Thomas Helmer: My team of 2013

A UEFA Champions League runner-up with FC Bayern München in 1999, Thomas Helmer has named in his UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013 six of the side that helped his former club to victory in last season's final. There is also a place for "the best striker in the Bundesliga" and the "king of free-kicks", players both plying their trade for another of Helmer's old employers, Borussia Dortmund.  

It was with Bayern, though, that Helmer was most successful. The one-time centre-back was part of three title-winning squads and scored in the first leg of the 1996 UEFA Cup final against FC Girondins de Bordeaux, the same year he and his Germany team-mates triumphed in England at EURO '96. 

View Helmer's choices below and submit your own selection before 13.00CET on Thursday 9 January.

Vote for your Team of the Year 2013

Petr Čech: He has been putting in top performances for years and brings the calmness that the defenders in front of him need. He is still one of the 'old guard'.

Philipp Lahm: He has become a world-class player and is as flexible as anyone. I can't remember him having a bad game.

Sergio Ramos: Strong in the tackle and experienced, he's also very good at opening up the game.

David Alaba: Surely the best left-sided talent, both defensively and going forward. He's always dangerous in front of goal and it's hard to imagine him not being in the team.

Arjen Robben: Franck Ribéry's sidekick. Fitter than he has been in a long time, he's enjoying his football and has a terrific record in terms of scoring goals and providing assists.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: 'The brain' steers and dictates the play. He's an absolute leader and his footballing intelligence is incredible.

Marco Reus: He's the man for that important opening goal. He's quick, prolific and the king of free-kicks.

Franck Ribéry: There's just one word for him – outstanding. He has to get World Footballer of the Year. He's amazing at dribbling, passing and scoring goals. You just can't stop him.

Thomas Müller: The most flexible and dangerous attacking player. He sets up goals, scores them and wins free-kicks and penalties. He can play any position in attack.

Robert Lewandowski: He is the best striker in the Bundesliga. He has brilliant technique and is so clinical in front of goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo: He has an impressive scoring record in the league every season. He's fast and great in the air, and that's not to mention his finishing ability.