Pepe's team of 2008
Friday, January 9, 2009
Article summary
Real Madrid CF's Pepe defers to Portugal team-mate Ricardo Carvalho and Rio Ferdinand in selecting the centre-backs in his team of 2008. To view the nominees and cast your vote for the Team of 2008 click here.
Article top media content
Article body
Real Madrid CF defender Pepe defers to Portugal team-mate Ricardo Carvalho and Rio Ferdinand in selecting the centre-back in his team of 2008. What do you think of his selection? Pepe was choosing from the 60 nominees for the uefa.com users' Team of 2008. To vote for your best XI, click here.
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF)
I play with him at Real Madrid and know how good he is. For me, he is the best goalkeeper in Europe.
Right-back: José Bosingwa (Chelsea FC)
He was a team-mate at Porto and we also play together for Portugal. José is very fast and has just what a right-back needs: he defends and attacks very well.
Central defenders: Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United FC) and Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC)
I will pick Ferdinand for his great season with Manchester United, he won it all. And Ricardo is my defensive partner in Portugal. He keeps it simple and he is a great centre-back to play with.
Left-back: Patrice Evra (Manchester United FC)
I really enjoy watching him play. His attitude is great, he is a fighter on the pitch.
Right midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)
He is the best player in the world, so that was an easy one to pick!
Central midfield: Marcos Senna (Villarreal CF)
He was so important for Spain during EURO 2008, my vote goes to him.
Attacking midfield: Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC)
He brings a lot to both the Arsenal and Spain teams. He's got lots of skills and raises the level of every midfield.
Left midfield: Arjen Robben (Real Madrid CF)
He's been playing so well lately and I think he did very well at EURO 2008 for Holland.
Forward: David Villa (Valencia CF)
Villa is my favourite striker. He is so smart, so fast and he needs only half a chance to score a goal. He is always there waiting for the defender to lose the ball.
Forward: Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
He is fantastic, the way he dribbles at speed is astonishing and it is very hard for defenders to steal the ball from him.
Coach: Luis Aragonés (Spain)
After all the criticism he suffered here in Spain, I enjoyed watching his team playing during EURO 2008. He deserves the prize.
Fans have until Monday to select their star performers from a list of 60 players and coaches who have shone over the past 12 months. To view the nominees and cast your vote, click here.
