Villarreal team of the decade

If I were picking a team (i.e. one team) as the best of the decade, I would have to go with 2010-2011’s squad, with Diego López, Ángel, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Capdevila, Bruno, Senna, Cazorla, Borja Valero, Rossi, Nilmar, as well as Cani and Marchena. But let’s put together a best XI through the decade. Here’s my XI—what about yours?

Keeper: Sergio Asenjo.

Except for injuries, he’s been our regular keeper since the fall of 2013, and has rescued us more times than I care to count.

Centerbacks: Mateo Musacchio, Erik Bailly.

Bailly is a controversial choice given he was only with us for one full season and part of another. I’m still convinced if he had been available at Anfield we would have made it to the final, though—he was that good that season. Otherwise, I’d go with either Gonzalo or Victor Ruiz, I guess.

Right back: Mario Gaspar. “Super Mario” has been a regular since 2011, but he’s still only 29. He had a bit of a dropoff in form last season but seems to be recovering recently.

Left back: Do you go with the world cup winner, Joan Capdevila, even though most of his best years were in the 2000’s? Or Battling Jaume Costa, who played there most of the decade? I pick Capdevila but probably more in honor of the WC win than anything else.

Midfield: So many possible choices here. I’ll go with Santi Cazorla, Bruno, Senna and Trigueros; Honorable mentions for Jonathan dos Santos and Cani, and Borja Valero.

Strikers: Cedric Bakambu, Giuseppe Rossi. Gerard Moreno and Carlos Bacca next on my list.

Manager: Marcelino.

One-season wonders: Luciano Vietto, Gio dos Santos, Rodri, Fornals. We sold three of the four for good money. And Samu Castillejo, too.

Who have I left out?