The Pensioner XI: Buffon and Beckham star in a team with a combined age of 403
Bayern Munich and Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has hit out at Juventus following the German side's 2-0 victory over the Old Lady in the Champions League. The World Cup winning sweeper claimed that Gigi Buffon should have kept out one of the Bayern goals, saying that he 'resembled a pensioner' in his attempts to stop it. Beckenbauer is perhaps being a touch harsh, however, as at 35, Buffon is still well within the standard age range of goalkeepers playing at the highest level. So what really constitutes a pensioner in football? Well, talkSPORT put together a golden oldie XI who we think can still compete at a high level. Check out our breakdown below...
Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel (41)
The Tottenham man is gradually being replaced by Hugo Lloris at White Hart Lane, but his performances in the early stages of this season suggest he still has plenty to offer the right team.
Right-back: Javier Zanetti (39)
The Argentina and Inter right back made his professional debut in 1991, but had to wait until he was 36 to win his first Champions League, proving age means little if the skill is still there.
Centre-back: Walter Samuel (35)
Fellow Argentine Walter Samuel helps to complete an Inter-Argie duo in the Pensioner XI back line. The 35-year-old has made 13 Serie A appearances this season, and doesn't look likely to slow down any time soon.
Centre-back: Daniel van Buyten (35)
Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten is sometimes thought of as the weak link in the Bayern defence, but after helping them to keep a clean sheet against Juventus in Munich, he clearly isn't that bad.
Left-back: Joan Capdevila (35)
The former Villarreal left back was a staple for Spain in their 2008 European Championship and 2010 World Cup wins, and though he has since been replaced by Jordi Alba for La Roja, the Catalan is in resurgent form with Espanyol this season.
Defensive midfielder: Massimo Ambrosini (35)
Veteran Italian midfielder Ambrosini has made over 340 appearances for Milan since his debut in 1995, winning two Champions Leagues and four Serie A titles to name a few. He was an integral part of Milan's 2-0 victory over FC Barcelona this season.
Defensive midfielder: Phil Neville (36)
Though Phil Neville was less prolific than his brother Gary at international level, the former United man ensured he prolonged his career by making the switch to Everton in 2005, where he was succesfully converted from left back to midfielder.
Right midfielder: David Beckham (37)
Becks has been used in a more central role in the twilight of his career, but in comparison to some of his team mates in the pensioner XI he's still a spring chicken, so we've stuck him out on the right where he belongs.
Left midfielder: Rivaldo (40)
Yes, THAT Rivaldo. After leaving Angolan club Kabuscorp in late 2012 many presumed that the talented Brazilian would retire, but in January 2013 the 40-year-old was unveiled as Brazilian second division side Sao Caetano's latest signing. He has since scored two goals for his new team, and laughs in the face of retirement.
Supporting striker: Raul (35)
Real Madrid legend Raul became a Schalke hero during his two seasons with the Germans, but despite being offered a new contract, he decided to leave at the end of his deal in April 2012, and his now seeing out his days in sunny Qatar. As he proved when playing behind Klaas Jan Huntelaar at Schalke, the legendary forward has most definitely still got it.
Centre-forward : Antonio di Natale (35)
Udinese forward Antonio di Natale was given a heroes welcome when his side visited Anfield in the Europa League this season, and as he showed at Euro 2012, his goal-scorer's touch is still perfect. Deadly in the box.
Combined age: 403
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson (71)
Of course, even the Pensioner XI needs a manager, and who better than Sir Alex Ferguson? At 71, he's old enough to command respect from even these veterans, and having shown an ability to get the best out of aging stars in the past, he's the perfect man for the job. That being said, he does take the combined age up to within touching distance of 500!
What do you think? Could our Pensioner XI do a job against top sides in a one-off game? Let us know below...