Could a mega-wattage match-up that aligns big names like Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi onto one XI really be on the way? Against a team with Wayne Rooney, Marco Reus, Eden Hazard and Hulk?
According to the Mirror’s Ed Malyon, the idea is to hold such an event on the same weekend as the UEFA Champions League final, and it’s a concept that will surely face opposition from clubs, whose prized assets would face yet another match soon after their season ends.
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Sides would be sorted in a “North vs. South” format, with players from clubs based in England, Germany and the Netherlands on one side, and Spain, France and Italy on the other.
From the Mirror:And sources with knowledge of the discussions have confirmed to MirrorSport that an All-Star game, to be played between two teams voted for by fans, is one proposal “on the table” but only “one of many under consideration.”
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Participants would be limited to two or three players per club and would be decided by an online vote, with coaches chosen the same way, according to Mundo Deportivo.
But how different would this match be than any testimonial they’re set to play in? Anyone who follows North American leagues know All Star games are usually “going through the motions” matches with little defense.
Would we really see Mats Hummels clattering into Cristiano Ronaldo’s ankle? Unlikely. It’s far more likely the player-first world mentality would make this a giant frat party in the UCL final’s host city.
Just for fun (and this is top of mind, so don’t be mad when I leave out your favorite player):
North: Neuer; Alaba, Skrtel, Hummels, Zabaleta; Matic, Hazard, Reus, Robben; Alexis, Rooney
South: Buffon; Maxwell, Thiago Silva, Ramos, Coentrao; De Rossi, Toulalan, Pogba; Ronaldo, Zlatan, Messi.