The concept of the Ideal XI is platonic. It’s like a perfect triangle. It only exists in our thoughts, our minds. As we so carefully craft strawmen as simulacrums of real conversation, we continue to ignore that the Seattle Sounders have more playoff-quality starters than they do positions on the field. Debating the Ideal XI ignores the realities of this roster.
During the 11-game unbeaten run the club has started 11 different lineups featuring 24 different player-roles. This list includes obvious playoff-quality starting talents: Osvaldo Alonso, Cristian Roldan, Gustav Svensson, Roman Torres, Chad Marshall, Joevin Jones, Kelvin Leerdam, Clint Dempsey, Stefan Frei, Nicolas Lodeiro, Victor Rodriguez, Jordan Morris and Will Bruin.