The class of 1940

The first teams

The years from from 1940 to 49 was hard to create, because of my age, I dont know all of the players, so I tried my best to pick a team based on descriptions of the players and the honours they've won.

So it may not be optimal, but I couldnt leave out the decade, when players like Pelé, Eusebio, Beckenbauer and Cruyff were born here. People in their 40's and 50's may be more familar with the teammates of these great players.

Well known players who are left out will be named on the bench, for a better view on the generations strength. Therefore this should not be a discussion on each player individuel or if they should be on the XI.

Here's the first yearbook XI.

The 1940 Yearbook XI

GK: Jan Jongbloed; 2x World Cup runner up in 1974 & 78.

RB: Jair da Costa; part of the "Grande Inter" team 4x Italian champion and understudy to Garrincha at the 1962 World Cup. Right winger but squeezed into the team at the right back slot.

CB: Brian Lahone; 451 games for Everton and 2x English champion.

CB: Billy McNeill; 486 games for Celtic. European Cup winner and 9x Scottish champion.

LB: Silvio Marzolini; 5x Argentinian champion and described as one of the alltime best left backs in his country.

CM: Vojislav Melić; one of the most versatile and skilled players that Yugoslavia had in 1960s.

CM: Giacomo Bulgarelli; Regarded as one of Italy's greatest ever midfielders, 1968 European champion, italian champion, he played 391 games for Bologna, club record.

CM: Johnny Giles; 383 games for Leeds, most of them under the great Don Revie era. 2x English champion.

FW: Denis Law; 1964 Ballon d'or winner. 2x English champion and 171 goals for Man Utd.

FW: Pelé; No introduction needed.

FW: Jimmy Greaves; part of the 1966 english World Cup winners and a notorius goalscorer.

Subtitutes: Roberto Matosas, Sepp Piontek, Hubert Kostka, Tommy Lawrence, József Szabo, Bruno Nicolè, Marcelino.

-The XI is based on one player for each position born in the given year.
-All XI’s is made with regards of balance in the team.
-Well known players who are left out will be named on the bench, for a better view on the generations strength. Therefore this should not be a discussion on each player individuel or if they should be on the XI.