Best of the Rest: Defenders

As unusually many good and high profile players have been omitted from this year's World Cup, I thought it would be interesting to see just how good a team these players would form if they got together. The players I've included are ones whose national team have qualified for the World Cup, who are not injured or internationally retired, but rather deemed as not good enough or misfits by the manager of their country. To make it more digestible/more like Christmas time, (or, for you cynics out there, to make it more annoying/make myself seem more important), I will reveal my selected team of rejects over three days.



Júlio Sérgio (Roma; Brazil) - Goalkeeper
The 31 year old goalkeeper has amazingly made less than 100 appearances over his entire career, failing to become the first choice goalkeeper at 9 of his last 10 clubs. But he finally got his opportunity this season, as Roma's first choice and second choice, Doni and Artur, struggled with injuries and poor performance. Júlio Sérgio impressed and quickly cemented his place in the first team, playing a key part in Roma's fantastic season as they finished 2nd in Serie A, just two points behind Inter. Curiously, it is Doni whom Dunga has called up as Brazil's third choice keeper in South Africa.

Cesár Azpilicueta (Osasuna; Spain) - Right back
The 20 year old has been one of the best full backs in the Primera División this season, earning a call up to Spain's preliminary World Cup squad. He didn't make the final cut, as Del Bosque opted for experience in the backline.

Alex (Chelsea; Brazil) - Centre back
Alex didn't feature much at Chelsea until the end of the season due to injury and being third choice for his position, behind Terry and Carvalho. But the strong centre back played a big part in Chelsea's Premier League title, as he started in the last 9 games of the season, contributing to the London club winning 26 out of 28 points over those games, while only conceding 5 goals. The competition for the centre back position is brutal in Brazil; if Dunga had selected Alex in place of current choices Thiago Silva, Lúcio, Juan or Luisão, the replacee would have made my list instead.



Naldo (Werder Bremen; Brazil) - Centre back
Naldo has been considered as one of the very best centre backs in the Bundesliga for many years, and had another excellent season 09/10 as Werder Bremen finished 3rd. With just 4 international appearances, the 6 ft 6 in free kick specialist has never really been given the chance for Brazil. Together with Alex, he would have formed one of the very strongest centre back partnerships in South Africa, had our imaginary team qualified for the competition...



Il Capitano (Internazionale; Argentina) - Left back
Maradona no le gusta. Javier Zanetti is one of the best players of his generation. Has legendary status in Italy, and is even appreciated by fans of Inter's rivals. Current Champions League champion. Dropped in 2006. Dropped in 2010.

G. Lindström