This is the best soccer XI of all time, according to AI

Soccer has left us with unforgettable legends, unique moments, mass idols and myths that are still active. The talent that has graced the green throughout history is tremendous, but, for obvious reasons, seeing it in the same starting team is utopian. Not for artificial intelligence, however. We asked AI to put together the best possible starting eleven, being able to choose any footballer alive or not, assuming they are at their peak.

Their prime. And with a realistic tactical formation. Artificial intelligence has clear preferences. It opts for a classic 4-3-3 and justifies its choices: "Looking for a real balance between talent, physique, leadership and tactical ability."

In goal, Lev Yashin

The goalkeeper known as the 'Black Spider' is the AI's choice to defend the goal of this dream team. "The only Ballon d'Or-winning goalkeeper. He dominated the area, commanded like a centre-back and revolutionised the position. Security, leadership and competitive personality," argues the Artificial Intelligence. The Russian is a footballing legend and many agree that he is the best goalkeeper in history. It is no surprise that he is in this fantasy starting eleven.

Star defense: Cafu, Beckenbauer, Maldini and Roberto Carlos

The back four proposed by Artificial Intelligence would meet the expectations of any sporting director. At right-back, Cafu: "Infinite energy, tactical discipline and experience in World Cup finals. Perfect balance between attack and defence".Franz Beckenbauer, "absolute elegance", and Paolo Maldini, "tactical intelligence, positioning and leadership", would be the central defenders. On the left flank, a familiar face from LaLiga: Roberto Carlos. "Offensive depth, brutal shooting and constant imbalance. In a 4-3-3 he provides total width," says the AI.

Legendary midfield trio: Matthäus, Zidane and Xavi

Reading the line-up proposed by the AI, we continue to marvel. The three-man midfield of its ideal team would be made up ofLothar Matthaus,Zinedine ZidaneandXavi Hernandez. The AI justifies its choice for the midfield in its dream starting XI for the following reason: "Here I am looking for total balance: physicality and leadership (Matthaus), magic and hierarchy (Zidane), control and rhythm (Xavi)." It cannot be denied that the three are absolute football legends.

Demolishing attack: Messi, Ronaldo and Cristiano

To make up its trident, and even being able to choose any player in history, the AI opts for footballers of our time. The attack of its starting eleven would be formed by Messi, Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo. "This trident in its prime is crazy. Messi as a generator and goalscorer from the right. Ronaldo as an unstoppable 9 in space. Cristiano attacking the far post constantly," it argues.

Big absences in AI's fantasy XI

Football is subject to debate and the best starting eleven in history is clearly personal. In the AI-generated team, some might miss legends such as Cruyff, Pele, Di Stefano or Maradona, to name a few of the historic players. It is surprising that Artificial Intelligence does not make room for them. Possibly, some would also include the best Ronaldinho, the Iniesta of the World Cup, the brightest Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos in his prime, the tireless Puyol...