It would be fair to say that the recently-announced FIFA FIFPro team of the year caused a number of discussions among the footballing world.
Every member of the side played for a club in Spain and only Atletico Madrid's Falcao did not play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Well, Sports Mole has decided to weigh into the debate by picking 11 players from the Premier League that we believe would give their La Liga-based counterparts a run for their money.
Note that these players were selected on the back of their performances during the ongoing season.
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
There has not been a standout goalkeeper in the Premier League this season with Joe Hart, David de Gea and Petr Cech enduring indifferent spells thus far. In among the obvious choices, Lloris has ousted Brad Friedel from the sticks at White Hart Lane and has been a dependable performer in an improving team. His European experience would also be vital in this particular side.
Rafael da Silva (Manchester United)
There are few defenders in the Premier League that have matured and improved as much as Rafael. While Man United have conceded far too many goals for their liking this season, the performances of Rafael have not gone unnoticed. As a result, he had nailed down a spot in the United starting lineup - making 23 appearances in all competitions. His pace and ability to get forward and support his winger would provide this side with an important outlet.
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
The likes of John Terry, Gary Cahill and David Luiz have all spent time in and out of the Chelsea defence for various reasons this season. However, one thing that has been a virtual constant are the appearances of Ivanovic. The Serbian defender may not be the most comfortable of centre-backs in possession, but he knows his limits and is a solid defender. He has also show a keen eye for goal over the past few months.
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
It is widely accepted that Kompany's form in a Manchester City shirt this season have not been up to the high standards that he set during their title-winning campaign. However, he is still comfortably one of the best defenders in Europe. The Belgium international would also be the perfect partner to Ivanovic because he possesses the ball playing ability that his Chelsea counterparts lacks.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Are there may better left-backs in European football than Baines at the moment? Granted Spain have Jordi Alba, but after that, look no further than Baines. His progression since joining Everton from Wigan Athletic in 2007 can only be applauded. Like Rafael, he is a full-back who can get forward without neglecting his defensive duties. Although this team contains the likes of Van Persie, Suarez and Rooney - Baines has to be a leading contender to take the set pieces.
Juan Mata (Chelsea)
There have not been too many better midfielders in the Premier League this season. The Spaniard makes this team on the right of midfield because of his ability to cut inside and find that killer pass. He has made 32 appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring 13 goals and providing 18 assists. His ability to play in a number of positions would make him a key cog in this side.
Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
The Belgian takes on the defensive midfield role in this team. His physical presence and ability on the ball would provide the perfect cover to the back four. He has also scored nine goals in 18 games this season and would certainly cause problems from set pieces. He provides the balance and presence in a multi-talented Premier League midfield.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Rooney? In midfield? The Englishman takes on the attacking midfield role behind Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie. He has operated from a deeper position for Manchester United this season, but has still managed eight goals in 19 games, in addition to nine assists. His form has gone in patches, but on his day he is comfortably the best number 10 in England.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
It is no secret that teams in Spain are interested in the Welshman and he would certainly relish playing against an attacking side. The Welshman has improved his goal tally this season, scoring an impressive 11 goals in 23 matches thus far. He would also provide good defensive cover to Leighton Baines. He is the standout left-sided player in the Premier League.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Love him or hate him, nobody can deny Suarez is a supremely talented footballer. Last season there were question marks over how clinical he was in front of goal, but this time around he has silenced the doubters with 15 goals to his name already. For all the skill that he has, the Uruguayan does not shy away from putting in the miles. He will close down and force mistakes from defenders.
Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
There was no doubting Van Persie's ability before he joined United in the summer, but the Dutch striker seems to have taken it to another level over the past few months. He's shown that he can score all types of goals - and important ones at that. His ability to hold the ball up and play with his back to goal would make him the perfect foil for Suarez.
