No. 1 - Goalkeeper

Lev Yashin, the Black Panther, kitted out in trademark black, guarded the Russian onion-bag at the 1958, 1962 and 1966 World Cup finals, thrilling one and all with his acrobatics, agility and rare charisma. His finest hour came in 1966 when, leaping around his box like a gymnast on ecstasy, he helped Russia to reach the semi-finals, when Yashin's heroics between the sticks alone prevented the 9-man Russian team from getting completely trounced by the West German steamroller.

No. 2 - Left-Back

Head and shoulders (and glossy hair) above anyone else in this position, Paolo Maldini is considered by many the best attacking fullback in football. A born leader, he has made more international appearances than any other Italian player, and has been picked as part of the Italian Squad at four World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002). Whilst he steadfastly and assuredly controls the pace of the game from the left side of defence, it is offensive skills (he has a strong shot and is an excellent crosser of the ball) that set him apart.

No. 3 - Right-Back

Considered by many to be Pele's personal right-back, Brazilian Carlos Alberto captained the samba-boys to their 'three-peat' World Cup Final success in 1970, scoring in the victory over Italy, marshalling the back-four in a team that many football historians consider to be the greatest of all-time. Like Maldini, his pace and skill meant that he could be an extra attacker, yet still fulfill his defensive duties.

No. 4 - Central Midfield 1

It seems as though silky-skilled creative midfielder Michel Platini could've thread the ball through the eye of a needle if he'd wanted. This ability, combined with superb ball-control, vision and a penchant for goalscoring makes Platini one of the greatest midfielders in footballing history.

No. 5 - Central Defender 1

Franz Beckenbauer is regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern era. He played key roles in two World Cup triumphs - one as a player (1974), the other as a team manager (1990) - and now he's the chairman of the committee that's already hard at work planning the 2006 World Cup.

But Beckenbauer's significance for football doesn't end there. He was highly influential in the development of modern football tactics. It was Beckenbauer who developed the concept of the libero - the lone free player in a team, not tied to any particular position on the pitch. It's no wonder that 'The Kaiser', as he's affectionately known, is one of the most respected figures in world football.

No. 6 - Central Defender 2

"... But I still see that tackle by Moore ..."
- Baddiel, Skinner and The Lightning Seeds - Three Lions (song)

Surely the finest English footballer of all time, Bobby Moore was nicknamed "The Pickpocket" for the perfect timing and precision tackling that enabled him to take the ball off the toes of all and sundry who tried to get past him. Tall, blonde and unflappable in defence, he played at three World Cups, debuting in 1962, winning as captain in 1966, and famously swapping shirts with Pele after losing 1-0 to Brazil in 1970. Indeed, it was in that England v Brazil match at the 1970 World Cup that Moore made that famous tackle on Jarzhinio. Bobby Moore's attitude to defending was to stay on his feet noting that "You can't tackle when you are on your backside".

No. 7 - Outside Right

"Without Garrincha, I would never have been a three times world champion"
- Pele

Despite his polio-twisted legs, Brazilian Garrincha surely vies only with Argentinian Maradonna for a place in history as football's greatest ever dribbler of the ball. But as well as turning defenders inside out with his mazy runs and baffling unpredictable ability, Garrincha is also credited with having perfected the banana-kick.

Born Manuel Francisco dos Santos in Pau Grande, Brazil, on October 28, 1933, he was nicknamed Garrincha - "The Little Bird". His legs never recovered straightness (the left one was bent inwards and the right was six centimeters shorter and curved outwards), but that didn't stop him from winning 60 international caps and two World Cup Champion medals (1958 and 1962), suffering only one defeat in his last match (against Hungary) in the 1966 World Cup. His international record is remarkable: P60 W52 D7 L1.

No. 8 - Central Midfield 2

Johan Cruyff was the architect of, and personified total football, a peculiarly Dutch brand of tactical football in which all players are all things. Cruyff himself, perhaps the most complete player of all time, was totally at home in a team that are said to have evolved as a result of the Dutch attitude to land use, always making the best use of available space. Although he was man-marked out of the 1974 World Cup Final by West German, Berti Vogts, it is widely accepted that maverick Cruff's total footballing Dutchmen, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat, were the best team and deserved to have taken home the trophy.

No. 9 - Centre-Forward

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is recognised by football fans all over the world as perhaps the greatest player ever. He is the only player to hold three World Cup winner's medals, and he scored in two World Cup finals 12 years apart. His astonishing skills thrilled fans in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and he is one of the main reasons why the Brazilian World Cup-winning team of 1970 is still regarded with reverence, all these years later.

No. 10 - Centre-Forward

"... an exquisite goal scorer. His balletic qualities belied his outstanding skill ..."
- Rio Ferdinand (England defender)

"... There hasn't been a better striker since he retired ..."
- Alan Green (commentator)

The tall ill-fated Dutchman Marco Van Basten had it all; he was complete, on the ground, in the air, for the toe-poke in close and the poke-and-hope from 30 yards. A sensational scorer and fine leader on the pitch, his moment of glory came at Euro '88, which Holland won, Van Basten winning the golden boot and capping off his tournament with an audacious volley against the Soviet Union in the final.

No. 11 - Outside Left

"Did he play on the right or the left ... he was a top-class performer. Brilliant"
- Jon Hartson (Welsh striker)

"I wouldn't expect him to stay in that position [Outside Left] but you've got to have him in the side somewhere .... such speed, such strength, such skill..."
- Brian Moore (Commentator)

George Best, as a footballer, was practically flawless. He started right-footed but then practised so much with his left that he ended up better with that foot ... if only. As (manager) Tommy Docherty once said: "George was a fantastic player and he would have been even better if he'd been able to pass nightclubs the way he passed the ball.".