The Frankly Football Team of the Decade.

With the first decade of the 21st centruy and the 3rd millennium coming to a close, there are going to be many debates, lists and rankings. With that said, I offer my team of the decade. I had a lot of tough decisions to make in assembling this squad, and here are the criteria I tried to follow as closely as possible:

• Overall talent.


• Honors earned with his teams.


• Individual Recognitions.

Obviously there are a lot of players to choose from over the span of a decade, but only 18 get to make it (a starting 11 and a bench of 7). I would be remiss, however, if I didn't acknowledge the many I considered that fell short (in no particular order):

Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, David Beckham, Xavi, Fernando Torres, Sergio Ramos, Raul, David Villa, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Gianluca Zambrotta, Phillip Lahm, Miroslav Klose, Oliver Kahn, Claude Makelele, Lilian Thuram, Franck Ribery, Patrick Vieira, Arjen Robben, Edwin Van Der Sar, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Clarence Seedorf, Petr Cech, Pavel Nedved, Ricardo Carvalho, Manuel Rui Costa, Deco, Carlos Tevez, Juan Roman Riquelme, Hernan Crespo, Andriy Shevchenko (this was particularly painful for me to omit him), Robinho, Lucio, Julio Cesar, Rivaldo, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, Michael Essien, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ryan Giggs, Tim Howard and Shunsuke Nakamura.

In addition, there will be a manager for this team, and that was difficult as well. Managers who deserve recognition but missed the cut are (again, no particular order):

Carlo Ancelotti, Luiz Felipe Scolari (fine he tanked at Chelsea but he had Portugal on the brink and won at Brazil in 2002), Josep Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard, Roberto Mancini, Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Fabio Capello, Marcello Lippi and Guus Hiddink.

Yet, I will stand by the squad I have selected and would be very successful with this team. So here is the team of players that have stood out at thier positions, their clubs, and/or their countries in this 10-year span. My system is a 4-3-3. (NOTE: Accomplishments I bullet point are accomplishments each player achieved during this decade, and a few of these prominent players accomplished much more prior to the new millennium).

GOALKEEPER: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

• World Cup Winner: 2006
• UEFA Champions League Finalist: 2003
• UEFA Champions League MVP: 2003
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2004, 2006
• 7-time Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year
• FIFPro All World XI: 2006, 2007
  

I sure had my share of choices for this position, but I'll go with the Italian World Cup winner. Only 2 goals conceded in that 2006 triumph; an own goal against USA and a penalty kick in the final against France. A tremendous shot stopper but also has exceptional command of his defensive charges on set pieces and any other situation where organization was required. Certainly will be in the discussion of greatest goalkeepers of all time before his career is over.

RIGHT BACK: Cafu, Brazil

• World Cup Winning Captain: 2002
• Serie A Winner with Roma in 2000-01 and with Milan in 2003-04
• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2007
• UEFA Champions League Finalist: 2005
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2004, 2005
• FIFPro World XI: 2005

This is a slam dunk. The most capped player in Brazilian National team history and World Cup winning captain in 2002 set a blazing trend for the rest to follow at his position. Once described by Sir Alex Ferguson as a man "who plays with two hearts." Especially in the early part of this decade, you could always find Cafu playing for club or country bombing down the right hand side. A striker's dream with his crossing ability, and a goalkeeper's nightmare with his ability to shoot from distance.

CENTER BACK: Fabio Cannavaro, Italy

• World Cup Winning Captain: 2006
• European Championship Finalist: 2000
• Ballon D'Or Winner: 2006
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2006
• FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007
• La Liga Winner with Real Madrid, 2006-07, 2007-08

The captain and inspirational leader of the 2006 World Cup winning team easily makes it in. He's had a bit of a downslide toward the end of the decade, but no player was more valuable to his national team than Cannavaro. He had to marshall the Azzurri defense without Alessandro Nesta, his usual partner in the back who was out through injury. Want more proof? See how the Italians did in Euro 2008 while Cannavaro was out with an ankle injury. They weren't the same. Cannavaro's dogged performances, particulary in the semifinal win over Germany and again in the final against France, led Italy to their 4th World Cup. In addition to that, Cannavaro has enjoyed success with his clubs, particularly at Real Madrid. There's a bit of controversy being part of the Juventus team that was mired in the Calcioppoli scandal, but you can't doubt his work ethic and leadership.

CENTER BACK: Carlos Puyol, Spain

• UEFA Champions League Winning Captain: 2006 and 2009
• Treble-winning Captain: 2009
• European Champion with Spain in 2008
• Three-time La Liga Winner: 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2008-09
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008
• FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008

And there are several other honors for this decorated footballer, the heart of this Barcelona team since putting on the Captain's armband in 2004. Most recently mesmerized with a performance in El Clasico where "sacrificing for the team" was redefined. Was moved to right back in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United due to shortage of options in defense for Barcelona, and delivered brilliantly. Like Cannavaro, Carlos Puyol is a true leader, and sacrifices for the team.

LEFT BACK: Roberto Carlos, Brazil

• World Cup Winner: 2002
• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2000, 2002
• La Liga Winner: 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2002, 2003

Though many would argue a more defensive quality left back would be a better fit (Phillip Lahm), I'm going with Roberto Carlos because he's one of many (as you'll see as you keep reading) who can get me a goal on a free kick and perhaps in the run of play. 53 goals in all club competitions this decade is exceptional for a left back. Exceptionally skilled and particularly on his left foot, he can serve me a ball anywhere I want it. He sustained a level of greatness at his position for such a long time that all-time greatest teams will try and have him in over Paolo Maldini.

CENTER MIDFIELD: Andrea Pirlo, Italy

• World Cup Winner: 2006
• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2003, 2007
• UEFA Champions League Finalist: 2005
• Serie A Winner: 2004
• World Cup Final Man of the Match: 2006
• FIFPro World XI: 2006

Constantly passed over for UEFA Team of the Year for more star names, Andrea Pirlo has been a model of consistency year in and year out this decade. Known for his deep lying playmaking ability for club and country, Pirlo also has the ability to help protect the back line. This is just the player I want to control the tempo of the all-decade team attack. He has long passing ability that sets up scoring chances, and he also makes the intelligent decision of the safe possession pass. Most notable was that no look pass to Fabio Grosso in the World Cup semifinal against Germany in 2006, which was the set up for the winning goal, and sending Italy on their way to their 4th World Cup in the win over France.

CENTER MIDFIELD: Zinedine Zidane, France

• European Champion, 2000
• World Cup Finalist, 2006
• UEFA Champions League Winner, 2002
• World Player of the Year: 2000, 2003
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2001, 2002, 2003
• FIFPro World XI: 2005, 2006

I could easily do an entire blog of everything this man accomplished in his career. I could also do an entire blog about that incident in the World Cup final in 2006. However, ask me to remember Zinedine Zidane and I'll remember that goal in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final. I'll remember that in his last competition for France, he carried a nation on his back to the final. I'll remember how he owned the Euro 2000 Tournament. I'll remember those three things far before the headbutt. There has not been a player since that has demonstrated the ability to match Zidane's impeccable blend of brilliant skill and rugged combativeness. Generations before us were lucky to have Pele and Maradona, Zidane is the player of our time.

RIGHT WING: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

• European Championship Finalist: 2004
• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2008
• English Premier League Winner: 2007, 2008, 2009
• Ballon D'Or: 2008
• World Player of the Year: 2008
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2004, 2007, 2008
• FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008

And too many other honors (individual and team) to list. The scary thing is that he is 24, and even with all he's accomplished, his best football is still ahead of him. Joined Manchester United after playing for Sporting Lisbon. Sporting beat United 3-1 in a friendly in 2003, prompting United players to urge Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Ronaldo. Took the English Premier League by storm from the moment he set foot on the pitch. Earned his reputation as a winger who could skin even the best defenders in 1v1 situations, but enhanced it with his versatility, showing he could play more centrally or as a striker. As deadly as they come on free kicks. Some still say he has big match stagefright, but his goal in the 2008 Champions League final helped cull some of that.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Kaka, Brazil

• UEFA Champions League Winner, 2007
• UEFA Champions League Finalist, 2005
• Serie A Winner: 2004
• Ballon D'Or: 2007
• World Player of the Year: 2007
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2006, 2007
• FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007, 2008

There is no questioning the heart or the ability of Kaka. Practically carried Milan on his back in 2007 on the way to the Champions League final, scoring some breathtaking goals along the way. Despite a couple of Confederations Cup wins with Brazil, the feeling is that his trophy case will at last be complete when he can lift the World Cup. Burst onto the scene in the 2003-04 season when he was bought for "peanuts" from Sao Paulo, and in his second season was voted UEFA's club midfielder of the year. Kaka has tremendous pace and technique, but like Ronaldo, is quite versatile and can play in a variety of places on the pitch. I like him to be the link to my striker in this lineup.

LEFT WING: Ronaldinho, Brazil

• World Cup Winner: 2002
• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2006
• La Liga Winner: 2005, 2006
• Ballon D'Or: 2005
• World Player of the Year: 2004, 2005
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2004, 2005, 2006
• FIFPro World XI: 2005, 2006, 2007

In a 2002 World Cup that had Brazil boasting names like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Cafu, few saw Ronaldinho coming. Really got everyone's attention with that wonder goal against England in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals. Ronaldinho was the man that Frank Rijkaard looked upon to be a creator and goalscorer for the Barcelona teams of the mid-decade. Earned a bit of a reputation as a player who preferred the night life over concentrating on football, and as a result was benched at Barcelona towards the end of his spell there. Still, no one can question the man's skill. Another deadly free kick specialist, Ronaldinho is also never afraid to take on defenders or make that special pass to set up a goal.

STRIKER: Thierry Henry, France

• World Cup Finalist: 2006
• European Champion: 2000
• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2009
• UEFA Champions League Finalist: 2006
• English Premier League Winner: 2001-02, 2003-04
• La Liga Winner: 2008-09
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
• FIFPro World XI: 2006

Okay, look past the handball because you will find the most reliable and prolific goalscorer of this decade. Over 250 goals in less than 500 appearances for Arsenal and Barcelona in the last ten years, meaning he's good for a goal every other game no matter the competition. Incredible pace and tremendous calmness in the penalty area. My favorite Henry moment was the closing of Highbury Stadium in 2006, where he scored a hat trick against Wigan as if it was scripted.

MANAGER: Jose Mourinho

• UEFA Champions League Winner: 2004
• UEFA Cup Winner: 2003
• Portuguese Liga Winner: 2002-03, 2003-04
• English Premier League Winner: 2004-05, 2005-06
• Italian Serie A Winner: 2008-09
• UEFA Manager of the Year: 2002-03, 2003-04

Quick, tell me what other manager won 5 domestic league titles and 2 continental competitions this decade. Thought so. I have a lot of high-priced talent here, and I need a manager that will deal with the egos in the dressing room. Mourinho has won wherever he's gone. Some may not like his brashness, but the bottom line is that he wins trophies. He may be a little more tactically rigid than I would normally like, but Mourinho would get this team to win.

SUBSTITUTE'S BENCH

• Iker Casillas, Spain: Kept an immaculate record for Spain in Euro 2008 and time and again has been called on to make saves at critical times for club and country. UEFA Team of the Year in 2007 and 2008 as well as FIFPro World XI in 2007 and 2008.


• Paolo Maldini, Italy: Captained Milan to Champions League wins in 2003 and 2007 as well as a runner-up in 2005. Played at the highest level until his retirement last season at age 40. UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2005. FIFPro World XI: 2005.


• John Terry, England: Another true lionheart of football. Look past that mistake in 2008. Captain of Chelsea for much of the decade. Tremendous fighting spirit and can nick the occasional goal on set pieces. UEFA Team of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008. FIFPro World XI: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.


• Michael Ballack, Germany: Current German National Team Captain. Jokingly, the quintessential bridesmaid of the decade as he finished runner up in the Champions League in 2002, World Cup 2002, Euro 2008, Champions League 2008, and a bronze medalist for Germany in World Cup 2006. Another midfielder with a powerful mix of skill and combativeness.


• Lionel Messi, Argentina: There is no denying this young man's talent. Influential part of one of the greatest teams in the history of football, 2008-09 Barcelona. Brilliant scorer of goals. Favorite moment of Messi was his goal against Getafe in 2007 that mirrored Maradona's solo effort in World Cup 1986. UEFA Team of the Year: 2008. FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008.


• Steven Gerrard, England: Maybe it's me, but I am a big fan of combative midfielders. Especially Gerrard, who many times through the years has carried Liverpool on his back. Started the memorable comeback against Milan with a goal in the 2005 Champions League final. Oh, and that goal in the 2006 FA Cup Final to send the match to extra time. UEFA Team of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007. FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008.


• Ronaldo, Brazil: If Henry is short of form, I need another lethal goalscorer. Enter Ronaldo, leading scorer at the 2002 World Cup and all time leading World Cup goalscorer. Had a very well publicized fall from grace later in the decade that keeps him out of the first 11, but no one could deny his talent. As composed as you like, and comfortable in 1v1 situations. Ballon D'or: 2002. World Player of the Year: 2002. UEFA Team of the Year: 2002.

So that is the team. Thanks in part to Wikipedia for some the stats. I think we could win a few games, but I would love the comments on this. Thanks for reading!