2008-09 La Liga Best XI

In honor of Barcelona’s historic season the 2008-09 La Liga Best XI will take the formation of a 4-3-3. As you might expect the side will have a distinct Blaugrana feel to it.

Goalkeeper:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

The Real Madrid stopper is the best goalkeeper in the world and was one of the few bright spots in Los Merengues’ trophy-less 08-09 campaign.

Defense:
Dani Alves (Barcelona)

The Brazilian right back might have been Barcelona’s best acquisition for the 08-09 season as his speed and ball handling helped Barça on both offense & defense.

Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

The Catalan captain is the best leader in football. His versatility along the backline and leadership was essential for Barça’s historic treble run when injuries & suspension threatened to jeopardize history.

Sébastien Squillaci (Sevilla)

The French international center back was the pillar for Sevilla’s 2nd best defense. The ex-Lyon defender led Sevilla in La Liga appearances and is a regular for Les Bleus.

Filipe Kasmirski (Deportivo La Coruña)

Deportivo’s young left back was the breakout star of the La Liga season. The Brazilian started every La Liga game for Deportivo and was a massive part of Depor’s surprising run to 7th place. He is on the radar of every big European club and should be a member of the Brazilian national team very soon.

Midfield:
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

The Spanish midfielder is Barça’s most valuable offensive player. That’s saying a lot considering the attacking talent Barcelona has. Without Iniesta: Barcelona struggled to beat Real 2-0 at Camp Nou, with Iniesta: Barcelona dominates Real 6-2 at the Bernabeu. Messi is going to win the FIFA POY but Iniesta can’t be ignored.

David Silva (Valencia)

Los Che’s best midfielder was an important piece of Valencia’s late season run to 6th place and a Europa League spot. If Silva hadn’t missed the 1st 3 months of the season Los Che could have finished in the Top 3.

Xavi (Barcelona)

Xavi is one of the Top 5 players in the world and is a player with no perceived weaknesses. He & Puyol are the pillars of Catalan athletic pride and in every big game or tournament he wins the man of the match or player of the tournament.

Forwards:
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

La Pulga was Barcelona’s leading goal scorer in all competitions in 08-09 and his goal in the Champions League final cemented his title as World Best Player. Messi is going to be the 2009 FIFA Player Of The Year.

Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona)

The fiery Cameroon striker is the best pure goalscorer on the planet and finished 2nd in the race for the Pichichi. Eto’o is also the most reliable big game goal scorer having scored goals in Barcelona’s two most recent Champions League finals.

Diego Forlan (Atlético Madrid)

The 2nd generation Uruguayan footballer won the Pichichi award as La Liga’s leading goal scorer with 32 goals. The Atlético Madrid striker was volcanic hot as he scored 12 goals in the last 8 games of the season to lead Los Colchoneros to 4th place and a Champions League spot.

DT:
Josep Guardiola

This one is obvious, the former Barcelona player handled a supremely talented team perfectly. Guardiola was at the helm of the greatest season in La Liga history and his demeanor was exactly what Blaugrana needed to win their historic treble.

Bench:
GK: Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
DEF: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia)
MID: Juan Mata (Valencia), Duda (Malaga)
ATT: David Villa (Valencia), Álvaro Negredo (Almeria)

There it is the 2008-09 La Liga Talk La Liga Best XI. Let us know what you think.

Related posts:

1. Spain Win Euro 2008
2. 2008-09 Barcelona Home Jersey Reviewed
3. Product Review- 2008/09 Barcelona Jersey
4. La Liga Roundup – Week 31