Videogame football dream team

I often find myself creating dream teams in my head with players we have never had the opportunity to see play football together. Such as a team with both Messi and Ronaldo upfront, or Iron Man and Batman in midfield, or maybe even Naruto and Luffy flanking on either wing. As you can tell, I have a vast imagination! In this article, I will be drafting my Dream Team of some of the most iconic characters in gaming universe. Enjoy 😊

Donkey Kong is said to be the first game with a storyline that visually unfolds on screen, so it is quite fitting that he is the first name on the team sheet. As well as this, Donkey Kong is an Ape (despite the fact he has “Donkey” in his name), and Ape’s have strong, long arms and hands. These are traits that would give any goalkeeper a competitive advantage. Kong’s superior tree swinging ability also makes it a natural to the player being utilised between the sticks. On top of this, his frame makes him an intimidating prospect. I can’t imagine many strikers relishing a one-on-one situation with this guy!

If anyone of you have ever played Tekken, you already know that this guy is a machine. Literally. Not only is Jack 5’s strength is unquestionable, but he is also an aerial threat in both penalty areas. He is likely to be the tallest player on either team, but just to add insult to injury, the rockets built into him allows him to FLY! I haven’t even mentioned his skills in combat, or his past as a military weapon. Just stay out of his way.

Goku can play in any position on the football pitch. I have decided to use him as a CB as I believe his leadership skills and ‘never say die mentality’ could be utilised well in this position. However, he would be more of a free roaming CB. Goku can levitate, teleport, and if things get a bit sticky, he can

become a match winner. With Goku we have options. Super Saiyan 1, 2, 3, 4? It’s starting to sound unfair at this point.

Lara Croft, aka Tomb Raider! Many have fallen at her feet. She is absolutely, categorically, not the one to mess with. Lara Croft is highly intelligent with a super athletic build, who happens to love a challenge. Let me put it this way. I have a feeling the opposition will be avoiding her side of the football pitch at any cost!

Spiderman, spiderman, does whatever a spider can. Most people are scared of spiders. Luckily the one in question happens to be a friendly neighbourhood Spiderman. With that being said, how many flies have you seen successfully escape a spider’s web? My point is, you are not getting past him. His spidey senses means he’ll be able to sense danger from a mile away. Add to that his ability swing forward in a flash, and help out the attack, you have the perfect modern day Left Back.

The noble plumber who spends most of his time trying to rescue Princess Peach. Mario is the engine of the team. Always running towards danger, using everything that threatens to block his path to his advantage, against his opposition. The funny thing about Mario is, he doesn’t look like a threat, so he is often underestimated. Be weary though, as he is always just one mushroom away from dominating the midfield.

Ryu is a Street Fighter. There is not much more that needs to be said, but we will continue. Every team needs a central midfielder with courage, that is will to fight for every 50/50 and put their body on the line to win the ball back. The player that is ready to take the battle to the opposition! Furthermore, Ryu can shoot from distance. HADOUKEN!!

This one is a bit of a wild card. Highly unpredictable, with bangs of energy. Might go left, might go right, might just go straight through you. With the added ability of being able to increase his pace at any given time, means the defenders are going to be in big trouble for the full 90 minutes. If you are looking for a player with trickery, enthusiasm and endless stamina, Crash Bandicoot is your guy!

On the other wing, we have arguably the most electrifying player to ever grace a football pitch. It’s main threat is demonstrating electric pace down the wing, cutting in on its right foot, and releasing a thunderbolt of a shot! Every team needs a winger that is a goal threat from the wing. With that being said, Pikachu… I choose you!

The truth is, it does not matter where the ball is, Sonic is getting there first. His superior speed means any team that likes to play a highline will be punished every single time, as long as Sonic can beat the offside trap. Much like the world, this team needed a hero - it got a hedgehog.

Link embodies what every hero should be. Humble and Brave. These are the characteristics needed if you are to defeat the bad guys (defenders). With that being said, Link is known for fighting with his famous weapons of choice. His sword of his bow and arrow. In order to use the latter, great aim and precision is necessary. Keeping that in mind, my hope is that once he swaps this weapon for a pair of football boots, the skillset will be transferable, as we will need a striker who can hit the target and gives us goals. Additionally, as this is my article, I have decided that he is also a set piece specialist.