River Plate Greatest All-Time Team

La Maquina

Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.

Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Estudiantes de La Plata
San Lorenzo , Racing Club, Velez Sarsfield.
The City of Buenos Aires

Argentina and La Maquina World Cup 1946

Argentine-born players capped by other national teams

Angels with Dirty Faces with Di Stefano in the WC 1958
Argentina All-Time Team before 1978,
Argentina All-Time Team After Maradona.
Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina All-Time Team
Provincia de Santa  Fe, Argentina All-Time Team
The City of Buenos Aires
Argentina All-Time Team without players from Santa Fe, Cordoba and Buenos Aires 

This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club.  The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.

In 2000, River Plate was honored by FIFA as the 9th best club of the century in the world and the best Argentine football club in that ranking. At the time of writing, River Plate has won official domestic titles than any other club. River Plate has also won 16 international titles, ten recognised by FIFA and CONMEBOL that includes three Copa Libertadores, one Intercontinental Cup, one Supercopa Sudamericana, one Copa Sudamericana, two Recopa Sudamericana, one Copa Interamericana and one Suruga Bank Championship. Furthermore, the club has also won six tournaments organized by AFA and AUF together: five Copa Dr. Ricardo Aldao, and one Tie Cup.

Copa Libertadores winner 1996

Team  
GK: Ubaldo Fillol (Argentina)
Ubaldo Fillol was considered one of the greatest Latin American keeper. He was the 1978 World Cup winning goalkeeper for Argentina.  He also went to the World Cup Finals in 1974 and 1982. For domestic football, he played in his native Aegentina, Brazil and Spain, but he was known for his career with River Plate.  In 1977, he became the first keeper to win the Player of the Year award in Argentina. 

GK: Amadeo Carrizo (Argentina)
Amadeo Carrizo was the young goalkeeper for River Plate's "La Máquina" in 1940's.  He won five Championship trophies in 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957.  He was considered one of the greatest keeper from South America. Despite his greatness, Argentina constantly refused to select him.  He only earned 20 caps. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1958.

GK: Nery Pumpido (Argentina)
Nery Pumpido earned 36 caps for Argentina.  He went to 3 World Cup Finals, winning the 1986 edition as the starting keeper. For domestic football, he played for Unión de Santa Fe, Vélez Sársfield and Real Betis.  He was remembered for playing with River Plate between 1983 and 1988, where he won the 1986 Copa Libertadores, the first ever one for the club.

RB: Hernan Diaz (Argentina)
Herman Díaz joined River Plate in 1989. He went on to win 8 league titles with the club as well as the Copa Libertadores in 1996.  His 10 titles as a player make him the second most decorated player in the history of Club Atlético River Plate after his former teammate Leonardo Astrada. He also played for  Rosario Central, Los Andes and Colón de Santa Fe.  He was capped 28 times for Argentina.  He went to 1994 World Cup Finals in USA.

Hernan Diaz

CB/RB: Norberto Yacon (Argentina)
Noberto Yacon was a member of River Plate's "La Máquina" in 1940's. He made his debut in 1938 with the club. He remained with them until 1953, when he moved to play in Mexico for America.  The highlight of his career with Argentina was the South American Championship 1947 in which La Selección won the tournament undefeated.  In total, he played 15 times for Argentina between 1942 and 1951.

CB: Roberto Perfumo (Argentina)

Nicknamed El Mariscal, Perfumo is considered as one of the best Argentine defenders ever. At club level, Perfumo played for Racing Club, River Plate and Brazilian team Cruzeiro. He was a legend with Racing Club in Argentina winning the Primera title, the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup.  He was considered their greatest player. He had 37 caps between 1964 and 1974.  He played in 1966 and 1974 World Cup Finals.   

CB: Oscar Ruggeri (Argentina)
Oscar Ruggeri played in 3 World Cup Finals, winning the one in 1986 and finishing second in 1990. At the time of his retirement, he was the all-time cap holder for Argentina with 97. At the club level, he was La Liga Foreign Player of the Year in 1989 and South American Player of the Year in 1991. He played for both River Plate and Boca Juniors as well as Real Madrid in Spain. He also had career with Vélez Sarsfield, America, San Lorenzo, etc.

CB: Ricardo Vaghi (Argentina)

Vaghi played for River Plate from 1935 to 1949 without moving to another club afterwards. Along with Ángel Labruna, they have each won 16 titles, being the highest achievers in the club's history as players. With the Argentine team, he won 6 league championships, four national cups, and five international trophies (Copa Aldao).  He was a key defender in the famous team of La Máquina. 
CB: Daniel Passarella (Argentina)
Daniel Passarella was one of the best center-backs ever played the game.  He captained Argentina when it won the World Cup in 1978. He also went to the World Cup Finals in 1982, but he was forced into have a non-playing role in 1986 after a row with Diego Maradona. He was also known for scoring over 140 goals in his career, very high for a defender. His career was associated with River Plate where he had two spells. He also played for Fiorentina and Inter Milan in Italy.

Daniel Passarella vs Diego Maradona

LB/LW: Juan Pablo Sorin (Argentina)

Juan Pablo Sorin had a successful club career in his native Argentina with River Plate, in Brazil with Cruzeiro, and with various teams in Europe, including Barcelona, Lazio, Paris Saint-Germain and Villarreal. He won the Copa Libertadores in 1996 with River Plate.  He earned 76 caps between 1995 and 2006 and was the captain of Argentina national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.  

DM/LB/LM: Jose Ramos  (Argentina)

Born in 1918, Jose Ramos started with Lanus, where he played a single season in 1939.  He was also a member of River Plate's "La Máquina" in 1940's. He was the defensive anchor on their midfield alongsode Bruno Rodolfi, José Manuel Moreno and Adolfo Pedernera.  He was also a leftback.  He retired in 1952.  At the international level, he was capped 11 times between 1942 and 1946.  He was a key midfielder as Argentina won Copa America in 1946.

DM: Nestor Rossi  (Argentina)
Nester Rossi was one of Argentina's greatest defensive midfielders.  Nicknamed "Pipo", he started his career at River Plate, playing from 1945 to 1949, and then again from 1955 to 1958, winning a total of 5 Argentine leagues. He also won 6 more with Millonarios in Colombia. He played in the 1958 World Cup Finals and was a part of their 1957 Copa America winning team.  He had 26 capos between 1946 and 1961.

DM: Reinaldo Merlo (Argentina)

Reinaldo Merlo played his entire career for River Plate as a defensive midfielder. He was part of the midfield that conquered a string of championships under coach Ángel Labruna between 1975 and 1981, where he played alongside Juan José López and Norberto Alonso. He made over 500 appearances for River Plate. He made 42 appearances in the Superclasico against rival Boca Juniors, more than any other player in history.  He was an uncapped player.

Reinaldo Merlo 

CM/DM: Americo Gallego (Argentina)

In 1974, Americo Gallego made his debut with Newell's Old Boys.  In 1981, he moved to River Plate. He played for the "Millonarios" for 7 years. He was the captain during the team's obtaining of their first Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup and Copa Interamericana's in their rich history. Gallego was capped 73 times for Argentina between 1975 and 1982.  He started every match as a midfielder on the team that won the 1978 World Cup at home.

AM: Norberto Alonso (Argentina)

Known colloquially as "Beto" Alonso, Alonso played the majority of his career for the Argentine club River Plate. He was named three times as the best player in the Argentine league. He was a key player of the team that won River Plate's first Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup in 1986.  For the national team, he was a seldom used by various managers.  He only played a few minutes as Argentina won the 1978 World Cup.

AM: Ariel Ortega (Argentina)
With River Plate, Ariel Ortega won the Primera División in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1996, as well as the Copa Libertadores in 1996.  He also played for Fenerbahçe, Parma, Sampdoria, Valencia, and Newell's Old Boys. Ortega played 87 times for his country.  He played in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups. He was also a member of the team that won the silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics.  In 2010, he was recalled back to the national team for a match.

Ariel Ortega

RW: Carlos Peucelle (Argentina)
Peucelle played first team football for San Telmo and Sportivo Buenos Aires before joining Argentine giants River Plate for a fee of 10,000 pesos. He played for River from 1931 to 1941.  During this time "Los Millonarios" were champions of Argentina on 4 occasions; 1932, 1936, 1937 and 1941. He also went to the 1930 World Cup Finals, where he scored three goals, and played in the final match against Uruguay.

LW:  Félix Loustau (Argentina)
Félix Loustau was a member of River Plate's "La Máquina. He won  8 national titles during his time at the club. He is considered to be one of Argentina's greatest wingers. His international career was very limited because of the war. Nevertheless, he played 28 times for Argentina scoring ten goals.  He won three straight Copa America in 1945, 1946, and 1947.

FW/LWF: Oscar Mas (Argentina)
Oscar Mas made his debut at the age of 17 in 1964, with River Plate. In total, he scored 199 goals in 382 games for River, being their second-most prolific scorer. He also played for Real Madrid, América de Cali, Quilmes, Sarmiento, Mariano Moreno, El Porvenir, Defensores de Belgrano, Huracán and Talleres de Remedios de Escalada in Argentina. At the international level, he earned 37 caps and was a member of the 1966 World Cup team.

AM:  Enzo Francescoli (Uruguay)
Enzo Francescoli is known as "the Prince".  He was Uruguay's most capped outfield player with 73 caps.  He was a big fan favorite in River Plate where he won Copa Libertadores in 1996.  He also played in France and Italy. With Uruguay, he won three Copa America's in 1983, 1987 and 1995, where he was voted the best player in two of the tournaments.  He played in two World Cup Finals.  He was also South America Player of the Year in 1984 and 1995. 

Enzo Francescoli 

SS/FW/RIF: Adolfo Pedernera (Argentina)
Adolfo Pedernera was a member of  "La Máquina".  He is still considered by many to be one of the greatest Argentine players of all-time. He was elected the 12th best South american footballer of the 20th century in a poll by the IFFHS in 2000. He moved to Atlanta in 1947 and Millonarios in Colombia.  Because of the Second World War, he did not play many games for Argentina. He still won the Copa America 1941 and 1945.

SS/FW/RWF:  Omar Sivori (Argentina/Italy)
Omar Sivori is remembered one of the greatest ever player from Argentina. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1961. He played with River Plate. After Argentina won the Copa America in 1957, he joined Juventus where he enjoyed 8 successful years.  He was credited with the resurgence of the club.  With John Charles and Giampiero Boniperti, he formed "the Magical Trio" with the club.  In Argentina, he played for River Plate.

AM/FW: José Manuel Moreno (Argentina)
José Manuel Moreno was the star of  "La Máquina" of River Plate in the 1940's.  Some older fans in Argentina considered him better than Maradona and Di Stefano. He never played in the World Cup Finals due to the World War II, but won the South American Championships of 1941, 1942 and 1947. He also played club football in Mexico and Colombia. He was the first footballer ever to have won first division league titles in four countries

José Manuel Moreno 

ST/FW/LIF: Ángel Labruna (Argentina)
Angel Labruna is the second all-time top scorer of the Argentine First Division with 293 goals. He was also part of the celebrated "La Máquina" of River Plate, and he was considered one of the best South-American footballers of his generation.  He played 37 matches for Argentina, scoring 17 goals. He also won two South American Championships (1946 and 1955) and as a nearly 40-year-old he played in the final phase of 1958 World Cup held in Sweden.

FW: Bernabe Ferreyra (Argentina)
Bernabe Ferreyra was one of the first idol footballer in Argentina. His populiarity was so great that he had a movie biography. He played Tigre and Vélez Sársfield joining River Plate for a record transfer fee of 23,000 pounds. He kept this record for a total of 17 years – the longest unbroken time period for this record.  For River Plate, his scoring ratio was more than one goal per match.  He was only capped 4 times.

ST: Hernán Crespo (Argentina)
Hernán Crespo started with River Plate. He went on to play for many big clubs in both Italy and England.  He won three Serie A scudetti, a Copa Libertadores and a Premier League title. At international level, Crespo's career was limited by playing at the same time with Gabriel Batistuta, but he still managed to score 35 goals and is Argentina's third highest goalscorer. He played in three FIFA World Cups: 1998, 2002, 2006.

Crespo scoring at the Final of 1996 Copa Libertadores

Honorable Mention

German Burgos (Argentina), Marcelo Barovero (Argentina), Franco Armani (Argentina), Carlos Isaola (Argentina), José Sorianon (Peru), Juan Carlos Iribarren (Argentina), Celso Ayala (Paraguay), Jonatan Maidana (Argentina), Alfredo Pérez (Argentina), Federico Vairo (Argentina), Nelson Gutiérrez (Uruguay), José Ramos Delgado (Argentina), Roberto Matosas (Uruguay), Luis Antonio Ferreyra (Argentina), Eduardo Sapoletti (Argentina), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Leonardo Ponzio (Argentina), Bruno Rodolfi (Argentina), Jose Maria Minella (Argentina), Jose Varacka (Argentina), Leonardo Astrada (Argentina), Matías Almeyda (Argentina), Pablo Aimar (Argentina), Marcelo Gallardo (Argentina), Juan José López (Argentina), Juan Carlos Munoz (Argentina), Ramon Diaz (Argentina), Marcelo Salas (Chile), Javier Saviola (Argentina), Daniel Onega (Argentina), Mario Kempes (Argentina), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), Roberto Bonano (Argentina), Bruno Rodolfi (Argentina), Pity Martinez (Argentina), Antonio Alzamendi (Uruguay), Fernando Cavenaghi (Argentina), Juan Fernando Quintero (Colombia), Exequiel Palacios (Argentina), Lucas Pratto (Argentina), Walter Gomez (Uruguay), Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina).

La Máquina

Squad Explanation
-- On July 2021, I did a review of the team.  I rewrote the entire blog.  However, in January 2024, I redid the format, and of course, I again rewrote it.  This blog was one of the longest I have done.

-- Daniel Passarella, Enzo Francescoli, José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, Angel Labruna and Félix Loustau were probably the greatest ever from River Plate. Alfredo di Stefano did not stay here long enough and was never a big star here.  So, I left him off.  Ariel Ortega probably deserved a spot among this list of automatic selections.

-- River Plate was known the "La Máquina" in the 1940's.  They were famous for their 5 forwards, namely Juan Carlos Muñoz, José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, Angel Labruna and Félix Loustau.  I only selected 4 of them.  I left out Juan Carlos Muñoz because he was the least famous of the group and I needed to spread the team around. Instead, I took Carolos Peucelle over him.  He played briefly with La Maquina, and was credited as the architect of their formation and playing style. I also took Norberto Yacon and Jose Ramos. Amadeo Carrizo was also from that era, but he was a young player at the time. His peak was in the 1950's.  I also left off Alfredo Di Stefano.

-- In 1986, River Plate won their first ever Copa Libertadores. From the 1986 winning team, I selected Américo Gallego, Norberto Alonso, Nery Pumpido and Oscar Ruggeri. 

-- River Plate went undefeated in the 1994-1995 season.  The same group of players also won the following Copa Libertadores in 1996.  I selected Enzo Francescoli, Ariel Ortega, Hernan Crespo and Hernan Diaz from that period in history. Hernan Crespo was the hero of the 1996 Copa Libertadores. 

-- In 2018, River Plate defeated Boca Juniors in the Final of the Copa Libertadores. The series dubbed as the "Game of the Century" was the only time when the "Superclasico" served as the final of an international tournament. It was a historical victory over their biggest rival in the biggest stage possible.  Leonardo Ponzio, Pity Martinez, Jun Fernando Quintero, Exequiel Palacios, Luis Pratto and Franco Armani made honorable mention.  Leonardo Ponzio played a long time with the club.  At 39, he retired in 2021.

In 2018, River Plate defeated Boca Juniors in the Final of the Copa Libertadores

-- In 2023, Goal.com assembled their Ultimate Dream Team for River Plate. The lineup featured Ubaldo Fillol, Jonathan Maidana, Daniel Passarella, Roberto Perfumo, Leonardo Astrada, Ariel Ortega, Americo Gallego, Norberto Alonso, Alfredo Di Stefano, Enzo Francescoli, and Angel Labruna. In 2010, Goal.com curated an Ideal XI: Ubaldo Fillol, Norberto Yacono, Daniel Passarella, Roberto Perfumo, Eduardo Sapoletti, Reinaldo Merlo, Americo Gallego, Jose Maria Minella, Alfredo Di Stefano, Enzo Francescoli, and Angel Labruna.

Goalkeepers

-- Amadeo Carrizo was considered South America's greatest ever goalkeeper.  He spent 23 years with River Plate. Ubaldo Fillol helped to end River Plate’s 18-year wait for a title in 1975, and he went on to win six more trophies for El Millonario.  He also spent a decade with the club.  Both were considered to be among the greatest ever from South America.  They were undisputed selections.

-- Nery Pumpido was known as the starting goalkeeper for Argentina as they won the 1986 World Cup Finals.  It was a historic year for him, as he also won the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup with River Plate the same year.  I took him as the third goalkeeper based upon his international reputation.

-- Marcelo Barovero did not have the international reputation of Carrizo, Fillol or Pumpido, but the fans ranked him very high. In fact when he joined the club, the fans did not have much expectation.  But he would become a key piece in the conquests of the 2014 Copa Sudamericana and the 2015 Copa Libertadores.  German Burgos was a key part of Ramón Díaz's River that won everything in the 1990's.  River Plate won the 1994 Apertura Tournament undefeated with him in goal. Franco Armani helped River Plate to win the 2018 Copa Libertadores against rival Boca Juniors. In 2018, he managed to keep a clean sheet for 965 minutes, setting a historic record in River's First Division.  Despite being the goalkeeper and the captain for La Maquina, José Soriano was often forgotten.  So, I also honored him with an honor mention on this team.  

Defenders

-- Roberto Perfumo and Daniel Passarella were two of the greatest South American defenders in history and River had the privilege of having them on the same team for three seasons.  They played 53 games together, although Passarella was a full-back in several of them.  Passarella spent nine years playing for Los Millonarios. He won seven domestic titles.  He was widely considered to be one of River Plate's greatest players.  Perfumo, however, was more of a Racing Club legend.  He joined River Plate at the end of his career in 1975.  Nevertheless, he won titles every single season with the club.  In fact, he was named on several All-Time Best XI of the club, including the two by Goal.com.  I do not think he should be an All-Time Best XI, but he does belong to this team, given his status in the world of Argentine football.  The defensive pairing of Passarella and Perfumo was considered to be the greatest duo in River Plate's history.

-- Oscar Ruggeri's transfer from Boca Juniors was then a controversy.  However, his impact was immediately felt as River Plate won the Copa Libertadores, Copa Interamericana and the Intercontinental Cup in 1986.  He was also a part of Argentina's World Cup winning team that year.  All those successes put him on the 1986 South American.  He not Perfumo should be considered River Plate's second greatest central defender after Passarella.

Oscar Ruggeri

-- Ricardo Vaghi was a one-club player. Playing alongside Ángel Labruna, they each won 16 titles, making them the most decorated players in the club's history. Being a member of La Maquina also gave him a sense of being a legend.  

-- The other central defenders of note were also considered.  José Ramos Delgado who played 173 games for the club was probably as good as the four players selected.  Outside of Argentina, people might have forgotten about him.  He later played with Pele for Santos. Juan Carlos Iribarren was one of the star defenders in the amateur eras.  I also honored Ricardo Vaghi's defensive partner, Luis Antonio Ferreyra.  Roberto Matosas was a record transfer at the time when he arrived from Peñarol.  However, I associated him more of a Peñarol legend.  The same sentiment could be shared about Perfumo with Racing Club, although at least Perfumo was an Argentine.  I also looked another Uruguayan, Nelson Gutiérrez who was Ruggeri's partner in the glorious season in 1986. Alfredo Pérez and Federico Vairo formed a memorial central pairing in the 1950's.  Jonatan Maidana who played for Boca Juniors deserved a place on the team.  He lifted two Copa Libertadores, including the 2018 edition where he beat his former club.  But it was hard for him to get into the team because of those legends of Argentine football. 

-- Norberto Yácono played 390 times for the club.   He was Argentina's best man-marker of his time.  His best position was probably a central defender in modern football, but I could also use him as a rightback.  Herman Díaz is the second most decorated player on the club.  His trophy cabinet included a Copa Sudamericana and a Copa Libertadores. I left Eduardo Sapoletti off the team.  He spent 10 seasons with the club. Jorge "El Tapón" Gordillo also made honorable mention.

-- Because of the lack of a modern wingback, Juan Pablo Sorín must be selected.  Besides, he won one of his three South American Team of the year award while playing here.  Then, I looked into several candidates for this position.  From La Maquina, I actually had three candidates for the leftback position.  Luis Antonio Ferreyra was the usual starting left fullback until around 1948 when he was replaced by Eduardo Rodríguez.  The two of them were probably central defenders in the modern terms.  Meanwhile, Jose Ramos was the defensive archer on the left side of the midfield, but his role was sometimes viewed as a leftback in the modern terms. Aarón Wergifker was a Brazil-born player who was the first Jewish player to represent Argentina.  Alberto Taratini came at the end of his career, but he represented Argentina at the time of the 1982 World Cup Finals. He was probably the famous leftback ever to have played for River Plate. Julio Olarticoechea also spent time over here.  I took Jose Ramos perhaps because of the romance of La Maquina.

Midfielders/Wingers

-- Nestor Rossi was probably Argentina's greatest defensive midfielder.  He had two stints playing for River Plate.  His career overlapped with La Maquina.  As mentioned above, Jose Ramos was already selected as an alternative leftback.  After the pair, I took Reinaldo Merlo and Americo Gallego.

-- Reinaldo Merlo was a symbol of River Plate, having spent his entire career at the club. In the 1970s, he formed a formidable midfield partnership with Juan José López and Norberto Alonso.  His place on River Plate's lineup would be replaced by Americo Gallego.  He was the captain who lifted River Plate's first Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup and Copa Interamericana in 1986.  Merlo and Gallego would join Rossi and Jose Ramos on the team.

Americo Gallego

-- Javier Mascherano made his debut for Argentina's senior national team in 2003 before he made his first team club debut with River Plate.  At the time, Leonardo Astrada was the starting central midfielder for the club team, making it difficult for Mascherano to play for the club.  He was the second most decorated player in the club's history after Leonardo Ponzio. Goal.com selected him on their SAll-Time Best XI for the club,  but I only put him and on honorable mention only.  Mascherano only stayed here for a short time.  

-- So, it was actually Matias Almeyda who replaced Astrada.   Sevilla broke a record to sign Matias Almeyda in 1996 after River Plate won the Double with him on the starting lineup. I really wanted to honor the 2018 Copa Libertadores team and Leonardo Ponzio should have been selected, but others were legends of Argentinian football.  Bruno Rodolfi was the defensive anchor on the right for La Maquina.  I also looked into Jose Varacka and Jose Maria Minella.  Minella made Goal.com's All-Time Best XI.  They only made honorable mention. 

-- José Manuel Moreno was a much better player in River Plate than Alfredo Di Stéfano.  He was probably the fourth greatest ever player from Argentina after Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Alfredo Di Stéfano.  He was undisputed for this team.  Ariel Oretga, Norberto Alonso and Enzo Francescoli rounded up the other great attack midfielders for the club.

-- Norberto Alonso enjoyed three distinct periods with River Plate, clinching the Copa Libertadores title in 1986. He was honored as the best player in the Argentine Primera División on three occasions: in 1972 for the National tournament, in 1975 during the Metropolitan championship, and in 1981 within the Metropolitan league. Furthermore, he was selected for the Copa Libertadores All-Time Dream Team by Bolavip.  He spent a belief time partnering Enzo Francescoli.  Francescoli, a two-time South American Footballer of the Year in 1984 and 1995, played a pivotal role in leading a young River Plate squad to Copa Libertadores victory in 1996. Among the talented young players in that team was the beloved Ariel Ortega, who became a fan favorite at the Monumental stadium.  He had three spells with the club.

Noberto Alonso

-- Marcelo Gallardo, Daniel Onega and Juan José López could not get into the team because of Ariel Oretga, Alfredo Di Stefano, Norberto Alonso, Enzo Francescoli and José Manuel Moreno.

-- Omar Sivori was a forward, but he could be used as a right wing-forward.  With a remarkable career at River Plate, he attracted global attention when Juventus set a world record transfer fee for him in 1957. That same year, he was honored as the South American Player of the Year.   The competition for the second wide right position was tight, with Carlos Peucelle and Juan Carlos Muñoz in contention. Peucelle, a standout player in the 1930's was frequently acknowledged as the mastermind behind the creation of La Máquina. He was praised for his role in repositioning players to establish a new formation just before his retirement as a player in 1941, a formation that would go on to serve as the cornerstone of La Máquina.  Juan Carlos Muñoz was the right winger on this formation, but I took Peucelle was the architect of that formation as well as playing in it briefly. 

-- The omission of Juan Carlos Muñoz was controversial. I also compared the career of Juan Carlos Muñoz with Ariel Ortega and Oscar Mas. Ariel Ortega won a Copa America in 1996. He was also very decorated.  He was considered the most beloved player ever from the club.  Oscar Mas is the second highest scorer for the club.  In the end, I wanted to spread the players around from different periods of the club.  I felt that "La Máquina" is already well-represented on this team.

-- On the left, Félix Loustau easily took one of the spots.  He was the left winger for La Maquina.  Adolfo Pedernera was placed at a false 9 for La Maquina.  However, he previously played as a left side of the attack with José Manuel Moreno.  Angel Labruna and Oscar Mas were also a left forward.  This team was filled with left-side attackers.  

-- In actuality, members of La Maquina as well as Peucelle could play across all five position.  The wide position was well-coverred.

Forwards

-- Alfredo Di Stéfano was mainly a forward over here.  He was only a young member of La Maquina.  It was not until 1946, following Adolfo Pedernera's departure, that he secured a spot in River Plate's starting lineup.  His stint was actually limited about three years with the club.  While he was great with the club, he was not the standout star of the team.  However, he was often listed as one of River Plate's greatest footballers.  Goal.com even put him in both of their All-Time Best XI ahead other River Plate legends.  Di Stéfano's enduring reputation as one of the game's greatest players was primarily shaped by his illustrious career at Real Madrid.  So, I decided not to select him.    

-- As mentioned, Adolfo Pedernera was deployed in a false 9 position for La Máquina, a groundbreaking role for that era. This tactical innovation allowed Angel Labruna to capitalize on numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Labruna holds the distinction of being River Plate's all-time leading goal scorer.  I had also mentioned Omar Sivori.

Angel Labruna

-- Bernabé Ferreyra was considered to be the first idol of the club. marked an era. The nickname of Millionaires came from the transfer fees paid by River Plate to Tigre for him in 1932.  It was the first time the world record fee was broken outside the United Kingdom.   He scored 206 goals in 197 games in total with 187 of those coming for River Plate.  He goal averahe was more than a goal per game.  Then, I added Oscar Mas to the team.  He was River Plate second-most prolific scorer behind Angel Labruna.

-- The greatness of La Máquina's attackers has kept many of River Plate attackers away from this squad. they kept Antonio Alzamendi, Marcelo Salas, Fernando Cavenaghi and Ramon Diaz off the team. Salas who was among the club's greatest foreign players.  

-- Ramon Diaz played as Diego Maradona's strike partner during the 1979 Under-20 World Cup, where Argentina emerged victorious over the USSR in the Final. Diaz, not Maradona, finished as the top scorer of the tournament. Allegedly, a reported feud between Maradona and Diaz led to Diaz being excluded from Argentina's World Cup squads in 1986 and 1990.  

-- Antonio Alzamendi was South American Player of the Year in 1986 because of the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup won by River Plate.

-- The last forward was between Hernán Crespo and Walter Gomez. Both were not often mentioned as among the greatest. In fact, Marcelo Salas should be ahead of them.  In the end, I took Crespo because of the Copa Libertadores title in 1996.  He scored two goals in the Finals.

Formation
Only three starters were not from La Maquina.