Ranking the most valuable XI in football in 2023 according to CIES football

The market value of these stars continues to grow every day

The world of football is replete with extraordinary talent, and within this realm of brilliance, CIES Football has identified the cream of the crop – the most valuable XI. This carefully curated selection represents talent, a collection of players whose exceptional abilities and market value set them apart. From commanding goalkeepers to stalwart defenders, creative midfield maestros, and prolific goal scorers, this remarkable ensemble showcases the pinnacle of footballing excellence.

Each player possesses a unique set of skills, a blend of technique, athleticism, and footballing intelligence that has propelled them to the forefront of the game. Their exceptional market value underscores not only their immense talent but also their importance to their respective clubs.

In this article, we uncover the embodiment of footballing greatness, a collection of individuals whose value extends far beyond mere numbers, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale is the most valuable goalkeeper in the world according to CIES. Spending most of his time on loan, he was finally signed by Arsenal in 2021. Aaron Ramsdale appeared in 38 matches this season in Premier League, playing a total of 3420 minutes. Aaron Ramsdale concedes an average of 1.08 goals for every 90 minutes that the player is on the pitch, he kept 14 clean sheets in this season. He proved his (€79M) value this season, coming very close to winning the Premier League title.

Left-back: Alphonso Davies

The Canadian player who was signed as Arjen Robben's replacement has made his way into the Bayern squad as a left-back after David Alaba departed from the club. His solo run against Barcelona in the Champions League is one of the highlights of his career, €69M is his current value, and he has played according to his potential and value. Real Madrid are exploring his situation, they are without a left-back in the squad and his addition to the squad can bring glory back to the Real Madrid side.

Centre-back: Eder Militao

The Brazilian defender is the preferred choice for Carlo Ancelotti and started the crucial second leg against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final ahead of Rudiger, who was able to stop Haaland in the first leg. His value sits at €108M right now and there is no surprise that he has made it to the list ahead of other centre-backs.

Centre-back: Josko Gvardiol

Gvardiol plays for Croatia and RB Leipzig as a centre-back, the 1.85m-tall defender scored one goal in the Bundesliga this season and two goals in the Champions League. His pass success rate amounts to 90.9 per cent, he won the DFB Pokal two consecutive seasons with RB Leipzig (2021-22 and 2022-23). The €115M defender has impressed a lot of European clubs after his performances in the World Cup and domestic leagues as well, one of the clubs that is certainly after him are Real Madrid.

Also Read: Top 10 most valuable footballers in the world currently 

Right-back: Reece James

The England right-back has been in the spotlight for a very long time, his performances are compared to his England teammate Trent Arnold, who plays in the same position. Gareth Southgate prefers James at the right-back position because of his defensive presence, and he has been consistent throughout his career and this season he missed a couple of months due to injury. €75M defender has a lot of potential, the ability to score goals, and make the most of it in the defensive and the attacking third.

Centre-midfield: Gavi

Barcelona was able to register Gavi for the 2023-24 season after Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets's exit. The 18-year-old midfielder is a La Masia graduate who has shown maturity and has made his way into the senior team squad, since his senior team debut, he has impressed Xavi so much that he wants him to stay with Barcelona. €174M youngster is a demanding midfielder, and is already a favourite at the club.

Centre-midfield: Jamal Musiala

The €170M midfielder from Germany is one of the highest-rated young midfielders this generation has seen, he helped the Bayern Munich squad win the Bundesliga title again this season. Musiala was a top player throughout the season with the capability of scoring goals and providing assists, his G/A ratio for this season was more than 20, and he scored the vital goal on the last day of the Bundesliga to help Bayern win.

Centre-midfield: Pedri

In 2021, he won the Golden Boy award and received the Kopa trophy, awarded by FIFA during the 2021 Ballon d'Or ceremony. He has been a regular starter at the club since then, and despite his young age, he has emerged as a natural leader in Barcelona's midfield. With the departure of Busquets, a lot will be on his shoulders, the €178M midfielder along with his teammate Gavi is seen as the next Iniesta and Xavi.

Left-wing: Vinicius Jr

Even though Real Madrid didn't win the Champions League or the LaLiga, Vini Jr has had a great season in terms of scoring goals and providing assists. The €196M winger has been given the Number 7 as we head into the next season, Vini Jr will look to fill the shoes of the legendary players that have worn the Number 7 jersey for Real Madrid, and a lot of responsibility is on him with Benzema making an exit.

Striker: Erling Haaland

The Norwegian striker was brilliant this season, he broke the record for most goals scored in the Premier League in a single season, and he scored more than 50 goals in a single season for Manchester City. He was an integral part of the treble-winning Manchester City side this season, €245M is the most expensive value of a player according to CIES, and it is not even a shock for him to be valued at this price after this season.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka, €196M value winger, has the ability to cut in from the wings and score. He appeared in all the 38 matches this season, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists. Recently, he signed a contract extension with Arsenal, one of the reasons Arteta's side came close to winning the Premier League title this season was because of the performances put up in front by his players, and Saka was one of the best players for Arsenal this season.