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2010 World Cup Superteam

Every four years, fans are treated to a wealth of the most talented footballers on the international stage. The very best of the best come together for a chance to claim the ultimate prize in football, though most leave the tournament under a haze of disappointment.

We here at OG feel that these players deserve a bit of recognition, and what better way than naming the ultimate 2010 FIFA World Cup Super Team? The following is our selection of the best players that will be hitting South Africa this month, but we’d also love to hear your thoughts for a Super Team. Be sure to tell us your ideal Super Team made up of players attending the World Cup this year.

Our Team

• Wayne Rooney
• David Villa
• Lionel Messi
• Cesc Fabregas
• Landon Donovan
• Franck Ribery
• Dani Alves
• Gerard Pique
• Nemanja Vidic
• Ashley Cole
• Gianluigi Buffon

Wayne Rooney

England – Forward

The Manchester United star failed to score a goal in his only previous World Cup tournament, but the 24-year-old is four years older, and four years wiser. While still considered a hothead by many in the British press, especially considering his latest outburst in a Friendly fixture, there’s no doubting Rooney’s prowess in front of goal.

The striker only needs half a chance to score, as he showed with his monstrous domestic goal tally this year; so rest assured that he’ll be celebrating a few in South Africa this month.

Appearances: 60, Goals: 25

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David Villa

Spain – Forward

With his recent transfer to Spanish champions Barcelona, David Villa is in for an incredible twelve months. His national team are favourites to take home the World Cup, and boast arguably the strongest 23-man squad in the tournament. Villa himself has a wonderful goal scoring record on the international stage, and even scored three times in just four appearances at Germany 2006.

Teaming up with strike partner Fernando Torres will be a deadly combination throughout the tournament, so expect plenty in the way of goals from this talismanic striker.

Appearances: 58, Goals: 38

Lionel Messi

Argentina – Winger

Scoring 47 goals in one season is an incredible feat for any striker, let alone a winger. Lionel Messi is far and away the greatest footballer at the moment, and is sure to shine at the World Cup, despite concerns of how Argentinean coach Diego Maradon will deploy the youngster.

At 22 years of age, Messi has at least another two World Cups to look forward to, but will be keen to earn the only piece of football silverware he doesn’t currently possess: the World Cup.

Appearances: 43, Goals: 13

Cesc Fabregas

Spain – Midfielder

The only problem Fabregas has to worry about at the moment is where he will be playing his football next season. He has been in top-notch form in recent seasons, a consistent playmaker in an Arsenal squad that simply can’t keep up with his class. Barcelona looks to be the destination for the midfield genius, but Arsene Wenger isn’t keen to let his star player leave the Emirates.

To a more inexperienced player, this transfer saga could be a distraction prior to a World Cup, but the captain of Arsenal has already proven he is a rock even under the most intense pressures.

Appearances: 50, Goals: 6

Landon Donovan

United States – Midfielder

After a poor loan spell at Bayern Munich in 2009, it seemed that Landon Donovan just couldn’t cut it at the highest level of European football. However, thanks to some smart managing from David Moyes, Landon Donovan became an Everton fan favourite during his 13-match spell earlier this year.

His blinding pace and clinical finishing from midfield make him one to watch at this year’s World Cup, and if the Americans can produce the same sort of results as they did in last year’s Confederations Cup, Donovan could well be within reach of his country’s first World Cup title.

Appearances: 123, Goals: 42

Franck Ribery

France – Winger

It has taken a while for Franck Ribery to establish himself as one of the best players in the world, but over the past two seasons he has produced some stunning performances both for his domestic club, Bayern Munich, and for France.

The left winger is known for his flawless passing and unlikely pace, and isn’t afraid to take a shot on goal if the opportunity presents itself. With an unusually out of sorts French side heading into the World Cup this month, players like Franck Ribery could be the key to France’s survival.

Appearances: 45, Goals: 7

Dani Alves

Brazil – Defender

The long-suffering understudy to Maicon in the Brazil national team, Dani Alves has had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to be selected for the World Cup. His transfer to Barcelona in 2008 was the first step to international glory, as he proved time and time again how a right back can play on both sides of the pitch.

While he might have to warm the bench when Dunga feels the need for a stalwart defensive option in Maicon, don’t be shocked to see Dani Alves score a goal or two over the next month.

Appearances: 35, Goals: 3

Gerard Pique

Spain – Defender

Barcelona teammate of Dani Alves, Gerard Pique has proven that Sir Alex Ferguson can indeed make mistakes. His four years at Old Trafford were marred by non-selection woes, and in 2008 he returned to his junior club, only to become a regular starter.

The tall Spaniard is an attacking threat as well as a defensive one, especially when playing for Spain. His young age may keep him from playing every match at the World Cup, but for a defender he is proving to be one of the most exciting prospects for the future of Spanish football.

Appearances: 16, Goals: 4

Nemanja Vidic

Serbia – Defender

The Manchester United giant hasn’t had the best of times at past World Cups. Despite qualifying for Germany 2006 with Serbia & Montenegro, Vidic missed the opening game through suspension, and injured his knee prior to the second.

After four brilliant years at Old Trafford, the Serbian defender will be key to his country’s progression at this year’s tournament. In one of the toughest World Cup groups, Serbia need to rely on their veterans if they are going to reach the knockout stages.

Appearances: 45, Goals: 2

Ashley Cole

England – Defender

Injuries have plagued Ashley Cole’s recent season with Chelsea, but the left back is set to take his place against the United States after recovering just in time. Despite the constant tabloid shocks, injury worries, and on-field antics, there’s no doubting that Ashley Cole is one of the best defenders in the game.

His defensive intelligence is only equalled by his eye for picking out teammates in the area, and he will likely be the instigator for a few Peter Crouch headers. Any injuries during the tournament, though, would be devastating to an England back four already without Rio Ferdinand.

Appearances: 78, Goals: 0

Gianluigi Buffon

Italy – Goalkeeper

His record transfer fee to Juventus almost a decade ago still hasn’t been equalled. If nothing else, that should tell you just how highly regarded the Italian goalkeeper is. His heroics at the 2006 World Cup helped his side to victory, and at only 32 years of age he is one of the most highly rated and experienced keepers at the tournament.

Italy could very well struggle at the World Cup this year, but you can always rely on Buffon to produce a solid performance at the back.

Appearances: 101

What do you think of these selections? Would they succeed at the World Cup, or is the line-up complete bollocks? Let us know by naming your own 2010 FIFA World Cup Super Team!