GOALKEEPER
Edwin van der Sar – Retired
The guy is pure quality, he had great distribution, a good presence, he was a top communicator, in truth he had absolutely everything a goalkeeper needs in the modern game.
RIGHT BACK
Kieran Trippier – Burnley
Why nobody from the Premier League has got hold of him yet I do not know. He’s very, very good going forward. His defending is maybe something he could work on though. He is quick and for his size he is great in the air. His crossing ability is out of this world and he’s an up-and-coming right back that I’m very much looking forward to seeing progress.
LEFT BACK
Ashley Cole – Chelsea
He actually scored against me in 2009 for Chelsea which just sums him up. For a left back to go all that way and score a goal obviously shows that he’s got a great engine and he’s the best about.
CENTRE BACK
Gary Cahill – Chelsea
He was with me at Burnley on loan from Aston Villa and you could see he had all the attributes. He was big and strong in the air, good on the ground and it’s fair to say that he’s done really well for himself. A great centre half.
CENTRE BACK
Rio Ferdinand – Manchester United
It’s obvious why someone like Rio would be in your side, but the reason why I’ve picked him is simply because I’ve played against him a couple of times and I’ve never seen anyone read the game so well – that’s why he’s one of the best ever.
RIGHT MIDFIELD
Ruel Fox – Retired
You could ping a ball at him anywhere from his head down and it would be stone dead every single time. His touch was frightening. He was maybe not the quickest in the world, but he had absolutely unbelievable ability.
LEFT MIDFIELD
Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
I don’t think I have to explain this choice too much given how much money he’s just cost and where he has gone. Last year he carried Tottenham all the way through and you can’t really fault him. I can’t say much more than that.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Adam Lallana – Southampton
It’s outstanding for a kid to come all the way through the youth system and get such a chance in the Premier League after playing in League One with them. He’s got great ability and will get better and better in the coming years.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Nathaniel Chalobah – Nottingham Forest
He is an absolutely outstanding footballer and he scored a great goal against me around December last year. He’s one to look forward to and a player with a very bright future ahead of him. He’s got the ability to go to the top of the game.
STRIKER
Jay Rodriguez – Southampton
He’s got absolute bags of ability and he’s proven to everybody that he’s good enough. He’s big and strong and he’s grown into a footballer with two great feet and great passing ability. He’s one to look out for definitely as he learns his trade with Southampton in the top flight.
STRIKER
Andy Cole – Retired
When he was on his way to retirement he came down to play with me at Burnley and his skill speaks for itself. I think he has always been a great striker and even when he was knocking on a bit you could tell he was just a class act.
