Fernando Torres named legendary players when he picked his “Ultimate XI” from former teammates.
Torres put time on his glittering career at the age of 35 after prolific spells at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, not to mention an incredible international career with Spain.
He played alongside some of the game’s greats during his playing days; from Chelsea hero John Terry to Liverpool superstar Steven Gerrard.
And both men are part of Torres’ Ultimate XI of former teammates.
On goal, the Spaniard chose Jan Oblak with a three-way defense against the aforementioned Terry as well as Carles Puyol and Diego Godin.
Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Gerrard make up his midfield with David Villa playing alongside the man himself up front.
Speaking to Liverpool, he explained the inclusion of Mascherano: “A holding midfielder, a player that all teams need. Hard working, good with the ball, a player I loved playing with at Liverpool.
“And next to him will be Xabi Alonso, the perfect partner for him – you can see him in our time all together here.
“Mascherano and Alonso are the perfect combination and we need Alonso’s quality with the ball to play. “
Torres went on to shower Gerrard with glowing praise: “In midfield, in the most forward position is Steven Gerrard. He’s my icon player.
“I needed Steven on the team, any system, any team. A key player for me and obviously the most important player in this role, as No.10, a bit ahead of Mascherano and Alonso.
“The best player I’ve ever played with. I have said several times that he was the one who finished my match.
“There’s a ‘before and after’ since I started playing with him. So an iconic player, captain of this team and I would be very happy to be able to play with him again.
“Godin, Puyol and Terry are very good with the ball and they are strong defenders, so we can defend with three all the time. “
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