UEFA Release Their Team Of The 21st Century

The 21st century has given us Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Gabriel Obertan. It has supplied us with one of the greatest Barcelona teams in recent history.

But who would make your team of the century?

In a risky move, UEFA have put their neck on the line and named 11 players who apparently deserve a place in the 21st century side.

Line

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas features between the sticks. The Spaniard made over 500 appearances for Los Blancos during a successful 16 year spell with the club.

Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Philipp Lahm make up the back four, but many have suggested that former Barcelona defender Puyol and current centre-back Gerard Pique don't deserve a place in the side.

Thoughts?

Steven Gerrard is the only English player to feature in the side. The former Liverpool midfielder won the Champions League in a famous win against AC Milan, and made over 500 appearances for the club.

Rather predictably, Xavi and Iniesta make up the three man midfield, while Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the line.

In recent times, Cristiano Ronaldo has been part of UEFA's team of the year 11 times, while Messi has secured a spot eight times.

Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos have also featured six times.

Who do you think deserves to be in the ultimate 21st century team? Does the likes of Maldini, Cannavaro and Dani Alves deserve to be included? What about Zinedine Zidane and Gianluigi Buffon?

Let us know your XI in the comments below.

Topics: Gerrard, Messi, Ronaldo, UEFA

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_