Spain and Manchester United were the two big winners of 2008 in
terms of major honours and it is of no surprise to see a number of
players from those two squads dominate the end-of-year awards
season and ‘best of’ lists.
French newspaper L’Equipe was no exception as their group of
sports journalist hand-picked their ideal XI for 2008.
Four players were from the UEFA Champions League-winning Red
Devils team while three were from the Euro 2008 champions of La
Furia Roja. Barcelona had two representatives, and one each from
Inter and Liverpool.
The publication’s internet users were also invited to line-up
their favourite team and although there were some differences, the
key players remained the same.
L’Equipe Journalists’ Best XI: Casillas – Dani
Alves, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra – Lionel Messi,
Xavi, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo – Zlatan Ibrahimovic,
Fernando Torres
L’Equipe Internet Users’ Best XI: Casillas (17,
963 votes) – Sergio Ramos (17, 828), John Terry (16, 953), Rio
Ferdinand (15, 148), Philipp Lahm (19, 526) – Dani Alves (12, 953),
Steven Gerrard (28, 418), Kaka (12, 876), Franck Ribery (29, 601) –
Lionel Messi (25, 073), Cristiano Ronaldo (26, 728)
