Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon
An exceptional keeper with incredible reactions. I won the penalty duel against him in the 2003 Champions League Final but Buffon saved far more of my shots than I scored past him.
Right-back
Cafu
A warrior on the field and a sincere, kind man off it. Strong and powerful, his runs from defence led to numerous goals at AC Milan and his jokes helped to ease the pressure during training and in matches.
Centre-back
John Terry
A resolute defender and a natural leader, he can calm the panicky behaviour of players. His trademarks are anticipation and judgment. He's also exceptionally dangerous from attacking corners.
Centre-back
Alessandro Nesta
I've never seen a better reader of the game. A supremely intelligent and pacy defender, he made a great contribution in AC Milan's efforts to keep Juventus at bay in the 2003 Champions League Final.
Left-back
Paolo Maldini
The most gifted and hard-working player I've ever seen. He was an excellent all-round footballer with true leadership virtues and the rare ability to be reliable in defence and creative in attack.
Right midfield
Kaka
A creative maestro who dictates the pace of the game. It was a real pleasure to be in the same side as he supplied me with incredibly precise passes. I scored a lot thanks to his clever deliveries.
Centre-midfield
Steven Gerrard
A world-class midfielder, Gerrard loves to lead by example and is famous for his never-say-die attitude. He loves to run at and beat defenders, and is blessed with a powerful and precise shot.
Centre-midfield
Zinedine Zidane
He could do magical things using his vision, technique and powerful shot. During games it was impossible to predict his next move. Off the pitch, he was a kind and generous man.
Left-midfield
Lionel Messi
It's difficult to find another player who can dribble and score like Messi. He is the attacking player of the 21st century. I can't even specify his position. He's everywhere, making fools of defenders.
Centre-forward
Ronaldo
Skilful, powerful and takes chances like a machine. His strike-rate for every team he's played for tells you everything. I can only imagine what he could have done in football if not for his injuries.
Centre-forward
Wayne Rooney
No player in modern football can match his efficiency and work-rate, and he's not egotistical like many men of his speciality. He's the sort of magnificent team player every coach wants in his starting XI.
Substitutes:
Petr Cech
I have great respect for Cech, who stayed in football despite a terrible injury.
Carles Puyol
A superb defender who makes the complete sacrifice for his team.
Michael Ballack
A utility man of great talent and determination in midfield.
Frank Lampard
My former Chelsea team-mate can start and finish a team's attacks.
Andrea Pirlo
A clever, generous midfielder who can pass over any distance.
Ryan Giggs
Mr Gentleman of modern football: wise and creative, with wonderful individual skills.
Cristiano Ronaldo
He adds to his tricks with tactical wisdom, work-rate and ball control.
Interview: Jonathan Wilson. From the October 2010 issue of FourFourTwo. Subscribe!
