Former Liverpool superstar Xabi Alonso only managed to find space for one of his former Anfield teammates amongst a star-studded ultimate five-a-side team.
Alonso enjoyed a stunning playing career at the heart of high-quality sides across Europe – starring for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and earning a remarkable 114 Spain caps before retiring in 2017.
Boasting a trophy cabinet many football clubs would be proud of, the 39-year-old ranks in the upper echelons of footballers in the modern era.
All of this means that picking a dream team from idols, former club and international teammates whilst appearing on Jamie Carragher’s The Greatest Game podcast was no mean feat.
Here’s how the current Real Sociedad coach lined his side up.
GK – Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), DEF – Sergio Ramos (Spain & Real Madrid), MID – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), FOR – Diego Maradona (Argentina), FOR – Ronaldo (Brazil).
During the discussion, Carragher admitted he was a ‘bit disappointed’ by the inclusion of Sergio Ramos – a player vilified by Kopites following the altercation with Mohamed Salah in the UEFA Champions League final back in 2018.
Nevertheless, Alonso, who was hailed as ‘world class’ by Jupp Heynckes, has picked a fearsome side that would take some beating.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Whilst it’s difficult to argue with such an illustrious, high-quality side – Carragher and Liverpool fans moreover might’ve hoped a few more former Reds may have made the cut.
Perhaps the main bone of contention could indeed be the defenders’ own omission, given the duo won the UEFA Champions League together in dramatic fashion in 2005.
Plus, it would be amiss of us not to call out Alonso for his failure to include Florent Sinama Pongolle – a shocking oversight.
