Speaking to our matchday programme earlier this season, Andy Butler picks his all-time ‘World XI’, while we also hear about quite a few players who didn’t quite make it.
The club captain’s star-studded line-up incorporates world-class players from a number of eras in his lifetime, including a special mention for a certain former teammate…
MANAGER: Sir Alex Ferguson
AB: “The way he conducted himself during his time in charge of Manchester United, and the amount of trophies he’s put in their cabinet is remarkable. He left behind an incredible legacy too.”
FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
GK: Peter Schmeichel
AB: “For a goalkeeper, the main thing you look for is presence and leadership that will give the rest of the team confidence. Schmeichel had that in abundance!”
RB: Cafu
AB: “I’m sure he gets into most World XI’s. One of the best ever in his position, and he could run all day.”
CB: Des Walker
AB: “As a centre back, Des Walker was my main idol growing up as a youngster. He was a quick player, and no-nonsense!”
CB: Tony Adams
AB: “Obviously your centre halves are another position you look at for leadership (much like ‘keeper), and Adams’ ability, as well as leadership skills were second to none.”
LB: Roberto Carlos
AB: “A rare kind of full-back. Roberto Carlos could do everything, and from an entertainment perspective, he scored some thunderbolts!”
DM: N’Golo Kanté
AB: “One of the world’s best in more recent times. He’s been crucial for Chelsea and Leicester City helping them win the league. His energy is relentless!”
DM: Roy Keane
AB: “There’s a theme of leaders in this team, and Keane was another one. He was also very good at organising teams, which is an underrated attribute in the game.”
AM: James Coppinger
AB: “I’ll put him in the number 10 role, because if you’ve played on the same team as him, you understand what he brings. Always a calm head and Mr. Reliable!”
RW: Lionel Messi
AB: “In my opinion, he is the best player in the world. No one has ever shown the ability on the ball that he shows. Outstanding.”
ST: Ronaldo
AB: “Another player who blew us all away in his prime. He was an amazing goal-scorer first and foremost, who performed at the highest level, and had lightning quick feet despite his size.”
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo
AB: “You can’t have one without the other! He is probably the most complete player that the game has ever seen, and he’s won everything.”
THREE WHO MISSED OUT:
ST: Ronaldinho
AB: “He had to at least get a mention for me. Despite all the talent I’ve named he had unbelievable skills that could mesmerise any defender!”
CB: Vincent Kompany
AB: “One of the centre halves that maybe goes under the radar for being one of the world’s best in his prime. He was so important to a rampant Man City side.”
ST: Romário
AB: “The younger lot certainly won’t remember him, but his goal-scoring record for both all his clubs, and Brazil, speaks for itself really.”