Blast from the Past

Throwback to the 90's footballers

Image Source: google.com

Football has indeed witnessed the great comebacks as well as great managers. Back in the olden days. It has indeed produced memorable matches. And of course, great players. Honestly, I have always thought of writing a blog on this topic and it has been a very difficult topic. Many players have graced the game from clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, etc and the list goes on.

 Of course, it is impossible to forget the managers who have contributed a lot to this sport. Well, it was a very difficult task to make a starting 11 of my choice and I have never expected that I would take a lot of time in making my all-time 11. The team that I have chosen is not based only on statistics, but more on work-rate, consistency, contribution, impact, hard work and talent of course. Exclusions of few players does not mean that they are not brilliant. Now, here is my all-time 11 of the team.

Goalkeeper:

Image Source: FIFA.com

Oliver Kahn

Known for his aggression and leadership skills, it is impossible to deny the fact that Oliver Kahn is indeed the greatest or perhaps one of the all-time greats. Having a career spanning more than 25 years, he hung up his boots in 2008. His contributions have earned him a record four consecutive awards for UEFA's best goalkeeper. He was nicknamed as volcano/titan by the fans due to his commanding presence in the backline.

 He also played a major role in Germany's run in the 2002 FIFA world cup where the 4 -time world cup winners were the runners-up that year. Despite Kahn's error as Brazil scored the opening goal in the finals, nonetheless, he was awarded the golden ball for his contributions. But, one mistake does not always mean that a player is bad. A lot of players have made errors in the past and have bounced to become one of the greats. For me, to play at a top-level for so long and especially in the '90s where there were great and competitive players, for me, Oliver Khan makes the cut as he was a great leader. It was a very hard choice to choose David Seaman and Peter Schmeichel. 

Defenders: 

Right-back:

Image Source: 5wfootball.com

Cafu

For a Brazilian supporter, it is hard to exclude a player like Cafu in the team. Known for his energetic pace and stamina, the former Brazilian right-back had redefined this position. He was also known for his work-rate, tactical distribution in the field. Not to forget that he was a captain of the team that won the FIFA world cup in 2002. 

He also won the competition in 1994. He was also remembered fondly by the fans as he achieved success with AC Milan that won the UEFA Champions League in 2007 under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti. But some people do not know that Cafu previously played in AS Roma and even to my surprise, he had achieved success with AS Roma before moving to Italian Giants. His accolades will never be ignored. Cafu makes the cut in my all-time 11 as I feel that a team requires a strong right-back and a tactical intelligence like him. A very tough choice between Cafu and Nesta.

Center-backs:

Image Source: youtube.com

Paolo Maldini

It would be a joke that if someone considers Maldini to be an overrated footballer. Maldini has played a major contribution in the game. A former captain for AC Milan and Italy, he achieved a lot of accolades. Introduced to the game by his father Cesare Maldini (ex-captain of AC Milan and former manager of Italy), he began his career as a right-back. After switching to a left-back, he eventually settled into a center-back. Who expected that he would turn out to be a legend. Having played his entire life in AC Milan, he won staggering trophies and was the player with the most trophies until being surpassed by Dani Alves recently. 

Under his captaincy, he leads his side to two UEFA Champions league glories ( 2003,2007). He is the only player to win 5 UEFA Champions League titles alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Maldini also went on to captain Italy and guided them to 1990 world cup semi-final, 1994 World cup final and 1988 Euro semi-final, unfortunately, he did not win international honors. He hung up his boots in 2009 and his jersey number was retired stating that only one of his sons would be given his jersey number. Not to forget that he was nominated for FIFA World Player of the year and Ballon D Or. A true leader and his accolades speak for themselves. Paolo Maldini makes the cut in my team. This was the only time where I had found it easy to name a player in this position. 

Image Source: google.com

Lucio

The former Brazilian center-back has also had an incredible career. Initially, beginning his career in the Brazilian league, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen. He was also a part of the squad that played in the 2002 UEFA Champions League finals. He scored a header and gave his team the lead. Eventually, he ended up getting the runners-up medal as his side fell to 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid thanks to a thunderous volley by Zinadine Zidane. The former Brazilian center-back was also a part of the squad that won the 2002 FIFA World cup.

 Before moving to Seria A, he played for Bayern Munich from Bayer Leverkusen. He was a part of the squad that won Bundesliga three times before being offloaded by Louis Van Gaal. Lucio eventually moved to Inter Milan and eventually got his hands on the trophy in 2010 when his side beat Bayern Munich and went on to achieve the treble. Ironically, he won the prestigious European trophy against his former side. He was known for his heavy man-marking, hard tackling, and leadership. Lucio makes the cut in my team as I feel that a team should have a physical presence. A very tough choice to name a pairing center back alongside Maldini as even Fabio Cannavaro is another fantastic defender.

Left-back:

Image Source: twitter.com

Roberto Carlos

Everybody remembers Roberto Carlos for that deadly freekick against France in 1997. But, that's not the only thing that defines him. The former Brazilian left-back achieved accolades when signed for Real Madrid in 1996. Honestly, for me, I feel that he proved that a man of his size can be a nightmare for any footballer. Despite being small in size, he proved his worth by demonstrating physical strength. 

He also won three UEFA Champions League titles ( 1 under Jupp Hynckes and 2 under Vincente Del Bosque). He was also part of the squad that won the 2002 FIFA World cup. He was also renowned for his stamina, pace, long-throw-ins, powerful shots and of course deadly freekicks. Roberto Carlos makes the cut in my team as I feel he can cause problems for the opposite players on the right-wing. 

Midfielders:

Image Source: sportskeeda.com

Claude Makelele

A very gifted player and indeed a fine excellent holding midfielder. Makelele is one of the greatest players who have been graced the game. Known for his combative and hard-working player, he is said to have revolutionized the defensive-midfield by former peers. He was also capable of attacking as well as defending. Many peers pointed out that the reason why Real Madrid failed to win a major trophy after his departure. This is all started after Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League in 2002 and winning the La Liga the following season, Makelele was one of the team members who underpaid despite his major contributions. He had asked for a hike in pay and he was rejected. He was also criticized by Florentino Perez and was subsequently sold by him.

 After David Beckham was signed and Florentino Perez vowed to make a team of superstars, Zinedine Zidane famously quoted "why put another layer of gold in Bentley when you are selling the whole engine". This proved to be a major disaster for the Galacticos as they failed to win major trophies. Makelele eventually was transferred to Chelsea and went on to win achieve success with the Blues as well playing a major role under Jose Mourinho. Due to his tenacious and holding the game, Claude Makelele makes the cut in my team.

Image Source:  google.com

Zinedine Zidane

The three-time FIFA World Player Of The Year. Of course, I cannot exclude the Real Madrid manager in my team. Honestly, I feel that Zidane was a better player than a manager. He began his career in Cannes and went onto become a hot prospect before moving to Turin giants Juventus. Zidane went on to play a major role in Juventu's success and also played in the finals of the UEFA Champions League in 1998. He settled for a runners-up medal as his side were defeated by the hands of Real Madrid (his future team). Of course, he was remembered for dismantling Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 1998 finals when he scored two goals by the end of the first half and went on to win the World cup. In 2000, he won the EURO and he moved to Real Madrid. He finally won the UEFA Champions League in 2002 when he scored a thunderous volley against Bayer Leverkusen which was voted as one of the greatest goals in the competition.

 He suffered an injury in the 2002 FIFA World cup group stages and went on to miss the whole tournament. His absence proved to be a major one as France was eliminated from the competition. Zidane retired after the world cup and eventually overturned his decision before the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was reinstated as the captain and honestly I feel that his best performance was against Brazil where he was dominant in the whole game. He guided France to the finals before being sent off for the headbutt on Materazzi. He eventually retired from the game in 2006 and stepped into management. Known for his leadership, ball control, and assisting, Zizou makes the cut in my team.

Image Source: google.com

David Beckham

Honestly, this man is my all-time favorite player. David Beckham is one of the greatest players to grace the game. Part of the class of 92 alongside Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt, all these players burst into the scene under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson. Initially, David Beckham wore the number 10 jersey until Eric Cantona retired. He wore the number 7 jersey and popularised the number. Beckham's international career got off to a rocky start in the 1998 FIFA World Cup when he was sent off for clipping Diego Simeone. He became a villain for the England supporters and began to receive death threats. His transition from a villain to a hero was when England were awarded a freekick in the dying minutes of the world cup qualifiers game. Beckham stepped up and score a beautiful freekick that sent England into the World Cup. 

He also played a major role in the 98-99 treble-winning season and played an excellent part in the UEFA Champions League finals 1999 when he provided two corners in the dying minutes that turned out to be the equalizer and then the winner. He was eventually nominated for the Ballon DOr and FIFA World Player Of The Year. Unfortunately, he did not win. He was also a part of the Galactico era and went on to play for LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and finally PSG. He is also the only player to win 4 different leagues. He eventually hung up his boots in 2013. Known for his bending freekicks, crossing ability, and also a reliable playmaker, David Beckham makes the cut into my team.

Image Source: google.com

Ronaldinho

One of the greatest players ever to terrorize the defenders and an expert in skills. Ronaldinho has played a significant role in his career. He had a brief spell in PSG until he moved to Barcelona. Initially, he was supposed to move to Real Madrid. Ronaldinho established himself as a major player for the Catalans. He was also a part of the squad that won the FIFA World Cup in 2002. He is remembered fondly by the fans when he thumped Real Madrid at their turf. The Home supporters gave him a standing ovation for his performances. 

He was also the recipient of FIFA World Player of the Year twice in his career. He moved to AC Milan and played under Carlo Ancelotti and alongside veterans such as Maldini, Nesta, Pirlo, Kaka, Gattuso, etc. He eventually moved to his native brazil towards the later stages of his career. He hung up his boots in 2018. Known for his creative ability to score and link-up play, dribbling, and skills, honestly, for me, he is the best-left midfielder and he makes the cut in my team.

Forwards:

Image Source: google.com

Ronaldo Lima

The three-time FIFA World Player Of The Year. This guy was known for terrorizing defenders in his prime. Dubbed El fenomino he is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers. He began his career in Brazilian leagues before moving to Europe. After an impressive spell at PSV, he was sold to Barcelona. He is fondly remembered for his only season where he scored staggering goals in his only season. Honestly, I feel no other play can achieve that in one and only season. He was a member of the squad when Brazil lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 1994. He was the youngest member of the squad. He was sold to Inter Milan and became a fan favorite.

 A major injury hindered his career and it casts doubts whether he would perform well. He proved his critics wrong as he made an inspiring comeback in the FIFA World cup 2002 as well as scoring against Oliver Kahn in the finals. He was eventually transferred to Real Madrid and scored a good amount of goals for them. He was sold to AC Milan and eventually ended his career in Brazil. He was known for gaining weight towards the later stages in his career. Frankly if not for his injuries, he would have picked up a couple of individual accolades. Unfortunately, a player like him did not lift the UEFA Champions League. He also held the scoring record of 15 goals in the FIFA World Cup until Miroslav Klose broke the record. Known for speed, accurate finishing, and his famous step-over, this man makes the cut in my team.

Image Source: google.com

Thierry Henry

A former Gunners being overlooked is impossible. Thierry Henry is considered to be the best foreigner to play in the Premier League. Initially, he started his career in Monaco before moving to Juventus. He found his life unsettled in Italy and moved to Arsenal. Not to forget he was a part of the squad that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup. This move created a bit of a controversy as people doubted whether he would adapt to the Premier League. He silenced his critics when impressed in his first season. Arsene Wenger converted him to a full-fledged striker and eventually became a major role in the Gunners under him. Playing alongside Bergkamp, Viera, Pires, Tony Adams, etc, they began to challenge The Red Devils for the title. They won three titles under Wenger. They will be remembered as 'The Invincibles' as they won the season undefeated. 

Truly a remarkable achievement. He was also a part of the squad that finished runners-up in the 2006 UEFA Champions League. He became the club's all-time top scorer. The following season he moved to Barcelona and went on to become a part of the squad that achieved the treble under Pep Guardiola and moved to MLS. He eventually returned to the Gunners in 2012 for a short spell and scored a goal for departing. He hung up his boots in 2014. known for finishing, set-piece, pace, dribbling. He also holds the most golden boots in the Premier League (4 times). In the end, Henry makes the cut in my team.

Manager:

Image Source: google.com

I choose Carlo Ancelotti to lead this side. The three-time UEFA Champions League winner has experience of managing veterans and superstars. Nicknamed Don Carlo by the fan. There is no denying the fact that Ancelotti has proved many times as a great manager. He has also had successive spells in AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich. He also managed Napoli before signing for Everton. Previously he had spells with Parma and Juventus. Apart from his accomplishments, I chose Ancelotti as this team consists of players who played under him and he knows how to mold a team and turn them into champions that consist of big major players.

So, this my all-time favorite 11 and the manager I have chosen for this team. Of course, many other players have played in the '90s and have been a major game-changers for their clubs in the past. After a lot of thinking, these were the players I felt that should be included in the main 11.

For the football fans out there, this is an opportunity to make your team along with your favorite manager and also do watch the old games to get an idea of how players used to play in the past and how players are playing now. Remember, the players not included in this team does not mean they are great. At the end of the day, my experience in making my favorite 11 was indeed a very tough one but, it was a very good one to do it. Indeed the best experience. 

Author,

Zaid