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Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' Is Filled With Footballing Legends

Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' Is Filled With Footballing Legends

This team would strike fear into any opposition.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

John Cruyff's autobiography titled 'My Turn' featured a section of his dream all-time XI and it's a fascinating insight into his philosophy.

The Dutch footballing legend would have turned 73 today and it's worth remembering the brilliant mind he had for football.

As you can imagine, he assembled quite the team of players he admired the most - including players that he played with and managed.

Image
PA

Neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo feature in the team, but it is filled with legendary attacking prowess in the form of Pele, Garrincha, Alfredo Di Stefano and Diego Maradona.

Pele
Pele

Pele, here, smiling as he thinks about all those goals that he lied about scoring. Image: PA

Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona

Never trust any Dream Team that doesn't include this man. Image: PA

Defensively, Cruyff picked both Carlos Alberto and Franz Beckenbauer - two World Cup winning captains.

Carlos Alberto
Carlos Alberto


Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer

Carlos Alberto (top) and Franz Beckenbauer (bottom). Not a bad defence. Images: PA

He also managed to find a place for prodigy Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked with and transferred his famous philosophy and teachings onto.

Manchester City boss Guardiola still cites Cruyff as one of his biggest influences.

Here is the team in full:

Cruyff
Cruyff

The full team is as follows: Lev Yashin, Carlos Alberto, Beckenbauer, Pep Guardiola, Ruud Krol, Alfredo di Stéfano, Bobby Charlton, Garrincha, Maradona, Pelé, Piet Keizer.

Cruyff sadly died in 2016 following a battle with cancer but his love for football remained in his last days.

Days before his death, Johan Cruyff posted his final Twitter post and it epitomizes the love he had for football.

Cruyff tweeted his compliments to PSV Eindhoven for their performance during their Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.

From his sickbed, he was still able to appreciate the beautiful game.

He was a true revolutionary when it came to the beautiful game and his presence is missed.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Johan Cruyff