Best Possible Football XI In The World Right Now

10. Right-Back: Dani Alves

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates the first goal
Manu Fernandez/AP

If Barcelona thought they were shedding themselves of an ageing player whose best years were far behind him when they released Dani Alves last summer, they were deeply mistaken. Their loss was Juventus' gain, and while a broken leg robbed the 34 year old of much of his season, he proved across 31 games that he's still one of the most effective right-backs around.

It took Alves a while to adjust to Serie A's slower pace, and he spent the first part of the domestic season in rotation with Stephan Lichsteiner. He inevitably found his rhythm and became one of the league's standout performers towards the end of the season, but it was in Europe that the Brazilian found his best form.

Alves was pivotal to Juventus' success in the knockout stages, showing his quality at both ends of the pitch by providing a vital attacking outlet, and leading his team in average tackles per game (2.5). He's no longer the livewire pseudo-winger he used to be, but Alves has rebuilt his reputation as one of the best players in the world, and now looks set to be reunited with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.