STARTING XI
REMAINING SQUAD MEMBERS
A 'Non-World-Class' footballing nation, is one whose starting XI doesn't average out at Gold level by my metrics of rating individual players.
The Slovakian pairing of Anton Ondrus and Jan Popluhar start at centre-back. Bratseth is the reserve option, narrowly ahead of Murtaz Khurtsilava, while Minelli can cover as the 4th centre-back and back-up right-back in the squad. If I was to choose a back-up right back, it would have been Karol Dobias, while Alphonso Davies could definitely make this squad ahead of Ramseyer in the future, but needs to continue performing at a high level for a few years more. I also considered choosing Srecko Katanec in this role as a makeshift option. Tottenham legend Danny Blanchflower starts in holding midfield, with Essien as back-up. I considered starting Samuel Eto'o at second striker, but he had to drop to the bench instead, because I don't think Gheorghe Hagi can play in a midfield 2 and I wasn't willing to drop him. He needed Yaya Toure to play alongside and support him. Valderrama and Savicevic can cover these midfield roles, while Salah covers for George Best and Hristo Stoichkov out wide, who are the two best players from these nations. Best can also play on the left if needed. Hugo Sanchez starts upfront - he is the only player outside of the three major footballing continents (Europe, South America and Africa) in the squad. I chose Weah and Spencer as my second and third choice strikers, then I chose Eto'o as my final pick as the best player not yet included. His ability to play behind the strikers, as well as Savicevic's ability to play out wide, meant that the auad wasn't overloaded in any positions. Erling Haaland certainly still has time to make the squad in the future. Players By Nation
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