Methodology
THE WEEK listed six to 10 players for each position. Three were shortlisted based on trophies won, individual honours and nominations for the same, and inclusion in the UEFA team of the season and the FIFPro World XI. The final team was chosen in the 4-3-3 formation, keeping in mind the balance of the line-up and the potential for synergy between the players.
Note: The likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah are omitted in favour of players who have been first-team regulars at the highest level for relatively longer periods. Others such as Franck Ribery and Vincent Kompany are absent because of injury-hit second halves of the decade. Xavi and N'Golo Kante did not play enough of the decade in a top league. Antoine Griezmann was slotted as a centre-forward.
THE WEEK's team of the decade
Three-man shortlist for each position