Putting great players into context can be a tricky thing.
UEFA’s Euro 2016 website have been running a public vote recently, looking to create an all-time XI from players who have featured at the European Championships.
Over three and a half million people voted in the poll, and the final team is an intimidating mix of some of the greatest players to have ever laced up their boots.
Italian Gianluigi Buffon was selected in goal and Paolo Maldini, another Italian great, at left-back with German World Cup winner Philip Lahm at right back. German legend Franz Beckenbauer and Euro 2008 winner Carlos Puyol are the rocks in central defence.
Meanwhile, Andrea Pirlo, Zinedine Zidane (who received more votes than any other player in the poll with 255,694 in total) and Andreas Iniesta fill out a three-man midfield and the front three consists of Thierry Henry, Marco van Basten and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The selection of Portugal captain Ronaldo caused consternation amongst Facebook users, with some arguing Xavi should’ve been picked ahead of him.
https://twitter.com/Hady19/status/740244888923426817
https://twitter.com/DaniBengo/status/740241314877440000
Whenever Xavi is an option and he doesn't make the final cut, your voting system is invalid. Plus, Ronaldo?! https://t.co/XBEp6DJsYI
— Abdulla (@abual3bed1) June 7, 2016
where's James Milner?..
— Harvey 🦅 (@Wheddsta) June 7, 2016
One former player who can feel hard done by is Michel Platini. The Frenchman scored nine goals in five games at Euro ’84, leading the hosts to victory. However, the former UEFA president probably has more pressing concerns at the moment.
