Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane may never have played in the Premier League, but his footballing opinion is still valuable, no matter what league he is talking about.
Now at the helm at the Bernabeu, the Frenchman has endured a rocky start to his managerial career and seems very unlikely to win the La Liga this term.
However, Zidane’s on-field ability was unquestionable and he has recently selected his best ever Premier League XI.
Our resident punters have been very interested to see who makes the cut in the 43-year old’s line-up.
Click on Zidane below to reveal his best ever Premier League XI!
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GK: Peter Schmeichel
Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, Peter Schmeichel helped Manchester United to five Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.
The Dane spent nearly a decade of his career as a commanding presence between the sticks with the Old Trafford outfit and still stands as the most capped player for the Denmark national team.
And there can’t even be any critics for his goalscoring record, as he even managed an unusual 11 goals during his career.
RB: Gary Neville
Right back turned pundit turned manager, Gary Neville is another Manchester United legend who makes it into Zidane’s all time Premier League XI.
The former England international played for the Red Devils for the entirety of his illustrious career, which spanned almost two decades and saw Neville feature in over 600 matches.
During that time, Neville accumulated 85 caps for England, whilst winning 8 Premier League titles and 2 Champions Leagues.
CB: Rio Ferdinand
Another former Manchester United and England defender turned pundit who Zidane has chosen is Rio Ferdinand.
The 37-year old won over 15 trophies throughout his career, which ended disappointingly when he joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer and was subsequently relegated, before he announced his retirement.
However, Ferdinand will always be remembered as a Premier League great for his strong leadership and defensive qualities that he demonstrated in the earlier years of his career.
Jaap Stam
Yet another Manchester United player who features in Zidane’s selection is Jaap Stam, who was renowned for his speed, strength and ability on the ball.
The Dutch defender spent 3 years at Old Trafford, where he won 3 Premier Leagues and the Champions League.
However, he was then sold to Lazio after allegations made in his autobiography and after an Achilles injury, which United boss Sir Alex Ferguson lived to regret.
LB: Ashley Cole
The player to complete the back four is Ashley Cole.
The left back enjoyed the most successful years of his career at Chelsea, although he also won trophies at rivals Arsenal and was a member of the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ squad before his time at Stamford Bridge.
Known for his pace and strong defensive ability, the former England international is cited as being one of the best full backs of all time.
CDM: Claude Makelele
Another ex-Chelsea player who Zidane believes is one of the greatest players to have ever played in the Premier League is Claude Makelele.
The central midfielder had previously played for Zidane’s current side Real Madrid and his contributions to the Chelsea side became more significant with the arrival of Jose Mourinho, who utilised him as deep-lying playmaker.
This was possible because of the Frenchman’s strong defensive and passing ability.
RM: Paul Scholes
Another former Manchester United star who takes a place in this XI is Paul Scholes. The midfielder was cited by another midfield veteran Xavi as being the ‘best midfielder’ that he has seen in 20 years.
His combative role in midfield is highlighted by the fact that he accumulated the fourth-most yellow cards in Premier League history with 97, and his passing ability and vision was phenomenal.
His long shots were impressive and the Englishman even came out of retirement to help United when they needed him, as well as now co-owning Salford City FC.
CM: Patrick Vieira
Another midfield legend who makes the grade in Zidane’s XI is his compatriot Patrick Vieira. Now coaching at New York City FC, the Frenchman was a resolute presence in the centre of the park and contributed both defensively and offensively.
He too was a part of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ team under Arsene Wenger, and his goals and assists were invaluable to his French manager.
CM: Steven Gerrard
Having recently left his boyhood club Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is widely regarded as being one of England’s greatest ever players. His leadership as captain for both Liverpool and the England national team was impressive, whilst he was capable of producing a pin-point pass or 30 yard shot on command.
The 35-year old left Anfield last season and is highly anticipated to retire from football at the end of this season.
LM: Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is currently plying his trade at La Liga giants Real Madrid and has enjoyed a very successful career.
He currently has 3 Ballon d’Or awards to his name, as well as captaining the Portuguese national team.
His physical strength and trickery is a deadly combination that very few other players can boast.
His goalscoring record is incredible due to the fact that he can score with either foot or his head.
Thierry Henry
Last but certainly not least is the Premier League’s 5th highest ever scorer, Thierry Henry. Another of Zidane’s fellow Frenchman, Henry managed a staggering 175 league goals for Arsenal alone, with a total of 228 goals in all competitions for the Gunners.
His one-on-one finishing was up there with the very best, whilst his overall play and ability to linkup with his teammates made him even more deadly.
This is clearly epitomised by the fact that he is the all-time record goalscorer for both Arsenal and the France national side.