I recently took part in the awesome Fantasy Draft here on Moviepilot and it got me thinking… The Premier League football season has just restarted (and the MLS has been going a few weeks) and many people have selected their 'dream' Fantasy football teams, so I thought it might be fun to try to assemble an XI based on superheroes! I've tried to think of the team around what is expected of each position on the field (hence many powerful, popular heroes have missed out, particularly flyers) and I've discounted any villains who might've had something to offer. I've also not used characters beyond the current DC and Marvel canons...
Goalkeeper - Spiderman (honourable mentions Mister Fantastic and Plastic Man)
The last line of defence - a goal keeper needs incredible reactions, athleticism and a never say die attitude. With his spider sense, agility and webbing, young Peter Parker edges out his more 'rangy' colleagues here for this vital spot. As Spiderman, he has often battled great odds single handedly and triumphed when others would have shied away from the fight too!
Central Defenders - Colossus and Wonder Woman
Your 'centre backs' need to be rock solid! They will need to stand up to and dominate the strong forwards of the opposition, offer an aerial threat in attach at set pieces and have the peace and presence of mind to play sensibly when coming under attack.
Colossus may not actually be rock solid but he even without his powers Piotr Rasputin is an incredibly imposing and powerful 6.7"! However, with his organic metal mutation, he would be an amazing presence there not only offering strength like some other 'strong guys' but also athleticism. Although he is a peaceful soul, Colossus never shies away from battle and has been willing to sacrifice himself for his team in the past - a fundamental part of being a defender! His stature would enable him to clear opposition crosses and hopefully head in a few goals himself from corners and free kicks too!
Wonder Woman is essential to this team. Her Amazonian warrior background allows her to be defensively fantastic and also able to dictate play from the back, picking out what is most effective instead of simply hoofing it up the pitch! Her range of abilities, wisdom and experience would ensure that few opposition players would get beyond her.
Full backs - Black Panther and She-Hulk
Your left and right backs are part of the defensive unit with the centre backs but must also be able to get forward and link up with your wingers in attack too. They need to be able to know when to hang back and when to push forward, excellent in the contact area but also have vision to play the ball.
T'Challa could really play any where in this team and even be captain! Blessed with tactical acumen, speed, agility and strength, the Wakandan leader would be an effective presence at the back of the park and offer a lot when opportunities came about for attack too.
She Hulk/Jen Walters offers us something a bit different at this position. Very powerful and strong, whilst maintaining her wits and increased levels of confidence - she may not be able to link up as well in attack as Black Panther with the speedsters to come but she would offer cover when the Central defenders have gone forward for corners and free kicks and really make the opposition players come off with some bumps and bruises!
Central Midfielder (and Captain!) - Captain America
The engine of the team - your centre mid has to be able to run box to box and to do a bit of everything - run, tackle, pass, shoot etc. For me, this was really a no-brainer and an obvious choice. The peak of human ability, Cap will offer leadership and vision from the centre of the park and work for those around him too.
Central Midfielder (defensive) - Wolverine
Every great modern football team has a dogged midfielder who will sit and protect his back four. Logan has shown time and again that he is the best at what does, and what he does isn't very nice! He is a great team member who will do what needs to be done for the good of others, even he it costs him. Most teams like to win in style and dominate but should things become a bit more of a battle then Wolverine would prove invaluable.
Wingers - Quicksilver and The Flash
Fundamentally, your wide men have to be speedy and able to get the ball into the box through their runs and crosses. Both Quicksilver and The Flash (not going into a specific iteration!) have speed in spades and would turn opposition defenders inside out when they are marching towards goal! My only concern with these two in general would be their egos and ability to set up others to score and not just rush through to take all the glory for themselves. (Cristiano Ronaldo started his career as basically like a mix of these two!)
Centre Forward - Shazam!
The link man between the midfield and attack. They sit just behind the striker, needing strength to hold up the ball for others to come in to attack, speed and wisdom of when and how to get in the box at the right time and that 'magic' touch to score from long range. They are usually recognised as a good player, but their main attribute is often making others around them look better. With all that in mind, the former Fawcett comics man 'Captain Marvel' seems to be a perfect fit.
Striker - Daredevil
Your finisher. The person to outwit the opposition defence and 'see' things before others, react and score in whatever way is necessary. I know that this may not have seemed a straight forward choice but I believe that the 'Man without Fear' would be perfect in this position - his enhanced senses would allow him to 'see' where the space lies and make breaks into the best areas to attack. His martial arts skills and acrobats mean that he can really attack the ball in a variety of ways and his attitude and will mean that he is not going to be bullied by any bigger or more powerful defenders, putting his body on the line for the team and goals!
Manager - Batman (honourable mentions to Professor X and Iron Man)
The coach has to have over see all the individuals in the team, be inspirational and ultimately be very tactically astute…Need I really say more?! The Dark Knight has consistently led and inspired both the Bat Family (more recently Batman Inc.) and the Justice League, with the respect of wide ranging and often more powerful colleagues. Known for his planning, preparation and determination - with Batman at the helm, this team could do wonders!
So that's my team! Feel free to name your own in the comments or suggests better fits for individual positions… or even try and make a villains team to challenge my heroes. Thanks for reading!