With so many players missing out on the World Cup this summer either by being snubbed by their country and left at home or on the treatment table there is going to be a lot of talented players not taking part on the world’s biggest stage.
Here are the best 11 players that won’t be making the trip to South Africa:
Goalkeeper: Marco Amelia
The Genoa goalkeeper was Italy’s second choice for both the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. However despite having a good season he couldn’t convince Marcello Lippi to take him to his third successive tournament, instead Napoli ‘keeper Morgan De Sanctis and Cagliari’s Federico Marchetti were both chosen ahead of him as Buffon’s understudies.
Right Back: Javier Zanetti
Inter Milan’s Mr. Reliable, the 36-year-old never seems to have a bad game and appears to get better with age. A regular for Argentina in the qualifying stages Diego Maradona shocked many by omitting him from his squad. After being instrumental in Inter Milan’s treble winning season this could be a decision that comes back to haunt Maradona.
Centre Back: Alex
With Lucio as Brazil only real commanding centre back, how they could have done with another solid player in defence. Alex has been one of Chelsea’s unsung heroes this season and with Brazil’s attacking mentality could have used a player like him in the team.
Centre Back: Michael Dawson
The defender has been instrumental in Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League this season. Tottenham’s player of the season would surely have been in the squad had it not been for the wealth of options that England have at the back. Many people believe he should have gone in place of Ledley King due to his injury problems.
Left Back: Fabio Grosso
The man who secured the World Cup for Italy with their fifth spot kick will be forced to watch the defending champions from his own home. The Juventus left back hasn’t had the best of seasons but is still a quality player. Another one of those left back’s whose attacking is better than their defending, Grosso could be a player whose influence Italy miss.
Right Midfield: David Beckham
The most famous footballer in the world unfortunately won’t be gracing the World Cup with his presence this year, at least not in a playing capacity. The LA Galaxy midfielder tore his left Achilles tendon whilst playing on-loan in his second spell at AC Milan this season. One of the best ever players to pull on an England shirt, it’s a real shame that Beckham was cruelly ruled out by injury.
Centre Midfield: Esteban Cambiasso
Arguably the best player who is missing out on the tournament, Cambiasso has been a lynch-pin in Inter Milan’s midfield for the past six years. Another very dependable player who like Zanetti was also key to Inter’s treble winning season. It’s a real shame that a player of his magnitude is going to be missing out this year.
Centre Midfield: Lassana Diarra
A big blow for France was the announcement that Diarra have suffered a stomach injury that would rule him out of the tournament. A tenacious midfielder, the Real Madrid player could have been one of France’s key players this summer. He has always been a top performer for his club since his arrival from Portsmouth and gives a 100% every time, France will greatly miss his influence.
Left Midfield: Ronaldinho
No longer the same dazzling player who set the world alight when he was at Barcelona. Ronaldinho’s exclusion is probably the biggest surprise out of all the players who will not be taking part in the World Cup. The 30-year-old still has a lot to offer and has been in good form for AC Milan this season, however he seems to have lost a lot of his desire which could explain why he wasn’t included.
Centre Forward: Karim Benzema
The French striker has struggled to adapt to life at Real Madrid this season, scoring just nine goals for the club. The €35 million signing has been a ‘flop’ in his first season in Madrid, nevertheless he is still a very talented player and would have a lot to offer France considering their other striking options. Henry hasn’t been a regular for Barcelona and Anelka hasn’t scored too many goals this season for Chelsea.
Centre Forward: Alexandre Pato
AC Milan’s gifted youngster can think of himself as being unlucky not to be going to South Africa this summer. Brazil have chosen to only take four strikers with them to the World Cup and considering their attacking mentality one would have thought they would be taking more. Pato has had a decent season for Milan scoring 14 goals in 25 appearances but that was still not enough to force his way into the Brazil side.
A half decent team I’ll think you’ll agree, but are there any glaring omissions?
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