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The world’s best XI based on 2021 Ballon d’Or votes including Lionel Messi and Ronaldo up front and Kjaer in defence

By Joshua Mbu

30th November 2021, 1:17 pm

Updated: 30th November 2021, 4:28 pm

LIONEL MESSI claimed his SEVENTH Ballon d’Or on Monday night, beating Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski to top spot.

But this year’s 30-man list featured a lot of attackers, so much so, it’s painful leaving some out of the best XI.

AFP

Messi picked up his seventh Ballon d’Or, but paid tribute to Lewandowski saying he should have his own Golden Ball for 2020

AFP

Lewandowski stayed gracious in defeat and congratulated Messi on his win

Based on votes, this is the best Ballon d’Or XI, with attackers occupying most of the top spots in voting

Based on votes, Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal after playing an integral role in Italy’s Euro 2020 success.

The defensive three are made up of fellow Euro 2020 winners Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, as well as AC Milan and Denmark ace Simon Kjær.

Champions League-winning duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante man the midfield.

The rest of the team could comfortably score 200-plus goals in a calendar year between them.

Premier League duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah are operating in the wide channels.

And in front of them is Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema, seven-time Golden Ball winner Messi and Lewandowski, who should’ve won the award for 2020.

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Being as realistic as possible with the players available, a switch to a 4-3-3 would see Ronaldo and Benzema drop out.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpiliceuta can start at right-back, and naturally left footed centre-back Chiellini would have to fill in at left-back.

The final spot could see Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne come into the mix.

Alternatively or realistically, whichever you choose, De Bruyne and Azpilicueta could come into the team

De Bruyne would slot into a midfield three alongside the Chelsea midfielders.

The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all miss out on the starting XI.

Attacking-wise, this year’s list was overloaded with attackers.

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