Keeper: Manuel Neuer
“I had the fortunate opportunity to play against him with the National Team when we played Germany. First off, he is a great keeper and a player that could probably be a regular in other positions on the pitch. Technical, strong, stone cold, athletic. His abilities are something that you don’t see every day.”
Defender: Sergio Ramos
A great central defender and also a winner. In difficult times when he is needed most, he always comes to the forefront and can also score a critical goal. Add to that his patriotism, technique and how he knows how to take the ball up with style. It’s always great to see him play.”
Defensive midfielder: Xavi
“He doesn’t stop moving and doesn’t lose balls and it always seems that he has two sets of eyes. He knows how to manage a game and control the pace, when to play long and when to play short. I can also remember how he could turn in place and his ability to open up a match. Of course he was also an important part of one of Barcelona’s greatest teams.”
Attacking midfielder: Mesut Ozil
“I also had the chance to play against him and he was terrific. This is a player with the highest technical ability. He wasn’t a big scorer but he was able to make plays look simple that in reality weren’t. Not everyone can play that way with a lot of smarts and game vision.”
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
“Ronaldo was another player that I had the opportunity to play against. What can I say. He is strong, great right foot, good from the left, terrific head game, fantastic runs, great when he receives the ball on his foot and fabulous in one-on-one situations. In short, he’s a machine. The complete footballer.”
