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Deco: My team of 2014

Former Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo takes pride of place in Deco's team of 2014, alongside ex-FC Barcelona comrade Lionel Messi, described as "simply the best ever".

Deco: My team of 2014
Deco: My team of 2014 ©Getty Images

Fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line in Deco's team of 2014, alongside the former Portuguese playmaker's old team-mate Lionel Messi, described as "simply the best ever".

Germany – with four picks in the 4-3-3 formation – provide the biggest contingent of players, while there is also representation from Brazil, Croatia, Austria and Spain.

View Deco's choices below and submit your own selection before 13.00CET on Tuesday 6 January.

Vote for your Team of the Year 2014

Manuel Neuer: Enjoyed the best season of his career so far, excelling both at his club and with his national team. Besides all that, he became world champion.

Philipp Lahm: Has been, for several seasons, a top, top full-back. He is the captain of Bayern and was also the captain of the German national team until he recently decided to end his international career. He is able to play several roles and is the type of player that any coach would like to count on.

Miranda: The Brazilian defender had arguably his best season since arriving in European football. He reached the UEFA Champions League final and helped Club Atlético de Madrid to win the Spanish league.

Mats Hummels: A very complete central defender. He has the speed and technique and he is also very strong in the air.

David Alaba: He has been improving every single year. A German champion with Bayern and one of the best left-backs in the world.

Luka Modrić: A tireless player in Real Madrid's midfield. He was very consistent throughout the season and always performed at a very high level. An invaluable player who helped the club to win the Décima.

Toni Kroos: He was just perfect in the World Cup and made the headlines with one of the big summer transfers. Established himself immediately in Real Madrid's first XI and has been instrumental so far.

James Rodríguez: In the space of three years James left FC Porto, played for AS Monaco FC and decided to join Real Madrid. Enjoyed an extraordinary World Cup and started very well in the Spanish league.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Simply an amazing season for Cristiano! He helped Real Madrid to win their tenth European Cup and he is on a never-ending goal spree. If that was not enough, his displays have been really impressive. The best player I've played with for Portugal.

Lionel Messi: A football genius and a personal friend of mine. Simply the best I ever had the pleasure of playing with at club level. He had another excellent season and will continue to make history and break records.

Diego Costa: He was the biggest focal point for Atlético in 2014, becoming Spanish champion and reaching the Champions League final. Scored a lot of goals and also provided quite a few assists. He really deserved to sign for José Mourinho's Chelsea, where he has been a decisive player in the Blues attack.

Deco was talking to Nuno Tavares.

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