Canadian midfielder Mauro Eustaquio has revealed what his Perfect Ten lineup would be, and there is no shortage of Italian influence. The young Ottawa Fury player was born in Portugal but grew up in Canada before going back to Europe to play youth football. Mauro is only 21 years old, but he has already featured both for the Canadian U20 Men’s Team in 2013 and the Ottawa Fury FC first team in 2014.



Viewing his ideal ten players to line up with, it is clear that Italian football has had a big influence on his life, as well as football from his native Portugal, where he supports Benfica. Mauro has chosen a 4-3-3 formation and picks a good mixture of players he grew up watching 10 years ago and players currently at their peak.



Goal Keeper – Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus – He’s been there (Juventus) for so many years, and as an International. He is a symbol for both Juventus and Italy.



Right Back – Armando Eustaquio – He’s my dad and he played at right back for a while. What I know from soccer, I know from him, he’s my inspiration and I am grateful for everything he has done for me.



Centre Back – Paolo Maldini, AC Milan – For me he is considered the best center back that has ever existed.



Centre Back – Alessandro Nesta, AC Milan/Impact – I’d have him next to Maldini. Both Italians with class, everyone knows what they’ve done for soccer nowadays.



Left Back – Roberto Carlos, Real Madrid – He’s a guy I grew up watching. He is an amazing free kick specialist, speedy, and small guy that is strong on the ball.



Right Midfield – Xavi Alonso, Bayern Munich – He was one of my favourite players growing up. He is like wine, the older he gets, the better he gets.



Left Midfield – Lucho González, AL Rayyan/Porto – I’d play him in a number ten role. I saw him play at Porto for so many years, he was always a player I grew up watching and admired a lot.



Forward – Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid – He is what he is, a machine. He proves it year in, year out, day after day. He always surprises. He has worked so hard for everything he has.



Forward – Lionel Messi, Barcelona – Everything that he does is natural. Whereas Ronaldo has worked for it, Messi was born with it. He is a phenomenal player that I grew up watching.



Striker – Filippo Inzaghi, Juventus/AC Milan – He was always a striker that I admired. He has a great talent, is a very good goal scorer and when the moments were needed, he always seemed to score. There may be better strikers out there, but I’d have Filippo Inzaghi on my team.