It’s easy to make predictions after the event, to look back and say we saw it coming. Much tougher is figuring out what lies ahead. We can all identify football’s current batch of global superstars, but who will shine tomorrow?
With 2021 upon us, Goal teamed up with the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G to look ahead at exactly what this year’s ultimate team could look like.
We’ve selected eleven players we believe will prove themselves standout performers for their respective teams this year, each selected considering how we expect him to evolve, both individually and collectively.
1. GK – Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer has repeatedly demonstrated his class in recent years and has left opposition attackers in despairing at his numerous world-class saves.
Often described as the ‘complete goalkeeper’, the 34-year-old is expected to be decisive again this year, both for Bayern Munich as they aim to defend their European trophy, and for the German national team who are a contender for the Euros.
2. RB - Trent Alexander-Arnold
Having broken the record for most assists by a defender in a single Premier League season last term, the 22-year-old is still improving and establishing himself among the finest full-backs in the world.
Arnold is expected to be key in Liverpool’s quest for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League chase this year, while England will also rely on him at the Euros.
3. RCB – Dayot Upamecano
Quick, strong and able to start attacks just as smoothly as he nips them in the bud, the Leipzig defender is currently one of the most-wanted central defenders in the game and 2021 could be the year he goes to the next level.
Hotly tipped to join one of Europe’s biggest club this summer, he is also is playing an increasingly important role with the French national team.
4. LCB - Sergio Ramos
One of the most complete central defenders in world football, the veteran Real Madrid star remains at the top of his game and is showing few signs of slowing.
The 34-year-old is still consistently performing at an extremely high level and will have a huge say in Real Madrid’s chances to reclaim LaLiga and the Champions League, and will also be out to captain Spain back to glory at the Euros.
5. LB – Alphonso Davies
The Canada international enjoyed a rapid rise last season, playing a major role in Bayern Munich’s march to the Champions League title.
His transition from flying forward into an attacking left-back now looks inspired and he appears to have all the tools to become one of the modern greats.
6. DM - Joshua Kimmich
Capable of starring as a central defender, right-back, or a midfielder, few in world football are so accomplished in so many positions.
With the attributes to both stop attacks and kickstart counters with the same amount of flair and intensity, Kimmich is arguably the best defensive midfielder around and will once again star in 2021.
7. CM – Bruno Fernandes
His excellent form last season has carried over into this campaign, and he once again looks like Manchester United’s most important player.
The Portugal international has been integral to the re-emergence of a club who struggled for so long in their post-Alex Ferguson era, and is undoubtedly among the Premier League’s finest midfielders.
8. CAM - Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne is arguably the most complete midfielder in the world. Creative, powerful, skilful and dynamic, the City man can pass, shoot, dribble, tackle and cross - and all with either foot.
2021 will be an exciting year for him as he will be looking to lift the European trophy with both Manchester City and Belgium.
9. RW – Kylian Mbappé
The Frenchman is all set to dominate world football for years to come. Every bit the complete forward, he is exceptionally strong and quick, can finish with power or with skill, can head the ball, is tactically disciplined, and reads the game better than most.
He’ll be chasing the Champions League glory with PSG and the Euros trophy with the French national team, and why not the Ballon d’Or?
10. LW - Son Heung-min
Son has been a revelation for Tottenham Hotspur and his impressive performances in the Premier League this year have given the Spurs a legitimate run in the title race.
The South Korean has thrived in Jose Mourinho's counter-attacking system, showing tremendous improvement over the past few months, and 2021 looks bright for him as he continues to perform at a very high level.
11. ST – Cristiano Ronaldo
At 35 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is still putting to shame countless forwards ten years his junior. Cristiano is simply one of a kind, ageless, and belongs to a rare group of players that remained lethal until the very end of their careers.
He still has some unfinished business, too, not least the burning desire to win Champions League titles with three separate clubs - and 2021 might be his year.
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