Former Ukrainian forward Andriy Shevchenko has revealed his all-time greatest XI comprising of some of the biggest names in football. The prolific striker had an illustrious career that spanned 18 years and played for Europe's top clubs - Dynamo Kiev, AC Milan and Chelsea.
The 40-year-old, who is currently Ukraine's national football team manager, has played alongside or faced some of the legends of the game. In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, he named his greatest XI of all times.
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Buffon
The Italian veteran got the nod as Shevchenko said, "I won the penalty duel against him in the 2003 Champions League Final but Buffon saved far more of my shots than I scored past him."
Right-back - Cafu
His former AC Milan teammate takes the right back spot. Shevchenko had said that apart from being "a warrior on the field and a sincere, kind man off it", Cafu's runs from the defence led to numerous goals at AC Milan.
Centre-back - John Terry
The former England stopper has been described by Shevchenko as "extremely dangerous". The Ukrainian also hailed Terry's calm attitude and labelled him as a "natural leader."
Centre-back - Alessandro Nesta
Terry is paired up with former Milan centre-half Alessandro Nesta in the centre of the defence. Shevchenko spoke about the Italian legend's immaculate reading of the game and his supreme intelligence.
Left-back - Paolo Maldini
The third player from Milan to feature in the eleven is Paolo Maldini. Shevchenko played under Maldini's leadership at Milan. He said that Maldini was the most gifted and hard-working player he had ever seen.
Right Midfield - Kaka
Brazilian playmaker Kaka starts in right midfield, thus increasing the number of Milan players in the line-up. Shevchenko expressed his gratitude as he was thankful to have been assisted by Kaka on numerous occasions.
Centre Midfield - Steven Gerrard
Shevchenko came up against the Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the 2005 and 2007 Champions League finals. Shevchenko described Gerrard as a "world-class midfielder" who was "blessed with a powerful and precise shot.”
Centre Midfield - Zinedine Zidane
Shevchenko spoke highly of 1998 World Cup Winner, Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman's vision and technique were second to none and he also had a "powerful shot". The former AC Milan star also said that it was Zidane's unpredictability that made him even more dangerous.
Left Midfield - Lionel Messi
One of the best players in the world at this moment, Lionel Messi makes the cut as he starts on the left flank. Shevchenko said: "It's difficult to find another player who can dribble and score like Messi. He is the attacking player of the 21st century. I can't even specify his position. He's everywhere, making fools of defenders."
Striker - Ronaldo
Picking Ronaldo as one of the forward was a no-brainer. Shevchenko praised the Fenomeno's goal-scoring records for every team.
Striker - Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is the most surprising name on the list. However, the former Chelsea man spoke about how Rooney's efficiency and work rate are unmatchable. He also said that Rooney was the perfect team player that every manager wants.
Substitutes
He also named his substitutes. Petr Cech, Carlos Puyol, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, Ryan Giggs all made the bench. Cristiano Ronaldo was the final player to make the subs list and it is a little surprising not seeing him in the starting XI.
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