Formations and Squads

MANCHESTER UNITED GREATEST XI

GK: Peter Schmeichel – Signed as a virtual unknown in 1991, his size, prodigious throwing and mammoth kicks immediately marked him down as something very different. As much the first point of attack as last line of defence. After an early roughing up from Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang he quickly toughened up and went on to become Manchester United’s greatest ever. “Prone to the odd error” critics may point out, but when he saved as many games as he did during a season, who cares? 9

RB: Roger Byrne – Local lad who was captain and elder statesman of the incomparable Busby Babes. Perhaps not the best technically but more than made up for any deficiency with his reading of the game. An England regular, fatefully he never made it to the 1958 World Cup. 7

CB: Martin Buchan – “The Fonz is cool but Buchan is cooler” ran the Stretford End’s chant, summing up the ice-cool nature of Manchester United’s best ever defender. Having just the one FA Cup to show for his time at Old Trafford is a criminal return for a player who was almost as integral to the team in the ‘70s as Robson was in the ‘80s. 8

LB: Denis Irwin – Incredibly underrated player who, after a somewhat inauspicious start after his arrival from Oldham, went on to become the club’s most consistent and decorated player of the 1990s. Also weighed in with more than his fair share of goals. 7

RM: Cristiano Ronaldo – From 2006–2009 he was as dominant a presence in United’s team as any of his predecessors. His goals dragged the side to a hat-trick of titles and successive European Cup finals – he was well worthy of the 2008 Ballon d’Or. Probably the first player on whom United supporters could legitimately bestow the title “best player in the world”. 9

CM: Duncan Edwards – Many young players are hyped up beyond justification, yet anyone wondering whether the recognition Edwards received is truly justified for a player who died when only 21 years old only has to consider the range and knowledge of those within the game who cite him as one of the game’s true greats.10

CM: Bryan Robson – The rock on which Atkinson’s United was built, his absences to injury were the reason Ron’s team so often failed. The phrase ‘one-man team’ is self-evidently an exaggeration when applied in a team sport, but with Robson it was as close to reality as it could come. 8

CM: Roy Keane – The driving force behind Ferguson’s greatest side, he continually set the tone for the team, whether through his metronomic passing, fearsome tackling, lung-busting effort or never-say-die determination. A winner amongst winners, the rock on which the 1999 Treble was won. 8

LM: George Best – The one, the only. Playing alongside both him and Ronaldo would probably have had Charlton tearing out what little remained of his once-flowing blonde locks but it would’ve been worth it. There’d probably have to be two balls on the pitch, mind. 10

CF: Bobby Charlton – Still holds the record for the most starts and goals of any United player. No ‘rests’ for this stalwart despite countless battles on the bogs that passed for pitches in the 1950s and ‘60s. As two-footed as they come, he could play anywhere in midfield or attack. Officially acknowledged as the continent’s best player in 1966, he’s one of only three Englishmen to win the European and World Cups. 10

CF: Denis Law – Often the overlooked member of United’s Holy Trinity but back in the day was the Stretford End’s favourite, its very own King. And with good reason. Fearless, brave and aggressive, he played as the fans would like to. Scored every sort of goal, from 20-yard headers to acrobatic overhead kicks to six yard tap-ins. Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, he regularly topped the scoring charts before injuries started to take their toll on his slender frame. 10

Manager: Matt Busby – Built the club up from nothing. Twice. To do it the first time was special, to repeat the feat after the pain, devastation and his own near-death at Munich was almost unbelievable. Never compromised on his ideals, be it for attacking football or anything else. 9



REAL MADRID GREATEST XI

GK: Iker Casillas – Made his debut at 18 and has been No. 1 ever since. From his vantage point between the sticks Casillas has played behind some true greats but the World Cup winner can now rightly consider himself their equal. 8

RB: Miguel Porlan Noguera – Chendo spent 16 years at Madrid, the right-back was an integral part of the Real Madrid side that won 5 straight titles in the late 80’s. 7

CB: Fernando Hierro – The central-defender/ defensive midfielder was as good at the back as he was going forward scoring over 100 goals during his time at the club, helping the side to win just the three Champions League titles. 8

CB: Jose Santamaria – The Uruguayan was the rock at the back of the all conquering Madrid side in the late 50s. The likes of Di Stefano and Puskas could bomb forward knowing that Sanatamaria and co would hold the fort. 8

LB: Jose Antonio Camacho – The tough left-back played over 600 games for Madrid. Miles better than the massively over rated free kick ‘specialist’ Roberto Carlos. 8

RM: Francisco “Paco” Gento – The only player to win six European Cups. Enough said. 9

CM: Zinedine Zidane – Arguably the best player of his generation. His outrageous volley in the 2002 Champions League final was a snapshot of the unbelievable skill the Frenchman possessed. 9

CM: Alfredo di Stefano – The Argentine (who later also played for Spain) was on the verge of joining Barcelona before Franco intervened and he signed for Madrid. Pele once described him as the ‘best player ever’ 10

LM: Raul – Like Di Stefano history could’ve been so different if the Atletico Madrid youth side he was with wasn’t scrapped by notorious chairman Jesus Gil. As it was he spent 16 years becoming record league appearance holder and scoring goals for fun. 8

CF: Cristiano Ronaldo – Whatever you think about Ronaldo the man, when Cristiano has the ball at his feet they are few more entertaining players in the current game. If only he had a little humility and didn’t roll around like massive twat he could go on to be one of the all-time greats. 8

ST: Ferenc Puskas –Arrived at Real Madrid overweight, but soon won over the fans with a mercurial left foot. The only player to score a hat-trick in two different European Cup finals. 9

Manager: Miguel Munoz – Won the European Cup as a player three year before becoming the Manger and steering them to a further two European Cups. As if that wasn’t enough led them to nine La Liga titles winning five on the trot between 1960-65. 9



Chelsea’s Greatest XI

GK: Petr Cech – In my opinion still the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. Granted he has spent most of his time working behind one of Chelsea’s best defences but he has consistently pulled off superb saves when called upon – not to mention coming back as good as ever after that horrific head injury. 10

LB: Ashley Cole – Despite perhaps being one of the most hated men in football, Cole’s contributions down the left have been outstanding for Chelsea. Reliable in defence and always making strides to get forward – he probably puts in a harder shift than any other player. 10

CB: John Terry – Captain and talisman. What JT maybe lacks in agility these days he makes up for with his experience and reading of the game. A great presence on the pitch and has successfully marshalled one of the best defences the Premier League has seen to three league titles. 9

CB: Marcel Desailly – Often known as “the rock” Desailly provided a formidable strong presence in the heart of the Blues defence for six years and won an FA Cup in the process. 8

RB: Ron “Chopper” Harris – Just a little before my time but the recommendations of my dad have been duly noted to include a few Chelsea legends. Chopper appeared just shy of 800 times for the club, which is obviously a great service. He was often noted for his physical approach – particularly in the FA Cup final in 1970. 8

CM: Claude Makelele – He made the defensive role his own under Mourinho. In recent years the formation with a holding midfielder has by far worked the best for Chelsea and none have taken on the role as well as Makelele. He rarely ventured forward of the halfway line but achieved a 100% shots to goals ratio in the 06-07 season (one shot, one goal). 10

LM: Gianfranco Zola – Not many will ever look as good in a Chelsea shirt as Gianfranco Zola. Anchored by Makelele I can see him cutting in from the left at will, both creating and scoring in my hypothetical mangasm of a team. An absolute boyhood hero, he was incredible – on the ball, from set-pieces, everywhere. The best.  10

CM: Dennis Wise – An almost purely nostalgic choice here. Wise was a little terrier of a player who Sir Alex Ferguson once described as being able to start a fight in an empty house. But seeing Dennis lift the FA Cup in 1997 as captain is a joy of a childhood memory. 8

RM: Alan Hudson – Another dad recommendation here. Hudson was an Osgood-era playmaker and played in every game in the lead up to the final in 1970 – in this diamond formation no doubt he would have been able to create great service to the front. 9

ST: Peter Osgood – It doesn’t even take my old man to point me in the direction of this Chelsea legend. Peter Osgood – “The King of Stamford Bridge” and the only player to have a statue erected at the ground, he won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup and scored over 150 goals for the club. 10

ST: Jimmy Greaves – Yes, Torres has just missed the cut – would you believe it? I’ve decided to complete my 11 with another Chelsea legend. Although he won no trophies in his time at the Bridge he still holds the club record for the most goals scored in a season with 41. 9

Manager: Jose Mourinho – A man referred to by certain pockets of Chelsea fans quite casually as “God”. Other than maybe Zola and Osgood this was the easiest decision to make in selecting this team. Back to back Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two league cups were an amazing record at the Bridge. We all know we shouldn’t have got rid of him and the whole of the Premier League still misses the man’s charisma. He is still The Special One. 10


Arsenal’s Greatest XI


GK: David Seaman – Forget his leaden footed displays at the tail end of his career. During most of the 1990s, Spunky’s peerless displays between the sticks made him the ultimate big game stopper for the Gunners. 8

RB: Lee Dixon – Feisty, sharp in the tackle and unfussy in his approach, Dixon was just the man you wanted in your back line, especially back in the days when you could boot the opposition winger into the stand without punishment from the ref. 7

CB: Tony Adams – His transition from George Graham’s hard drinking, blue collar lieutenant to Arsene Wenger’s poetry loving free thinking, roving skipper was remarkable. What didn’t change was his undimmed will to win. Fergie admitted he couldn’t wait for him to retire. 9

CB: Martin Keown – This grizzled warrior certainly came good during his second spell at the Gunners. Later combined an indomitable desire for combat with much improved distribution at the back. His clash with Van Nistelrooy in 2003 may not have been pretty, but you’d always want him in your team. 8

LB: Ashley Cole – Whatever Arsenal fans think of “Cashley” these days, it cannot be denied that during his six year first team career, he provided excellent service, with his surging runs down the left. His link play with Pires in the “Invincibles” season was a joy to behold. 8

LM: Liam Brady – Arguably the cleverest play maker of his generation in the 1970s, he would glide past opponents with unerring ease, and hit shots with minimal backlift. A genius. 10

CM: Patrick Vieira – A titan of Arsenal’s midfield for nearly a decade, the Frenchman appeared to relish clashed with United more than anyone, if his “fire and brimstone” clashes with rival skipper Roy Keane both on the pitch and in the tunnel are anything to go by. 9

CM: Cesc Fabregas – There is little that the Spanish diamond couldn’t do, and in the Premiership, there was no one who can match his artfulness, vision and creativity. 9

RW: Robert Pires – A goal scoring wide player, defences simply had no answer to the Frenchman’s direct running and setting up of chances for the likes of Henry and Bergkamp during the noughties. 8

CF: Ian Wright – Quite simply the most natural goal scorer seen at Highbury since Bastin in the 1930s. Aggressive and self centred on the pitch, the team’s reliance on his goal poaching under GG effectively made it “Ian Wright FC” for several years. 9

CF: Thierry Henry – “We’ve got the best player in the world” chanted Arsenal fans when Henry (more often than not) was on song. The Gunners’ record goal scorer was, on his day, quite simply unplayable. 10

Manager: Arsene Wenger – The boss would have to be Arsene, given the way he has revolutionised the club and the playing style. However, at the moment, I’d want George Graham in charge. He’d stifle United and go and hit them on the counter. 9


 AC Milan Greatest XI


GK- Fabio Cudicini
The father of Tottenham shot-stopper Carlo helped Milan win their second European Cup in 1969, and their first Intercontinental Cup the same year. He also won a Scudetto, Cup Winners Cup and Coppa Italia in his 183 games for the club. 7.

RB- Marcos Evangelista de Morais (Cafu)
Nicknamed the ‘pendolino’ for the speed and power at which he blitzed down the flanks. He arrived at Milan a World Cup winner twice with Brazil 1994 and 2002, and he won the Champions League with the Rossoneri in 2007 against Liverpool in Athens, as well as the FIFA World Cup that year. 8.

CB- Alessandro Costacurta
Alongside Franco Baresi, Costacurta is arguably Milan’s greatest ever centre-back. He won five European Cups, seven Scudetti, two Intercontinental Cups and a hoard of other trophies in a 20-year career at San Siro. 10.

CB- Franco Baresi
Milan retired the number six jersey when Baresi hang up his boots in October 1997 after two decades at the club. A legend in his own right and one of the greatest defenders the world has seen. He captained the team to great success including three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, six Scudetti, three European SuperCups and many others. 10.

LB- Paolo Maldini
Perhaps the greatest defender of all time in the history of world football – the model footballer in every sense. 26 trophies in 25 years at Milanello says it all, among those were five European Cups and as many Intercontinental Cups as well as seven Scudetti. 10.

RM- Dejan Savicevic
The Montenegrin winger will best be remembered for his stunning lob over Barcelona goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta in the 1994 Champions League final as Milan bashed the favourites 4-0 in Athens. A classy midfielder who also won three Italian titles and a European SuperCup. 7.

CM- Gianni Rivera
Played under the legendary coach Nereo Rocco and alongside Giovanni Trapattoni to help Milan win their first European Cup at Wembley in 1963 against Eusebio’s Benfica. He repeated the feat in 1969 with another European Cup. He became the first Italian to win the Ballon D’Or whilst playing for the Rossoneri. 8.

CM- Frank Rijkaard
A versatile midfielder who played alongside Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten, Rijkaard was part of the team who won back-to-back European Cups in 1989 and 1990 when he scored the only goal of the game against Benfica. 9.

LM- Kaka
The world stood up and took note of Kaka when his three goals against Manchester United over both legs of the 2007 semi-final saw Cristiano Ronaldo live in the shadows. Kaka was Milan’s passport to the Athens final where he helped his team exact revenge over Liverpool for the heartbreak of Istanbul two years earlier. He also won the FIFA Club World Cup. That stellar season rewarded him with both the Ballon D’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards – simply sensational. 9

CF- Ruud Gullit
The Dutchman had it all when he arrived at Milan for the 1987/88 season as the world’s most expensive player and Ballon D’or Winner. He proved his worth on the pitch with force and effect and scored twice in the 1989 European Cup final in a 4-0 win over Steaua Bucharest. Won it again the following year. 9.

ST- Marco Van Basten
One of the greatest strikers of all time and the most complete. Van Basten had everything in his locker and his quality helped Milan conquer the European Cup three times. He also won two Intercontinental Cups and four Serie A titles among other trophies. Three Ballon D’Or’s during his time at San Siro pay homage to a true great. Sadly his high-profile career was curtailed by an ankle injury which forced his retirement at just 30 in 1995. 10.

Manager- Carlo Ancelotti
Nils Liedholm, Fabio Capello, Nereo Rocco and Arrigo Sacchi could have made this list, but Ancelotti is, perhaps, Milan’s best-ever coach. He won 17 trophies as a player and manager at the club. As a coach he won the Champions League twice in 2003 and 2007 having already conquered the European Cup as a player in 1989, and then 1990. Led Milan to the 2007 Club World Cup. Delivered the Scudetto in 2004 after a five-year drought. 9.


  Barcelona Greatest XI


GK: Andoni Zubizarreta - The Basque goalkeeper spent eight years at the Camp Nou, and was the number one when Barcelona won their first ever European Cup in 1992. 8

RB: Carles Puyol – The leader and Captain of the current Barcelona side, his wholehearted commitment and strength is invaluable and an inspiration to his team mates. The Catalan hero is 34 but few would bet against him lifting even more trophies before he retires. 8

CB: Miguel Angel Nadal – Nadal like Puyol was as tough as they come hence his nickname ‘The Beast’. Played just under 500 games for Barcelona and would certainly relish the opportunity of looking after the flair players. 8

CB: Ronald Koeman – Prior to the recent triumphs in 2006 and 2009, Barcelona’s finest achievement was on a balmy night at Wembley in 1992 when they finally got their hands on the European Cup. It was the Dutchman who scored the only goal of the game with a trademark free-kick. Added craft to Nadal’s guile in the heart of defence. 9

LB: Sergi Barjuan – The attacking full-back was a regular for nearly a decade winning three La Liga medals in the process. 7

RM: Johann Cruyff – In his first season led Barcelona to their first league title since 1960 , scoring in the famous 5-0 victory over their arch enemy at the Bernabeau along the way. That, aside from a Copa Del Rey triumph in 1978, was the only honour he won at Barca, but his spell as player saw him win the hearts of the Barca faithful. 10

LM: Lionel Messi – Finally a true heir to Diego Maradona’s throne, a genius number 10. Only 25 but has done so much already – unbelievable. 10

CM: Diego Maradona – Diego’s time at Barcelona may well have been brief, but then the best ever player to play the game is an automatic choice in any side. 10

CM: Michael Laudrup – The conductor of the dream team managed by Johan Cruyff in the early 90s. Would create something out of nothing and feed the likes of Stoichkov and Romario, the latter calling him the best player he ever played with. He was so good he can just, but only just, be excused for moving to Real Madrid 9

ST: Ronaldo – Sadly now known as the ‘fat Ronaldo’. ‘El Fenomeno’ is a more appropriate moniker and whilst he only spent one season at the Camp Nou it was an unbelievable season for the lightning quick goal machine. 10

CF: Romario – Recently described himself as the best ever Brazilian player with the exception of Pele. Whilst Garrincha or Zico may not agree, the diminutive and temperamental striker could certainly stake a claim. One-on-one he’s had few peers.9

Manager: Cruyff (player-manager) – The former player returned to the Nou Camp in 1988 and built a side that would become known as the ‘Dream Team’. Led them to four straight titles, but more importantly masterminded the clubs first ever European Cup win. 9




Liverpool Greatest Xl


GK: Pepe Reina
Plays like a sweeper at times, has got better in the air, kicks off both feet, has a beautiful, perfectly smooth, round head and was the fastest keeper in our history to 100 clean sheets. Grob might have won more and Dudek danced us to victory in Istanbul, but neither touch Reina for sheer class. 9

RB: Rob Jones
If Rob Jones hadn’t had a back like a wet fence in Walton and a knee made of glass, that ratbag Gary Neville would have considerably less England caps. I loved watching ‘Chopsy’ Nicol as a kid, but it’s Jones for me. Could play on either side, knew how to defend with it, full of pace and great on the ball. That he retired at 27 made me weep. 7

CB: Alan Hansen
Although I could happily give him a right-hander for his vampiric performances on the MOTD sofa, Hansen was the first Liverpool player I really, truly, loved. Couldn’t tackle or head but he was as continental as British defenders got in the 80s. The dictionary definition of ‘not a hair out of place,’ though I suspect he has been using creosote on it since 1977. 9

CB: Sami Hyppia
‘Oooohhh Sami Sami, Sami Sami Sami Hyyppppiiiaaaaaa…’ was the first song my stepson heard sung at Anfield for his first, and Hyppia’s last, game. Criminally underused by Rafa in his final season (who almost didn’t bring him on against Spurs that day) he memorably stepped in at the last minute for the sacking of Old Trafford and played like Beckenbauer. 8

LB: Jamie Carragher
Not his best position by a country mile, but there is no way I could leave Carra out. Has made more last ditch tackles than any footballer in the history of the game, deep thinker tactically and won’t stand for any rubbish. Anyone who has seen him, close up, hammering Phillip Degen will agree. ‘Degen… DEGEN… DEEEEGGGEEEENNN you ******* ****, mark your man…” 8


RM: Steve McManaman

He might have looked like Rodney from Only Fools and Horses with a perm, but the ‘coltish’ (copyright Fleet Street, 1992) Macca breathed fresh air into Liverpool’s moribund midfield under Souness. Scorer of great goals – Celtic twice, Villa etc – our plan at corners when he played used to involve passing short to him and letting him dribble. What we’d give now for someone on the flanks who was as comfortable on the ball. 9

CM: Steven Gerrard
He might have the worst haircut in the history of football and he might, due to the Chelsea courtship, be difficult to like at times but christ can he play. People might scoff, but when he had the security of Alonso and Mascherano behind him there was no-one better in his position. 10

LM: John Barnes

You can keep your Barcelonas, your Milans and your Brazils, the team Liverpool team that Dalglish put together, featuring Beardsley and Barnes left such an indelible impression on a nine-year-old boy that whenever I’ve set a team up since, either coaching, on Fifa or Championship Manager, I play with two wide men and a number ten. Imagine what Barnes would cost in the modern game? Sod England and the fans who booed him, Barnes was a hero and was nearly as good in the middle of the park after his thigh injury. 9


CF: Kenny Dalglish

As much as I loved Beardsley, there is no way I could have him ahead of Kenny. Technically perfect, not scared to put his head in, unparalleled with his back to goal and wearer of the most aesthetically pleasing number 7 shirt in history. Dalglish is to Liverpool what Maradona was to Napoli. And then some. 10

ST: Robbie Fowler

It was the 90s, the glory days had slipped away and we were all in a funk. Then a snotty nosed tyro with dynamite in his left-boot arrived and started ploughing goals in from everywhere. Still the fourth highest scorer in Premier League history with 163 goals (15 ahead of that turncoat Welshman Michael Owen) watching Fowler was joy unconfined. My favourite goal was when he Cruyff-nutmegged Steve Staunton at Villa Park and hit an exocet at the catflap. God indeed… 9

ST: Ian Rush
When Torres let the United defenders pass the ball around in last season’s FA Cup clash, my heart ached for Rushie. As devastating in the penalty box as anyone in the modern era, his work ethic was legendary. I was seven when he scored the iconic camera-toppling goal against Everton in the 1986 FA Cup final, and my four-year-old brother was so distressed when he left that he continued to call John Aldridge ‘Rushie’. 10
Player – Manager: Kenny Dalglish



Ajax’s Greatest XI


Goalkeeper
Edwin van der Sar: Dutch record international. Keeps it simple. Always on the right spot. 9

Right back
Willem Suurbier: Innovative attacking defender with great pace. 8

Centre back
Frank Rijkaard: Energetic defender or midfielder with immense power. 9

Centre back
Frank de Boer: Not quick but a great touch and a spectacular long pass. 7

Left back
Ruud Krol: Ahead of his time as a stylish libero. Started as a left back. 9

Midfield
Johan Neeskens: Quintessential hard man, who surge into the box to score. 9

Midfield
Edgar Davids: The Pitbull, who would never give up. Filling all the gaps. 9

Midfield
Johan Cruyff: Excellent technique paired with a quick mind and great moves.10

Forward
Dennis Bergkamp: Almost every goal he scored was a beauty. 9

Forward
Marco van Basten: Powerful, sometimes nasty topscorer who had everything a striker needs. 10