incredible desire to win are just a few of the traits that make him so special. His attitude may not be too everyone’s taste, but he is without a doubt one of the most gifted players to grace the football pitch.
Striker – Robert Lewandowski
Poland missed out on qualifying after picking up only 13 points in an unremarkable campaign. Star man Lewandowski has struggled for international form but his club performances have been quality yet again. The hefty striker has managed 18 goals for Dortmund this season but has been playing in very difficult circumstances after signing a pre-contract to join rivals Bayern Munich last November. His fantastic eye for goal took Dortmund within inches of a Champions League title last season and Munich will be delighted to have prised him away from the Westfalenstadion.
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