Sven-Göran Eriksson, a name synonymous with tactical prowess and managerial excellence, has spent decades at the helm of some of the world’s most iconic football clubs. From his time at Lazio, where he masterminded one of the most successful periods in the club's history, to his stints with Manchester City and other teams across Europe, Eriksson has managed some of the finest talents the game has ever seen. Recently, he shared his "Rest of the World XI," a collection of players that reflects not only his deep understanding of the game but also the unique qualities that made these individuals stand out during their illustrious careers. Let's delve into this exceptional lineup and explore the attributes that made these players true legends.
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City and Manchester City)
Kasper Schmeichel, known for his commanding presence between the posts, is a goalkeeper with an exceptional understanding of the game. His ability to make crucial saves and organize his defense has been pivotal for both Leicester City and Manchester City. Much like his father, Peter Schmeichel, Kasper has consistently proven to be a reliable last line of defense. His leadership and big-match temperament were instrumental in Leicester’s fairytale Premier League triumph in 2016, cementing his place in Eriksson’s elite XI.
Center-Back: Sebastiano Nela (AS Roma)
Sebastiano Nela, the versatile and robust defender, was a cornerstone of AS Roma's defense during the 1980s. Renowned for his physicality and ability to play both as a left-back and center-back, Nela combined defensive solidity with a surprising turn of pace. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions made him an invaluable asset to Eriksson during their time at Roma, earning him a well-deserved spot in this lineup.
Center-Back: Alessandro Nesta (Lazio)
Alessandro Nesta is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation. With an elegant style of play, Nesta was known for his impeccable tackling, positional sense, and ability to play out from the back. During Eriksson’s tenure at Lazio, Nesta was the defensive lynchpin, leading the team to multiple titles, including the Serie A championship in 2000. His calm demeanor under pressure and extraordinary football intelligence make him a natural choice for this XI.
Center-Back: Siniša Mihajlović (Lazio)
Siniša Mihajlović, the Serbian stalwart, was more than just a formidable defender; he was also one of the most lethal free-kick takers football has ever seen. Mihajlović's left foot was a weapon of mass destruction, capable of delivering pinpoint crosses and scoring spectacular goals from set-pieces. At Lazio, under Eriksson, his defensive capabilities were matched by his ability to contribute offensively, making him a dual threat and a crucial part of this team.
Central Midfield: Juan Sebastián Verón (Lazio)
Juan Sebastián Verón, the Argentine maestro, was the creative heartbeat of Eriksson’s Lazio side. Verón's vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game were unmatched. His intelligence on the ball and knack for scoring from distance made him one of the most complete midfielders of his time. Verón’s time at Lazio was marked by success, including a Serie A title and multiple domestic cups, and his influence on the pitch was undeniable.
Central Midfield: Falcao (AS Roma)
Paulo Roberto Falcão, often referred to as "The Eighth King of Rome," was the embodiment of elegance in midfield. Playing under Eriksson at Roma, Falcão was the linchpin in the Giallorossi's midfield, combining defensive prowess with sublime technical ability. His vision, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities were integral to Roma’s Scudetto win in 1983. Falcão’s ability to dictate the pace of the game and his knack for scoring crucial goals made him an indispensable part of Eriksson’s dream team.
Right Midfield: Ruud Gullit (Sampdoria)
Ruud Gullit, the Dutch maestro, was a player of immense versatility and physical prowess. Known for his strength, speed, and technical ability, Gullit was equally comfortable playing in midfield or attack. During his time at Sampdoria, Gullit showcased his exceptional dribbling skills and ability to deliver dangerous crosses, making him a constant threat on the right flank. His leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his footballing intelligence, made him a natural choice for this lineup.
Left Midfield: Pavel Nedvěd (Lazio)
Pavel Nedvěd, the Czech powerhouse, was the driving force behind Lazio’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his tireless work rate, thunderous shots, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, Nedvěd was a player who could change the course of a game single-handedly. His performances under Eriksson were nothing short of legendary, culminating in Lazio's Serie A triumph in 2000. Nedvěd’s dynamism and never-say-die attitude make him an irreplaceable part of this team.
Attacking Midfield: Roberto Mancini (Lazio)
Roberto Mancini, the Italian genius, was the creative spark in Eriksson’s Lazio side. Mancini's vision, technical ability, and flair for the extraordinary made him one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation. Under Eriksson, Mancini was the architect of many of Lazio's most memorable victories, orchestrating attacks with precision and scoring goals that only he could imagine. His leadership and influence on the pitch were crucial to Lazio’s success, earning him a central role in this star-studded XI.
Forward: Torbjörn Nilsson (IFK Göteborg)
Torbjörn Nilsson, the Swedish striker, was a prolific goal-scorer with a natural ability to find the back of the net. His time at IFK Göteborg was marked by an incredible goal-scoring record and a UEFA Cup triumph in 1982. Nilsson's intelligence, positioning, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat to defenders. Eriksson, who managed Nilsson at IFK Göteborg, recognized his talent and ability to perform in the biggest games, making him a worthy inclusion in this team.
Forward: Roberto Baggio (Fiorentina)
Roberto Baggio, the "Divine Ponytail," was one of the most gifted players to ever grace the football field. Known for his exquisite dribbling, deadly finishing, and ability to score from free-kicks, Baggio was a player who could change the outcome of a game in an instant. His time at Fiorentina showcased his extraordinary talent, making him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenders. Eriksson’s choice of Baggio as one of the forwards in this team is a testament to the Italian's genius on the pitch.
Conclusion
Sven-Göran Eriksson's Rest of the World XI is a testament to his illustrious managerial career and the exceptional talent he had the privilege to work with. This team is not just a collection of world-class players but a reflection of the unique qualities and characteristics that each of these individuals brought to the game. From the rock-solid defense to the creative midfield and lethal attack, Eriksson's XI is a celebration of footballing excellence and a reminder of the impact these players had on the beautiful game.