With the FIFA World Cup kicking off, it feels like the perfect time to build an ASX share market first eleven.
The formation? A classic 4-3-3.
That means a dependable goalkeeper, a strong back four, a balanced midfield, and a front three with enough pace and quality to trouble any defence.
Here is the ASX team I would send onto the pitch.
Goalkeeper: Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)
Every good team needs a reliable presence in goal, and Transurban fits the role nicely.
Its toll road assets are defensive, essential, and difficult to replicate. It may not produce the flashiest moments, but it can provide the dependable base investors often want from infrastructure shares.
Right back: Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)
CAR Group gets the nod at right back. It has enough defensive strength through its powerful marketplace position, but also the ability to get forward through its international growth opportunities.
Buyers go where the listings are, and sellers want to be where the buyers are. That network effect makes it a hard player to beat.
Centre back: Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)
Woolworths is an obvious central defender.
It is strong, established, and focused on doing the basics well. Australians need groceries regardless of the economic backdrop, which gives Woolworths a defensive quality many companies cannot match.
Centre back: CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
Alongside it is CSL.
The healthcare giant has had a difficult spell recently, but this is still a high-quality, battle-tested business with global scale.
It brings experience, strength, and long-term pedigree to the back line.
Left back: Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
Goodman takes the left-back role.
It has defensive qualities through its global property platform, but also attacking pace through its exposure to logistics, data centres, and digital infrastructure.
That combination makes it one of the more versatile names in the side.
Midfield: Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Telstra is the veteran holding midfielder and captain.
It may not be the most exciting name on the team sheet, but it brings experience, reliability, and a steady dividend profile.
Every attacking side still needs someone willing to do the unglamorous work.
Midfield: Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
Macquarie is the creative playmaker.
The investment bank has a long record of finding opportunities across infrastructure, commodities, green energy, private markets, and global finance.
It is the player most capable of spotting a pass others miss.
Midfield: WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
WiseTech is the energetic box-to-box midfielder.
Its logistics software is used by freight forwarders and supply chain operators around the world, giving it a large global runway.
It has the engine to keep pushing forward.
Right wing: Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)
Life360 brings speed on the right wing.
Its family safety platform is growing rapidly globally, with subscriptions and new services giving it room to keep expanding.
This is a high-growth player with plenty of attacking intent.
Left wing: Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)
Pro Medicus takes the left wing position.
Its medical imaging software is fast, specialised, and world class. It may come with a premium valuation, but elite attacking talent rarely comes cheap.
Striker: REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)
REA leads the line.
Its property platforms hold dominant market positions, giving it pricing power, high margins, and a strong record of scoring for shareholders.
It is the reliable finisher in this ASX attack.
The post The ASX shares I’d pick in a FIFA World Cup first eleven appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Goodman Group, Life360, Pro Medicus, REA Group, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Life360, Macquarie Group, Transurban Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, CSL, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.