Iván Helguera: My team of 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
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Iván Helguera has a handful of FC Bayern München players in his UEFA.com users' Team of 2013 though he has not ignored the claims of Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona.
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Five players from UEFA Champions League holders FC Bayern München – with the rest of the lineup coming from Borussia Dortmund (two), the Spanish Liga (three) and Paris Saint-Germain (one) – form the core of Iván Helguera's 2013 UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013.
Himself a European champion with Real Madrid CF in 2000 and 2002, Helguera – who also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and three Liga titles with the Merengues, and the 2008 Copa del Rey while at Valencia CF – has picked a goalkeeper, two full-backs and two midfielders from the Munich club. Up front, however, the ex-Spanish international, 38, puts his faith in Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona.
View Helguera's choices below and submit your own selection before 13.00CET on Thursday 9 January.
Vote for your Team of the Year 2013
Manuel Neuer: At this moment in time, he is the most complete goalkeeper.
David Alaba: He has matured a lot in the past year. He is unselfish and offers speed, youth and athleticism.
Thiago Silva: For me, he is the best central defender in the world.
Sergio Ramos: This has been his best year as a central defender.
Philipp Lahm: He easily incorporates attacking into his role as a full-back.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Crucial to Bayern's successes in 2013. A versatile player who has immense control over whatever situation might arise.
İlkay Gündoğan: A great central midfielder who is not at all showy. He always maintains his position while protecting his team.
Marco Reus: A great discovery who has quality and versatility. He offers sacrifice and movement – and he is great at getting into the opposition area.
Franck Ribéry: This has been his best year. He unbalances teams from wide areas.
Lionel Messi: Simply the best.
Cristiano Ronaldo: He has grown like no other player. Along with Messi, he is the best in the world.
Iván Helguera was talking to Delfín Ramírez.