11 Wonders of my Dream Football Team

1) Roberto Baggio (Italy)

Roberto Baggio was a superb striker that can score and create opening against any opposition. First caught my attention playing for Fiorentina in Seria A, then scored a wonderful solo goal against Czechoslovakia in Italia 90 and single-handledly brought Italy to the 94 WC final. Throughout his career through many clubs, he has never fail to entertain the masses wherever he plays. He's a playmaker cum striker moulded in one. Ice cool legend. There's a nice vid about Baggio at the following link:






2) Marco Van Basten (AC Milan & Holland)

Simply the best striker that I've ever seen. Tall, elegant and strong finisher both on ground and in the air. A goal machine for AC Milan and though he didn't exactly score as many as I've seen in the Dutch National team, watch old videos of his scoring power in the 1988 European Cup where he completely destroyed England with his hat-trick. Not to mention that breathtaking volley in the final against the old USSR.


3) Chris Waddle (Tottenham & England)

On a fine Sunday morning in 1988, this dazzling winger playing for Spurs converted me into an English football fan. He was playing his best ever season for Spurs, scoring 16 goals including one that flew in directly from a corner kick against Norwich city. Sadly, that was his last season for Tottenham before departing to Marseille in a British record 4.5M deal. He was even more successful in Marseille, winning titles and became a Marseille legend. I follow him throughout his performances for England though. A delight to watch.



4) Brian Laudrup (Denmark)

Although his brother Michael is the more famous one,
I've always enjoy watching Brian Laudrup in action. First
caught my eye during Denmark amazing 92 European Cup triumph, Laudrup was superb in a team of unknown. This
Danish dynamite has amazing dribbling skills to trouble any defence. Ask Brazil during 1998 WC quarter-finals where Laudrup gave the then WC finalist a big scare.
An exciting winger who never fail to entertain.




5) Abbas Saad (Australia/Lebonon, Singapore)


Regardless of match fixing scandal, the Lebanon-born Australian footballer was the key reason why the Singapore Malaysia cup team was so exciting to watch. He can play in centre midfield or striker. Abbas energy and passion to win is unbelievable and can inspire his team-mates. The most popular Singapore player in the early 90s.

The match that I like Abbas the most was the semi-final against Johor in 1990. Nobody gave Singapore a chance, given the dismay away record but Abbas win it for Singapore with two goals in the Larkin Stadium and took Singapore to the cup final. And yes, who can forget his hat-trick in the 94 cup final against Pahang.



6) Fernando Redondo (Argentina)

Not many defensive midfielder caught my eye. But if I have to choose one, Fernando Redondo was the first name that pop up. Though I didn't get to watch him very much, been impressed by his good performances for Argentina in 94 World Cup. Will also remember him making a complete fool of the Man United defender and setting up Raul goal in the European Cup for Real Madrid. Defensive midfield dynamo.




7) Jorginho (Brazil)


Brazil wasn't one of the team I like during 94 World Cup but Jorginho caught my attention with his attacking flair despite being a rightback. Can defend as well, up and down the flanks and very discplined.







8) Borhan Abu Samah (Singapore)


My favourite Singapore player.

Can play leftback or centre defence. Prefer him to play leftback in my dream team. Fearless, committed and nickname "The Russian Tank". Always remembered his sliding tackles, so perfectly timed. A very humble and under-rated player. I best remembered him for his diving header goal line clearance in the 1989 SEA Games Cup final against Malaysia. May he be well and happy wherever he may be now.








9) Paolo Maldini (AC Milan & Italy)


The Italian legend will be retiring at the end of this 08/09 season and at the age of 40. Through his illustrious career, he is widely regarded as one of the world best ever defender. Consistent, great leader and ever reliable for both country and club. Milan will miss his loyal services. I would make him captain of the team and in central defence instead of his usual leftback position.




10) Des Walker (Nottingham Forest & England)



The outstanding England defender of Italia 90. Excellent man-marker and good pace. Did decent job for Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday as well though he had a rather forgettable season overseas at Sampdoria. Under-rated player but on his day, no strikers can get past him. Will put him at stopper.













11) Erik Thorstvedt (Tottenham & Norway)


Though I acknowledge Peter Schmeichel is the best goalkeeper that I've seen so far, I prefer to choose my favourite goalkeeper of all time, Erik "the Viking" Thorstvedt. He's the best Spurs goalie I've seen and very tall & agile. He did very well for Norway in World Cup 94 as well. Under-rated but very reliable.