Topic: World XI Teams of Decades

[PoetryInMotion]

I have prepared World XI Teams of every Decade (Decades starting from 5-year intervals) from 1950.

The selections were based on Ability, Peak, Longevity, and Individual Achievements (Club and International). I welcome comments and discussion on my team and I would love to see all your teams as well. Current Players like Trent and Rodri will be in the decade 2020 - 2029's side, which as you've guessed needs a few years to be complete.

I will start with the current decade 2015-2024 and then post the sides from previous decades every 2 days.

Decade 2015-2024

Lineup

Alisson (Brazil)

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
Raphaël Varane (France)
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Andrew Robertson (Scotland)

N'Golo Kanté (France)
Casemiro (Brazil)
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Kylian Mbappé (France)

Subs: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Ilkay Gündogan (Germany), Bernardo Silva (Portugal), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Karim Benzema (France)

Decade 2010-2019

Lineup

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Dani Alves (Brazil)
Sergio Ramos (Spain)
Mats Hummels (Germany)
Marcelo (Brazil)

Luka Modric (Croatia)
Toni Kroos (Germany)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Thomas Müller (Germany)

Luis Suárez (Uruguay)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Subs: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Diego Godín (Uruguay), Sergio Busquets (Spain), Arturo Vidal (Chile), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Antoine Griezmann (France), Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Decade 2005-2014

Lineup

Iker Casillas (Spain)

Dani Alves (Brazil)
John Terry (England)
Rio Ferdinand (England)
Philipp Lahm (Germany)

Xabi Alonso (Spain)
Xavi (Spain)
Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Subs: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Ashley Cole (England), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Franck Ribéry (France), Wayne Rooney (England), David Villa (Spain)

Decade 2000-2009

Lineup

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)

Javier Zanetti (Argentina)
Alessandro Nesta (Italy)
Carles Puyol (Spain)
Roberto Carlos (Brazil)

Claude Makélélé (France)
Steven Gerrard (England)

Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic)
Juan Román Riquelme (Argentina)
Ronaldinho (Brazil)

Thierry Henry (France)

Subs: Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Lillian Thuram (France), Michael Ballack (Germany), Francesco Totti (Italy), Raúl (Spain), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)

Decade 1995-2004

Lineup

Oliver Kahn (Germany)

Lillian Thuram (France)
Marcel Desailly (France)
Jaap Stam (Netherlands)
Paolo Maldini (Italy)

Luís Figo (Portugal)
Patrick Vieira (France)
Zinedine Zidane (France)
Rivaldo (Brazil)

Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands)
Ronaldo (Brazil)

Subs: José Luis Chilavert (Paraguay), Roberto Ayala (Argentina), Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Edgar Davids (Netherlands), Ryan Giggs (Wales), Alessandro Del Piero (Italy), Michael Owen (England)

[mikey_LFC]

I hate the guy; but you have to include Ronaldo. Also think Kante and Casemiro is unnecessary and Modric should be in there. Suarez and Neymar are misses too. And I love Robbo but would lean towards Alphonso Davies

I also think Walker is overrated. Kimmich, Neuer, Ramos, Pique, Marcelo, Rodri, Kroos, Thiago, Hakimi and Trent are all worth shouts too. Other bench options could be Hazard, Griezmann and Godin.

Reckon I’d go:

Alisson
Kimmich
Ramos
Van Dijk
Davies
Rodri
Modric
De Bruyne
Messi
Ronaldo
Suarez

[slotmachine]

Suarez is the first name on the teamsheet after Messi.

[John C]

https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=347755.msg17773943#msg17773943

[PoetryInMotion]

I hate the guy; but you have to include Ronaldo. Also think Kante and Casemiro is unnecessary and Modric should be in there. Suarez and Neymar are misses too.

I also think Walker is overrated. Kimmich, Neuer, Ramos, Pique, Marcelo, Rodri, Kroos and Trent are all worth shouts too.

Ronaldo didn't do much at the top level in recent years. He will be in the previous decades (2010 - 2019 and 2005 - 2014).

Kante was the best DM of the period in terms of peak. His longevity is questionable, but he was integral to most of what his teams won (Leicester, Chelsea and France). Casemiro was integral to Real Madrid's multiple CLs. No CM/DM can come close to these two.

Modric - again starter in the previous decade, but he has not been playing at that level for a few years now. Neymar doesn't make any of my sides. I picked Mane ahead of Neymar in this side on the bench and he's not getting ahead of Cristiano in previous decades. Suarez is in the previous decade's lineup. He did have one season at the top level with Atletico after that, but that's not enough.

Kimmich - He has been moved from DM to RB to DM and now back to RB, that it's hard to put him in a position. Walker has been terrific defensively against some top sides, Kimmich has not shown that kind of defensive prowess yet. I'm on the fence in this one.

Neuer, Ramos, Pique, Marcelo - All of them previous decade players. None of them have been close to their peaks after 2020.

Rodri, Kroos and Trent - These are all good suggestions, but I've been thinking of both Rodri and Trent in 2020 - 2029, which is ongoing, and want to assess in a few years.

Kroos is in the previous decade's lineup, but he is one has not declined that much. But there are questions to be asked, when Germany did struggle with him for a while. My initial idea was to put Kroos in previous decade and Gundogan in this one (as sub) and balance it out. I will think about this.

[PoetryInMotion]

https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=347755.msg17773943#msg17773943

Apologies. Can you please merge or do as required.

[PoetryInMotion]

Suarez is the first name on the teamsheet after Messi.

In 2010 - 2019, mate. I will post that in a few days.

EDIT: I have posted it, if you want to have a look.

[PoetryInMotion]

I am going quick on the previous decade since we have these players already in discussion.

Decade 2010-2019

Lineup

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Dani Alves (Brazil)
Sergio Ramos (Spain)
Mats Hummels (Germany)
Marcelo (Brazil)

Luka Modric (Croatia)
Toni Kroos (Germany)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Thomas Müller (Germany)

Luis Suárez (Uruguay)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Subs: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Diego Godín (Uruguay), Sergio Busquets (Spain), Arturo Vidal (Chile), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Antoine Griezmann (France), Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

[markmywords]

I have prepared World XI Teams of every Decade (Decades starting from 5-year intervals) from 1950.

The selections were based on Ability, Peak, Longevity, and Individual Achievements (Club and International).
Decade 2015-2024

Lineup

Alisson (Brazil)

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
Raphaël Varane (France)
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Andrew Robertson (Scotland)

N'Golo Kanté (France)
Casemiro (Brazil)
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Kylian Mbappé (France)

Subs: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Ilkay Gündogan (Germany), Bernardo Silva (Portugal), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Karim Benzema (France)

Based on  Peak, Longevity, and Individual Achievements (Club).

Benzema should be ahead of Lewandowski.  Benzema has also shown more versatility; able to be effective as a support forward and a spearhead

[PoetryInMotion]

Based on  Peak, Longevity, and Individual Achievements (Club).

Benzema should be ahead of Lewandowski.  Benzema has also shown more versatility; able to be effective as a support forward and a spearhead

Peak - Lewandowski once scored 41 goals in 29 league games. Benzema, though more than a goalscorer, has never come close to those levels. Benzema has only scored more than 23 goals twice in the entirety of La Liga career, while 23 is what Lewandowski scored in his first season for Barca, well past his peak.
 
Longevity - Similar levels

Individual Achievements - Both deserved to win a Ballon d'Or. Lewandowski was the spearhead of a Dortmund team that won two league titles and went to CL final, where he scored 4 goals in a CL Semifinal game against Real Madrid.

It's probably neck and neck between the two players, but with Messi and Mbappe on the side, I don't need all round forwards, which those two are - I need a pure goalscorer, and who better than Lewy from this generation.

[markmywords]

Peak - Lewandowski once scored 41 goals in 29 league games. Benzema, though more than a goalscorer, has never come close to those levels. Benzema has only scored more than 23 goals twice in the entirety of La Liga career, while 23 is what Lewandowski scored in his first season for Barca, well past his peak.
 
Longevity - Similar levels

Individual Achievements - Both deserved to win a Ballon d'Or. Lewandowski was the spearhead of a Dortmund team that won two league titles and went to CL final, where he scored 4 goals in a CL Semifinal game against Real Madrid.

It's probably neck and neck between the two players, but with Messi and Mbappe on the side, I don't need all round forwards, which those two are - I need a pure goalscorer, and who better than Lewy from this generation.

If you make the selection based on team balance, then fair enough, but even then I think Benzema showed he could be as good a spearhead.  Sure he never got 40+ league goals and only got above 23 twice, you have to consider, few players got 23 league goals playing with Ronaldo , although many of Ronaldo's teammates achieved that feat either before Ronaldo got there; Van Nistlerooy , Hiquain (with Juve) or after he left; Rooney (twice), Benzema

I think Benzema should win the longevity comparison.  At 34 Lewandowski went to barca at got 33 gls, incl 23 in the lg, very impressive. This yr aged 35 he has 24 gls, with 17 in the lg so far,

At 34 Benzema had the best yr of his career getting 44 gls and 27 in the lg, in this season he became the 3rd oldest to win balon dor, getting back to back hatricks during the knockout stages, during the best CL individual campaign I think I have ever seen. At 35 Benzema got 31 gls, (including at hatrick at camp nou) with 19 in the lg so to say his longevity is similiar to Lewandowski seems strange. Few great players maintain their level into the mid 30's, Benzema is about the only 1 I know who managed to elevate their performance

[PoetryInMotion]

If you make the selection based on team balance, then fair enough, but even then I think Benzema showed he could be as good a spearhead.  Sure he never got 40+ league goals and only got above 23 twice, you have to consider, few players got 23 league goals playing with Ronaldo , although many of Ronaldo's teammates achieved that feat either before Ronaldo got there; Van Nistlerooy , Hiquain (with Juve) or after he left; Rooney (twice), Benzema

I think Benzema should win the longevity comparison.  At 34 Lewandowski went to barca at got 33 gls, incl 23 in the lg, very impressive. This yr aged 35 he has 24 gls, with 17 in the lg so far,

At 34 Benzema had the best yr of his career getting 44 gls and 27 in the lg, in this season he became the 3rd oldest to win balon dor, getting back to back hatricks during the knockout stages, during the best CL individual campaign I think I have ever seen. At 35 Benzema got 31 gls, (including at hatrick at camp nou) with 19 in the lg so to say his longevity is similiar to Lewandowski seems strange. Few great players maintain their level into the mid 30's, Benzema is about the only 1 I know who managed to elevate their performance

Point taken regarding playing with Ronaldo. And it is true that Benzema did age like fine wine.

But so has Lewandowski. Lewandowski's performances as a youngster at Dortmund in the CL was incredibly impressive - so for longevity, you have to consider the early days, middle days, and the later days - your post is focused on the later days. When you consider all three, it's neck to neck.

So, yes, I am willing to swap Benzema and Lewandowski from the bench to the lineup if there are others who make the same suggestion. That will make it more clear-cut.

[PoetryInMotion]

Reckon I’d go:

Alisson
Kimmich
Ramos
Van Dijk
Davies
Rodri
Modric
De Bruyne
Messi
Ronaldo
Suarez

Thanks for this. I've put in Kimmich instead of Walker.

Your team is great, only it's got players with peaks in different decades.

[PoetryInMotion]

Decade 2005-2014

Lineup

Iker Casillas (Spain)

Dani Alves (Brazil)
John Terry (England)
Rio Ferdinand (England)
Philipp Lahm (Germany)

Xabi Alonso (Spain)
Xavi (Spain)
Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Subs: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Ashley Cole (England), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Franck Ribéry (France), Wayne Rooney (England), David Villa (Spain)

[kaesarsosei]

Decade 2015-2024

Lineup

Alisson (Brazil)

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
Raphaël Varane (France)
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Andrew Robertson (Scotland)

N'Golo Kanté (France)
Casemiro (Brazil)
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Kylian Mbappé (France)

Subs: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Ilkay Gündogan (Germany), Bernardo Silva (Portugal), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Karim Benzema (France)

I hesitated about Robbo but am still struggling to think of another candidate over the time span, so I only have 1 objection - Kante I don't think can be included. His best only seemed to last 4-5 seasons top, he has been injury prone and I literally have no clue where he is now. I think Modric should be in the team and in fact him for Kante looks a much better balanced MF. Also think we are already at the point where Rodri is close to the first team and should definitely be on the bench at least.

[PoetryInMotion]

I hesitated about Robbo but am still struggling to think of another candidate over the time span, so I only have 1 objection - Kante I don't think can be included. His best only seemed to last 4-5 seasons top, he has been injury prone and I literally have no clue where he is now. I think Modric should be in the team and in fact him for Kante looks a much better balanced MF. Also think we are already at the point where Rodri is close to the first team and should definitely be on the bench at least.

I don't think any other LB has played at the top level like Robbo. It shouldn't be forgotten that Robbo has the most assists in the PL era for a defender. Just that he's neck to neck with Trent in assists shows that he's underrated.

I think you are underselling Kante quite a bit. In those 5-6 seasons, no DM hit a peak like him. In fact I would go on to say that he had the highest peak for a DM since 2000. He won the PL with Leicester, then he won the PL with Chelsea, then he won the CL with Chelsea, and he won the World Cup with France, all the while performing starring roles in all of them. Don't think a DM can do anymore than that.

Modric is in the 2010-2019 team, it would be a stretch to say he maintained those levels in recent seasons.

Rodri has only reached his current level in the last couple of seasons, he cannot represent that decade. He will be in the 2020-2029 team for sure.

[RyanBabel19]

Great idea for a thread and my eyes may be tricking me as i’m shattered but no Neymar in the original post is pretty crazy.

[PoetryInMotion]

Great idea for a thread and my eyes may be tricking me as i’m shattered but no Neymar in the original post is pretty crazy.

Yeah, I do understand the surprise, but he didn't set alight Ligue 1 with PSG, and he didn't achieve much with Brazil - he was not available for even their Copa America success. He has flattered to deceive over the years, IMO.

His best achievement came when Barca won the treble and even in that, he was third fiddle to Messi and Suarez. That doesn't warrant being in the team of a decade (any decade).

[PoetryInMotion]

Decade 2000-2009

Lineup

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)

Javier Zanetti (Argentina)
Alessandro Nesta (Italy)
Carles Puyol (Spain)
Roberto Carlos (Brazil)

Claude Makélélé (France)
Steven Gerrard (England)

Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic)
Juan Román Riquelme (Argentina)
Ronaldinho (Brazil)

Thierry Henry (France)

Subs: Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Lillian Thuram (France), Michael Ballack (Germany), Francesco Totti (Italy), Raúl (Spain), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)

[markmywords]

Juan Román Riquelme ahead of xavi and scholes

I'm a big fan of Riquelme  but his european career was not comparable to xavi's, even upto 2009. Even before the Guardiola yrs, Xavi was a 1st teamer from around 2001, became vice capt, won 3 la liga's, had won the UCL and was voted best spanish player in la liga in 2005.

Riquelme vs Xavi from 2000 - 2007 was kinda close, but then in 2007-2009, he blew Riquelme out of the water

[PoetryInMotion]

Juan Román Riquelme ahead of xavi and scholes

I'm a big fan of Riquelme  but his european career was not comparable to xavi's, even upto 2009. Even before the Guardiola yrs, Xavi was a 1st teamer from around 2001, became vice capt, won 3 la liga's, had won the UCL and was voted best spanish player in la liga in 2005.

Riquelme vs Xavi from 2000 - 2007 was kinda close, but then in 2007-2009, he blew Riquelme out of the water

Xavi was a first teamer, but it wasn't close between 2000-2007 imo. A quick look at his individual achievement says everything major he did was in 2008 and later. He did win trophies before, but he reached his peak much later. 2007/2008 is where he burst into the scene to a world class level. The same year you mention Xavi for winning the La Liga Spanish Player of the Year, Riquelme won the La Liga Foreign Player of the Year. Also, you are underrating Riquelme's time in Spain. He did fail at Barca, but he did really well at Villareal. He was brilliant for Argentina as well, dominating games.

Also, the problem is Xavi wasn't an AM, this formation doesn't work with him. If I change it to 4-3-3, then it doesn't suit Nedved.

Still, I will think about it. Thanks for the comment. I would love to view your side for this period.

As for Scholes, his reputation grew after he retired. I think he's over-rated. He was a limited player who couldn't tackle to save his lives, he couldn't dribble/carry the ball much and didn't affect the final third much unless he was played behind the striker. His passing was excellent, but that was the only good thing about his game. He didn't get a single Ballon d'Or vote in his entire career. That speaks volumes about how his peers rated him at that time, despite plenty of quotes floating around on the internet. He doesn't cut it at this level, imo.

[Samie]

PIM, you want my input mate? 

[PoetryInMotion]

PIM, you want my input mate? 

Of course 

[PoetryInMotion]

Decade 1995-2004

Lineup

Oliver Kahn (Germany)

Lillian Thuram (France)
Marcel Desailly (France)
Jaap Stam (Netherlands)
Paolo Maldini (Italy)

Luís Figo (Portugal)
Patrick Vieira (France)
Zinedine Zidane (France)
Rivaldo (Brazil)

Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands)
Ronaldo (Brazil)

Subs: José Luis Chilavert (Paraguay), Roberto Ayala (Argentina), Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Edgar Davids (Netherlands), Ryan Giggs (Wales), Alessandro Del Piero (Italy), Michael Owen (England)