There have been some fantastic players to have turned out for English clubs in the Champions League, but what is the best starting XI?
In honour of this week’s first round of Champions League group-stage fixtures, here is our attempt at the best all-time Champions League XI made up solely of players to turn out for English clubs in the competition.
Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel
The Dane is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and captained Man United to their treble back in 1999.
Schmeichel’s big frame and intimidating stance was one of his greatest assets and he was a huge part of the success United had during his eight years at the club.
Defence – Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry & Ashley Cole
An all-English back line, in the two full-backs Cole and Neville you have two very consistent performers who always delivered on the big stage.
Cole thrived on the big occasions and performed so well in the final in 2012 where he shut out tricky winger Arjen Robben for 120 minutes. Meanwhile, Neville won two Champions League titles with United, including starting in front of Schmeichel in their famous triumph over Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp in 1999.
As for the two centre-backs, Terry and Ferdinand are both fantastic leaders who played at the highest level for so many years, winning the competition in 2012 and 2008 respectively. With Ferdinand’s pace and Terry’s know-how, they would make for a perfect pairing in the middle of the defence.
Midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard & Ryan Giggs
This midfield four would cause any side problems. Two fantastic wingers of the highest quality, Ronaldo and Giggs love/loved to take on and commit players and would bring excitement, but the pair also had that touch of class and could link up with their team mates. The two were on the same United side that won the trophy in 2008.
Meanwhile, the pairing of Scholes and Lampard is a perfect blend in central midfield. Scholes had a name for his ability on the ball, a wide range of passing whether that be from 60 yards or eight yards, and a fierce long-range shot. Lampard shares many of these qualities, but had the added edge of being a goalscoring midfielder who thrived arriving into the box late, and still does now with New York City.
Number 10 – Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard always flourished when in a more advanced role as a number 10 where he can play off a forward, something that was perhaps most prominent during his days playing behind Fernando Torres during his time at Anfield. However, his greatest moment in the competition undoubtedly came in Istanbul 11 years ago, when he guided the club to winning the trophy after being 3-0 down at half time.
Centre-forward – Didier Drogba
A big-game player who seemed to always arrive on the big stage, Didier Drogba’s name will always be remembered for what he did for Chelsea on that famous night in Munich, where he arguably single-handedly won the club their first Champions League crown.
He bullied defences in those big European nights, scoring important goals against the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, Napoli and Valencia just to name a few, as well as his late equaliser in the final against Bayern in 2012.
Honourable mentions:
Petr Cech
Sol Campbell
Jamie Carragher
Nemanja Vidic
Gareth Bale
Xabi Alonso
Patrick Viera
Roy Keane
Wayne Rooney
Thierry Henry
Fernando Torres
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