Jaap Stam is a scary man. Honestly, there aren’t many other ways to put it. The legendary defender forged a tremendous legacy for himself throughout his career, and over the years the Dutchman played with and against some of the best ever. Therefore, it’s only appropriate that we all take a long hard look at his dream starting XI that mixes teammates with opponents.
This list, as reported by FourFourTwo, is certainly an interesting one. We’ve got some of the greatest names in world football that span all over the globe, which makes for an extremely intimidating team. So without further ado, let’s all bask in the glory of these footballing gods.
GK: Gianluigi Buffon
It warms our heart to think that Buffon and Stam are mates, and it should be the same for everyone reading this. Even in the present day, the Italian is putting on world-class performances. Outstanding keeper. Source: Twitter
RB: Cafu
Cafu only had one gear throughout his entire career - exceptional. It didn't matter if the guy was pouring forward or defending at the back, he could make the most complicated of situations look easy. Source: Twitter
CB: Alessandro Nesta
There's not a whole lot of people that will deny the greatness of Alessandro Nesta. Whether it was in the air or in one-on-one situations, there were few better than the Milan defender. Source: Twitter
CB: Paolo Maldini
Because come on, it's Paolo Maldini. Hero. Source: Twitter
LB: Roberto Carlos
Bending beautiful free kicks into the back of the net was just one of many traits that Roberto Carlos possessed. A man who could cause physical damage to an opponent just by striking the ball. Delightful. Source: Twitter
RW: Luis Figo
Going on appearance alone you wouldn't think much of Luis Figo, but you'd be wrong. He was a trickster, a playmaker and was one of the most composed players in the history of the game. Source: Twitter
CM: Roy Keane
Just imagine Stam vs Keano in a fight. The majority of the world would stop and watch on in silence, knowing that the victor would probably be crowned ruler of the galaxy. Still, what a midfielder Roy was. Source: Twitter
CM: Zinedine Zidane
One of the greatest ever and maybe, just maybe, THE greatest ever. Zidane is a man who didn't feel the need to win another World Cup, so just headbutted Materazzi and got sent-off instead. If that doesn't sum the Frenchman up perfectly, then nothing will. Source: Twitter
LW: Alessandro Del Piero
In terms of 'cool' footballers, you've got to imagine that Del Piero is up there with the best of them. The Italian possessed every quality necessary to thrive on the world stage and good god was it fun to watch. Source: Twitter
ST: Dennis Bergkamp
How could it not be? It didn't matter that Bergkamp wasn't as prolific as the likes of Henry, because the things he could do with the ball were ridiculous. A true visionary and a fitting addition to the starting XI. Source: Twitter
ST: Romario
Stam highlights Romario's ability to thrive even beyond his peak, and if you can manage that at an advanced age then the odds are you're a legend. Source: Twitter
M: Sir Alex Ferguson
If there's one man in this big weird world of football that can control and harness the abilities of Jaap Stam, it's Fergie. Fact. Source: Twitter
SEE ALSO: The Manchester-Merseyside combined XI has no place for Lallana
So basically, if you were to summon another dream team to face this one, they would lose. Bring your Maradonas and bring your Messis – it doesn’t matter. These lot know how to get the job done with a mixture of skill, power and a mental toughness that would just ooze throughout the team. Magic.
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