António Simões: My team of 2013

FC Bayern München players represent the spine of António Simões' selection for the UEFA.com users' Team of 2013, but there is space for three playing in Spain as well as one of SL Benfica's crown jewels – the midfielder Nemanja Matić.

Simões was one of the stars of SL Benfica's 1960s dream team, winning ten league titles and the 1961/62 European Champion Clubs' Cup with the Eagles, while his 46 appearances for Portugal included a lead role at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, where his side finished third. He later played in the United States and took charge of Portugal's Under-23 team after being sports director at Benfica and CS Marítimo. He is now assistant coach of Carlos Queiroz for the Iranian national team, helping them to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

View Simões' choices below and submit your own selection before 13.00CET on Thursday 9 January.

Vote for your Team of the Year 2013

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
He's been very important in Bayern's recent success. He is the final hurdle for the opponents and is a very talented goalkeeper. Good outside the goal, excellent reflexes and anticipation.

Defender: Philipp Lahm
He adds experience to Bayern as well as tactical and technical skills to the defensive line. A reference for the club and national team, he has been one of the best full-backs in the world for a long time now.

Brazil captain Thiago Silva©AFP

Defender: Thiago Silva
Despite having played in other positions in the past he is a skilful Brazilian who is also good at set pieces. He possesses all the necessary technical skills and talent – a very reliable defender.

Defender: David Alaba
He has made spectacular progress from Bayern's youth teams. He is great in attack and fulfils his defensive duties well as he has a great future ahead of him.

Defender: Gerard Piqué
He gives precious centimetres to Barça's defensive line and confidence to his coach with his physical presence and ability to read the game.

Midfielder: Franck Ribéry
Amazing resilience and technical skills makes him one of the best players at the moment in European football. A key player in Bayern's recent titles. Could be one of the best players in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Midfielder: Arjen Robben
Embodies the concept of Bayern being a 'robust Barcelona'. Helps his club on being a little bit like Barça – not so delicate but very efficient. Very important at serving the forwards.

Midfielder: Nemanja Matić
Combines strength, technical and tactical skills as he is one of Benfica's key players. It would be a perfect support in a midfield with Ribéry and Robben.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo©Getty Images

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo combines technical skill with incredible physical attributes. He often beats opponents through sheer speed and he can play in every position in attack, as he is very good in the air too. Impeccable from set pieces, he is a terrific goalscorer.

Forward: Lionel Messi
He is unique as his control and technique are unbelievable. He has the perfect tempo in terms of passing, receiving the ball and shooting.

Forward: Robert Lewandowski
A very elegant striker with good technique and an air of precision in front of goal. Very intelligent without the ball and great in the air. A complete striker and a key element in Dortmund's recent achievements.

António Simões was speaking to Hugo Pietra.