The ex-Bolton and Greece favourite puts together a powerful line-up built around a spine of Big Sam’s Galacticos, seasoned with a smattering of Euro 2004 legends
Sean Cole
MY PERFECT XI
JUSSI JAASKELAINEN
“Jussi was so good in one-on-one situations and such a hard-working professional – the first to arrive at the training ground and the last to leave. He was one of the players that made up the backbone of that Bolton team. You felt better and secure with him in goal.”
GIOURKAS SEITARIDIS
“Giourkas had a brilliant Euro 2004. He could compete physically with any opponent – even Thierry Henry and a young Cristiano Ronaldo that summer. He had no problem going in for 50-50 challenges and won them easily, plus he could defend and attack – everything you expect from a right-back.”
FERNANDO HIERRO
“Hierro is a legend of Real Madrid, the Spanish national side and Spanish football in general. He was a maestro in an orchestra, taking the ball from the goalkeeper and distributing it in an intelligent way. He’d read the game and dictate play from the back, despite playing in midfield for Bolton.”
TAL BEN HAIM
“From day one, I could tell that Tal was a big character and personality. He was physically and mentally strong, and just a natural-born defender – really powerful and determined, both in the air and on the ground. He was so hungry and wanted to make himself better every day.”
GRIGORIS GEORGATOS
“Early on in his career, Grigoris was a No.10, but he accepted Olympiacos manager Dusan Bajevic’s challenge to play as a left-back. For me, alongside Roberto Carlos and Marcelo, Georgatos was one of the best left-backs in the history of football. That’s why Inter later signed him.”
JAY-JAY OKOCHA
“Jay-Jay was another legend who I was privileged to call a team-mate. The ability and vision he had with a ball at his feet was insane. He was incredibly skillful and didn’t try to hide if the match was hard. He was always available to collect the ball, make a killer pass or dribble forward. He had the imagination to dictate the game.”
GARY SPEED
“Gary was one of the best pros I played with. He was like a coach on the pitch for us – very experienced, very hard-working and leading by example. He was the first to put his foot or head on the line; to sacrifice himself for the team. He was great in the dressing room and a fantastic captain as well.”
GIORGOS KARAGOUNIS
“I’ve known
