In my lifetime (would be unfair to comment other wise).
messi
Ronaldo (Cristiano)
Ronaldinho
Zidane
messi
Ronaldo (Cristiano)
Ronaldinho
Zidane
There is something very likeable about them isn't there. Despite the silly nationalist policies.
Yeah that's the thing. The "cantera" policy is pretty much just based on Basque patriotism, but it's pretty remarkable that they've done so well with it. They're the fourth most successful Spanish club in history and have never been relegated. I'm not sure there's any other club in the world which could do as well with the same policy.
I'll let somebody else do the team of players nobody would fear, but I'd suggest Dominique Dropsy in goal ;-)
Yeah that's the thing. The "cantera" policy is pretty much just based on Basque patriotism, but it's pretty remarkable that they've done so well with it. They're the fourth most successful Spanish club in history and have never been relegated. I'm not sure there's any other club in the world which could do as well with the same policy.
I have been reading this thread over the last day or so and it is interesting to see and judge peoples offerings as to the top 5 players who ever lived.
It is interesting to note that I didn't spot an Englishman amongst the top 5. With the exception of Duncan Edwards perhaps, killed in the Munich air disaster.
It is worth mentioning that England was always seeded in the top 3-5 teams in the world in the 50's and 60's. Not to mention the huge world wide following they had.
Some will remember the cigarette cards going around. They started as just the England team then added world wide players later. Certain English players were very sought after Cards.
Yet none of these are mentioned in the listings other than Edwards. Yet really famous players Like the Charlton brothers, Sprake, Stan Mathews, Even Gordon Banks, (who I think is mentioned in someones favorites) who was a world wide hero of his day are not mentioned in the top 5.
You have taken out the obvious bias by suggesting Saints players shouldn't be included in this list. Yet players like Keegan, Channon, Shearer and Shilton, just to name a few, were all at some time classed as world class players and in the worlds eyes Hero's.
You go to most country's and ask the same question, the reply you would get inevitably would have included some of their own football hero's. Yet despite having some of the very best world ranked players in the past and probably today. Relatively few have made the top 5 list.
There has to be a reason for that because we do have some truly great players and have had. We do have players like the Messi's of this world. In fact mid fielders that actually score more goals than messi. They may not have the pace or the dribbling skills but they do have the end product and more so. So why are these players not included in our listings?
Just thought I would add this thought provoking bit in for what it is worth.......
Favourites ( fm based)
Henri saivet
Hugo lloris
Kun aguero
Ibrahim Afellay
Serdar Tasci
The defence would have to be three man. Lee Naylor, Bobo Balde and Rod Fanni. Nothing like laying a team out to show Naylor Balde Fanni.

Barakaldo in Spainish second div b are also a basque only team. I was manager with them on fm, had no chance as their squad is very poor. Got religated lol. Same with real sociedad their basque to, but changed the laws to allow foreign players into their club. As bibao had all the best basque players.

...It is interesting to note that I didn't spot an Englishman amongst the top 5. With the exception of Duncan Edwards perhaps, killed in the Munich air disaster... Even Gordon Banks, (who I think is mentioned in someones favorites) who was a world wide hero of his day are not mentioned in the top 5...