“Buffon, Hugo Ibarra, Rio Ferdinand, Gabriel Heinze, Patrice Evra, Scholes, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney. I’d stay on the bench.” Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez, known for his relentless energy, incredible work rate, and world-class finishing, recently revealed his Dream Testimonial Team. In a touch of humility, he even suggested he would stay on the bench for this lineup packed with legendary footballers. Let’s take a closer look at the eleven players Tevez chose and why each one earned a spot in his ultimate team.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon
A true icon of the game, Gianluigi Buffon is one of the most decorated and respected goalkeepers in football history. His shot-stopping ability, leadership, and longevity in the game make him a rock at the back for Tevez’s team.
Right-Back: Hugo Ibarra
A trusted full-back from Tevez’s Boca Juniors days, Hugo Ibarra was a consistent and reliable presence on the right side of defense. His experience and defensive awareness make him a strong choice for this lineup.
Centre-Back: Rio Ferdinand
One of the most composed and elegant defenders of his generation, Rio Ferdinand was a mainstay at Manchester United. His ability to read the game, combined with his leadership, made him an essential part of United’s success during Tevez’s time at Old Trafford.
Centre-Back: Gabriel Heinze
A warrior on the pitch, Gabriel Heinze was known for his aggressive defending and never-say-die attitude. His tenacity and physicality made him a fan favorite at Manchester United and the Argentine national team.
Left-Back: Patrice Evra
A dynamic and attacking full-back, Patrice Evra was a key figure in Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. His speed, defensive discipline, and leadership make him an obvious inclusion.
Central Midfield: Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes was the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield for two decades. With unparalleled vision, precise passing, and an eye for long-range goals, Scholes controlled games with ease and is regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time.
Defensive Midfield: Andrea Pirlo
A master of controlling the tempo of a game, Andrea Pirlo’s elegance, passing range, and intelligence made him one of the finest playmakers in football history. His ability to dictate play from deep midfield ensures creativity and composure in Tevez’s team.
Central Midfield: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba’s combination of power, skill, and flair brings a unique element to this midfield. His ability to drive forward, deliver pinpoint passes, and score from distance makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
Right Forward: Lionel Messi
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi’s dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability make him a nightmare for defenders. His chemistry with Tevez from their time with Argentina adds another layer of brilliance to this team.
Left Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most lethal forwards in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo brings unmatched athleticism, goal-scoring prowess, and a winning mentality to Tevez’s dream XI.
Centre Forward: Wayne Rooney
Manchester United’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Wayne Rooney, was the complete forward—capable of scoring, creating, and leading from the front. His versatility and determination make him a key player in this lineup.
Tevez on the Bench?
Despite assembling a team filled with legends, Tevez humbly placed himself on the bench. A player known for his relentless work ethic and crucial goals, it’s hard to imagine him staying out of the action for too long!
Final Thoughts
Tevez’s Dream Testimonial Team is an all-time great lineup featuring winners, leaders, and magicians in every position. With a perfect balance of skill, strength, and tactical intelligence, this team would be nearly impossible to beat.
What do you think of Tevez’s selections? Would you make any changes?