Barcelona Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan Excludes Zidane, Ronaldo in His Selection of All Time Clasico XI

• Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to face off in El Clasico
• Players of both teams have been quizzed by the media on various questions
• A Barcelona midfielder recently discussed his all-time Clasico XI

The football world eagerly anticipates El Clasico as Spanish football powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona renew their historic rivalry on the grandest stage.

Both teams are eager to outshine each other, and the Montjuïc Stadium is expected to be ablaze with excitement when Referee Jesus Gil Manzano signals the start of the match.

Leading up to the highly-anticipated fixture, players have been tasked with numerous questions, one of which involved the task of selecting their all-time El Clasico XI. One such player, former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, recently engaged with the media outlet One Football to reveal his dream lineup for this iconic clash.

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale describes his dream player as Ronaldo and Modric features

Football

Gundogan names all Clasico XI

In a surprising twist, the 33-year-old midfielder's dream team predominantly featured players from Barcelona, with only two representatives from Real Madrid.

Gundogan adopted a 3-4-3 formation, with Marc Andre Ter Stegen guarding the goalposts, a formidable defensive trio consisting of Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos.

Gundogan's midfield choices were nothing short of intriguing, as he opted not to include the iconic Zinedine Zidane and instead selected a star-studded quartet featuring Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Johan Cruyff, and Pep Guardiola. Completing his XI, Gundogan assembled a potent attacking trio comprised of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho Gaucho, and another Real Madrid legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Notably absent from Gündogan's lineup was the iconic Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario, a decision that raised eyebrows and stirred some controversy among fans.

Gundogan who is set to make his Clasico debut as reported by ESPN, will hope he can help Xavi Hernandez's side secure victory against their arch-rivals.

Real Madrid's gets timely El Clasico boost with defender's reduced suspension

Football

Why El Clasico is football's biggest game

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Saturday marks the first league encounter of the 2023/24 season between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

El Clasico has evolved into a biennial football spectacle that transcends the boundaries of Spain, capturing the global audience's imagination.

The clash between the nation's two greatest rivals now garners attention from fans worldwide.