I can’t really seem to find a category to put this in, and this one came closest. Instead of going to do the five best footballers of all time, I’m going to do Team of the Year 2003-2004 after the jokers at FIFA decided to unofficially rename World Player of the Year Award to World’s Most Famous Player of the Year with nominations like Micheal Owen, Raul, Milan Baros etc
This includes the time from the start of the 2003-2004 season, the summer tournaments (Copa America 2004 and Euro 2004) and all that is concluded of the the 2004-2005 season.
Goalkeeper: No one
Wasn’t a good year for Goalkeepers? Except maybe that Greek goalkeeper. I’m not good at remembering Greek names :(
Left-Back: Ashley Cole (Arsenal and England)
Flawless with Arsenal as they won the Priemership, and then was outstanding with England at Euro2004.
Central Defender: Ricardo Carvalho (Porto, Portugal, now Chelsea)
Was the heart of the acclaimed defence of Porto’s European Championship winning side. Replaced Fernado Couto after he had a jolly bad game for Portugal v. Greece and was crucial as Portugal cruised to the finals. Now currently playing at Chelsea, still flawless.
Central Defender: Alexei Smertin (Portsmouth, Russia, now Chelsea)
Just to show that, you don’t really need to be a part of a glamour side to get a place (though he currently is). Bought by Chelsea last season, loaned out to Portsmouth. Was the main factor in newly promoted side Portsmouth staying up, he can play in a variety of positions including centreback as proved in Euro 2004 with Russia. Currently plying his trade at Chelsea as an utility man.
Right Back: Gary Neville (Manyoo and England)
Gets in because I can’t think of any decent right-back. Didn’t lose his bearings unlike most of his Manyoo teammates last season, was jolly good in Euro 2004. Hmmm... help me to choose a rightback!
Left Wing: Robert Pires (Arsenal and France)
Hmm, yeah.
Centre Midfield: Edgar Davids (Barcalona, Holland, now Inter Milan)
Another one who was crucial in Barcalona’s resurgence, shame he’s left but they’ve replaced him with Deco so it’s cool :). Fear the shades, RAAAAAH.
Centre Midfield: Deco (capt) (Porto, Portugal, now Barcalona)
My choice for the FIFA World Player of the Year. Brazilian born, and even the star studded Brazil team would have liked to have such a player of natural ability. Takes apart defences with his lightining pace, European Champion and was unlucky not to win the Euro 2004 too.
Right-Wing: Ronaldinho (Barcalona and Brazil)
Knew what he was doing when he turned down Manyoo for Barcalona, has been crucial in Baraclona’s resurgence. Didn’t play in the Copa America (I think). Of course, I know he’s striker but I couldn’t fit him there and I couldn’t find a decent right-winger so he gets played on the right-wing :)
Striker: Adriano (Brazil, Inter Milan)
I’ll have to confess he gets in just because of his displays in Copa America. Seven goals, next big thing. Move over fatty Ronaldo. Tear defences apart in Italy with Inter Milan now.
Striker: Fernado Moreintes (Monaco, Spain, now Real Madrid)
Undoubtedly the man of the Champions League. Took Monaco to the Champions League finals, wasn’t too bad at Euro 2004, scored a goal against Greece and then was dropped for no reason. Currently being wasted on Real Madrid’s bench.
Honourable Mentions Antonio Cassano, Ludovoic Guily, Sol Campbell, Cristano Ronaldo (not the fatty one) and Costinha.
Manager: Jose Mourinho