Kahn, Van Basten make it to Ballack's dream team, but no Big Ron

Berlin, Jun 29 (UNI) Oliver Kahn may not find place in the German starting lineup in this World Cup, but skipper Michael Ballack believes that the ''charisma and ambition'' of the veteran goalkeeper make him an automatic choice for his dream team.

''In goal, I'll have Oliver Kahn. Not only because he was my team-mate at Bayern, but because every day in the national team I'm a witness to his ambition, his charisma and his willingness to succeed,'' FIFA official website quoted Ballack as saying.

The 30-year-old midfielder has a special liking for Brazilians and his dream team has six of them, including Pele but, surprisingly, not Ronaldo.

Ballack opted for the trio of Brazilians Cafu and Lucio and former Bayern Munich player and 19990 World Cup winner Jurgen Kohler as the core of his dream team's defence with Emerson and Ze Robreto taking care of right and left mid-field and he being in the centre.

''At right-back, I would choose Cafu. Not only is he a very strong defender, but I totally admire his ability to play dynamically. In the centre of my defence, I would start with Jurgen Kohler because he had such an impressive career.

Then I would have Lucio, who has such a great personality and is the epitome of a winner,'' said the inspirational German skipper.

''Emerson would be my defensive midfielder. I would be in the middle and my left-midfielder would be Ze Roberto, whom I have been playing with for a long time,'' he added.

Describing Ronaldinho as an offensive mid-fielder, Ballack said he would play the Brazilian wizard on the right side as there was no one who could take his place in that position.

''He (Ronaldinho) has got amazing technique, is very dynamic and can do anything with the ball. That's it in a nutshell, and that's why I think there's really no contest for his position.'' Along with the great Pele, Ballack chose as one his strikers the current Dutch coach Marco van Basten, who had broken many a German hearts in the past with his sublime goal-scoring skills.

''Up front, I'd like to see Marco van Basten in this team.

I know he's not playing anymore, but I think that, as a striker, he was absolutely perfect. Next to him, I think would have to be Pele. What a feast for the eyes he was. Pele was simply one of the all-time greats, so he would have to be in my team,'' said Ballack.

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