French newspaper l’Equipe has published its ideal line-up of 2004 and included six Serie A stars, among them two Azzurri.
The Italians are represented by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who is increasingly regarded as the best in the world, and the unusual choice of Gianluca Zambrotta. The Juve fullback was not even on ‘France Football’s 50-man shortlist for the European Player of the Year.
Milan veteran Marcos Cafu is also included in the defence at the ripe old age of 34, where he is flanked by Chelsea’s central defenders John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.
Bologna midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis earns his place after captaining Greece to glory in the Euro 2004 tournament.
The strength of Serie A’s strike forces is evident in the choice of both San Siro-based hitmen, as Andriy Shevchenko and Adriano are joined by Barcelona’s Ronaldinho in this fantasy line-up.
As expected, Jose Mourinho is named top Coach for his role in taking Porto to the Champions’ League and his fine start with Chelsea.
L’Equipe ideal team of 2004:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Cafu (Milan & Brazil), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea & Portugal), John Terry (Chelsea & England), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus & Italy); Deco (Barcelona & Portugal), Maniche (Porto & Portugal), Theo Zagorakis (Bologna & Greece), Ronaldinho (Barcelona & Brazil); Andriy Shevchenko (Milan & Ukraine), Adriano (Inter & Brazil)
The Italians are represented by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who is increasingly regarded as the best in the world, and the unusual choice of Gianluca Zambrotta. The Juve fullback was not even on ‘France Football’s 50-man shortlist for the European Player of the Year.
Milan veteran Marcos Cafu is also included in the defence at the ripe old age of 34, where he is flanked by Chelsea’s central defenders John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.
Bologna midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis earns his place after captaining Greece to glory in the Euro 2004 tournament.
The strength of Serie A’s strike forces is evident in the choice of both San Siro-based hitmen, as Andriy Shevchenko and Adriano are joined by Barcelona’s Ronaldinho in this fantasy line-up.
As expected, Jose Mourinho is named top Coach for his role in taking Porto to the Champions’ League and his fine start with Chelsea.
L’Equipe ideal team of 2004:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Cafu (Milan & Brazil), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea & Portugal), John Terry (Chelsea & England), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus & Italy); Deco (Barcelona & Portugal), Maniche (Porto & Portugal), Theo Zagorakis (Bologna & Greece), Ronaldinho (Barcelona & Brazil); Andriy Shevchenko (Milan & Ukraine), Adriano (Inter & Brazil)
