With a team made entirely of pundits, there would never be dull moment
After the news that Alan Hansen will retire after the 2014 World Cup, fanatix compiles the best starting XI made up entirely of football pundits.
Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel
The Great Dane as Schmeichel is affectionately known was the obvious choice, as during eight years at Manchester United the ‘keeper helped the club win five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and one Champions League.
Schmeichel’s stunning stop against Newcastle United in 1997 was voted save of the decade.
Left back – Mark Lawrenson
Often miserly as a pundit, on the pitch Lawro played a big role in Liverpool’s domination of the 1980’s.
Centre backs – Alan Hansen and Jamie Carragher
Two of Liverpool’s greatest ever defenders come together here, in what could have been an unbeatable partnership.
The recently retired Jamie Carragher is already showcasing his phenomenal footballing brain on Sky Sports – the only thing missing from this veteran defender’s trophy cabinet is a Premier League title.
Another Reds defender who doesn’t have that problem is Alan Hansen, racking up eight titles in his 14 years at the club, as well as three European Cups.
Right back – Gary Neville
Already famed for the full-back’s defensive analysis on Sky Sports, Neville was a stalwart with England and Man United; playing 400 games in nine years at Old Trafford and getting 85 caps for the Three Lions
Right midfield – Steve McManaman
After working for Setanta, ESPN and ITV, Steve McManaman has joined BT Sport as a commentator and pundit.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid man was a tricky attacking midfielder who was unlucky not to play more for England..
Central midfielders – Roy Keane and Robbie Savage
Both of these central midfielders were known never to shy away from a tackle and now in the media, they are never short of an opinion.
Roy Keane captained Manchester United during the glory years of the 1990’s and is remembered as much for a horror tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland and disagreements with Mick McCarthy, as the Irishman is for a superb footballing ability.
Now talking sense on 606, Robbie Savage is a battling midfielder who picked up 138 yellow cards and was notorious for late tackles.
The Welshman is quoted as saying the midfielder is ‘one of the most hated football player ever’.
Right midfield – Jamie Redknapp
Redknapp spent a total of eight years at Liverpool, beginning at Bournemouth under dad Harry before that.
A passing midfielder with an eye for goal, this year Redknapp will be presenting Saturday Night Football on Sky Sports.
Strikers – Alan Shearer and Michael Owen
Alan Shearer is one of England’s all time greats, famed for the much used one armed celebration and the striker is the all time record goal-scorer in the Premier League.
Michael Owen led the line for the Golden Generation, with a goal against Argentina that will go down in history, as will the hat-trick against Germany in 2001.
Now a pundit and commentator on BT Sport and occasionally Match of the Day.
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