Jaap Stam: My Team of 2003

uefa.com Team of 2003 nominee Jaap Stam of S.S. Lazio selects his own Team of the Year. Voting for the uefa.com Team of the Year ends on Friday at 1700CET.

There are so many great players on the nominations list for the uefa.com Team of the Year that it is very difficult to decide, but I've given it my best shot. So here are my selections.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon
There are many great goalkeepers in Serie A at the moment, but for me Buffon of Juventus FC is just about the best.

Right-back: Lilian Thuram
Thuram has been a class full-back for many years now and has had yet another great year for club and country.

Left-back: Roberto Carlos
The best left-back in the world for sure. I have no hesitation in selecting Real Madrid CF's Roberto Carlos.

Centre-back: Paolo Maldini
His experience and quality still make the AC Milan captain one of the best defenders in the world. I have so much respect for Maldini.

Centre-back: Jaap Stam
As I'm one of the nominees I thought it would be silly not to pick myself! I'd certainly like to play in this team.

Right Midfield: Andy van der Meyde
He has settled in very well at Internazionale FC and I know that he is enjoying himself in Italy.

Central Midfield: Edgar Davids
My Dutch team-mate is a very important player for Juventus and I think he's had a superb year.

Attacking Midfield: Zinedine Zidane
He has just been named as the FIFA World Player of the Year, so I cannot leave the great man out!

Left Midfield: Pavel Nedved
He has been outstanding for both club and country in 2003, playing a big part in helping Juve to the Serie A title and the final of the UEFA Champions League, as well as being a big player for the Czech Republic in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualification.

Forward: Ruud van Nistelrooij
He has been brilliant for Manchester United FC in the Premiership and the Champions League and deserves his place in my team of the year.

Forward: Thierry Henry
Unlucky not to win the World Player of the Year, Thierry is a sensational striker who has been on top of his game for several years now at Arsenal FC.

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
You cannot do any better than winning the Champions League, so my vote has to go to Milan's coach Ancelotti.