Kopke – Without question one of the heroes of Euro 96, conceding no goals in the group stages and showing off his penalty-saving skills in the semis against England. A truly dominant keeper in his prime. German footballer of the year in ’93 and known to have been the better keeper in the Bundesliga than his compatriot Illgner, might he have been rated even higher if he got his (rightful) place in the German sides in the early 90s?
Myung-Bo – All-time record appearance holder for South Korea, played every game in all four World Cups, captained his side to 4th place and won the award for third best player at that World Cup…I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he’s considered up there with the best Asian players to play the game. Undisputed leader of that South Korea defence in ’02 which only conceded 3 goals in 6 games following their semi-final loss. A very capable and intelligent ball-player and supremely useful in organising the backline and reading the game, just an ultra-reliable player.
Desailly – A dominant force regardless of where he played on the pitch, supreme reader of the game with the physique to frighten any opposition attacker. Not only did he win consecutive finals but he did so while being one of the best players on the pitch in two completely different positions, showing off his great range of skills which was summed up in his powerful burst through the middle and delicate finish for the goal in the ’94 final. Alongside Blanc in 30-something games France never lost a game. Both were huge parts of one of the best international defences to exist in ’98.
Blind – Complimenting Le Rock much in the same way Blanc did, oozing composure and class. A very capable ball player and a very dependable leader on the pitch, the theme of leadership is clear. Won the CL final in ’95 very ably shutting out Massaro, Donadoni, Boban and co. who had the year previously taken apart Cruyff’s dream team…although they were missing Savicevic this time.
Benarrivo – Tasked with providing most of my width and penetrative running in the team, and he absolutely relishes such a role. Quick and direct, he could turn defence into attack in seconds with his ball-carrying ability. Well renowned but up against Maldini on one side and Bergomi on the other, he never really got a chance to show his true quality on the big stage often enough. When he did get his chance he didn’t let Italy down, being an ever-present in the ’94 side that got to the final.
Rijkaard – Composed on the ball and ferocious off it, this man could do it all. Intelligent passer, always comfortable on the ball, physically imposing, strong in the air, quick across the ground and a dominant ball-winner – simply one of the best midfielders to play the game. At his peak of around 88-90, he was just a step above the rest.
Jonk – Lining up alongside his compatriot, he’ll be here to just keep things ticking along with his smart passing game and tireless running. Together they provide a very solid base at the heart of midfield with both capable of opening up the game with incisive passing or closing it down with intelligent positional play. A couple of penalty kicks away from going to the World Cup final in ’98 and he was a vital, if understated, part of them getting there.
Stojkovic – A genius with the ball, master technician who could pick a player out from anywhere on the pitch with a deft flick or a drilled long ball. My creative hub and the one player who’ll be relied on to dictate the play. Scored just under a goal every two games at Red Star as he made it undisputable he was the best player in the league, but sadly never got to show off his true greatness as injury wrecked his Marseille career when he could have been playing against his old side to win the ’93 CL.
Savicevic – Yet another genius, a magician with his dribbling and boundless creativity. Played for Red Star for 4 years and was a big influence in them winning three consecutive league titles, two national cups and of course the European Cup. Following the European Cup win he was named 2nd in the Ballon D’or. Went on to win even more trophies at Milan with his crowning moment being the unforgettable chip over Zubizaretta and throughout the game he was a constant threat. Largely off the back of this game he was shortlisted for the Ballon D’or, making it into the top 10 in joint 9th alongside his team-mate Desailly.
Bergkamp - Arsenal legend, Premier League legend, technical maestro. If we see another player with his technical expertise we'll see a special player, it's that simple.
Cantona - Le Roi. United legend, Premier League legend, inspirational genius.
