We gave them first dibs.
That should be made abundantly clear because, of course, we’d have Roy Keane in our side at the drop of a hat.
We’d have a team of Roy Keanes, actually, and it’s something that we dream of.
But, being sound, we left Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville take first pick at their FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Legends XI .
The pair of Manchester United icons picked the following as their ultimate dream team of legends players available in FIFA 16.
So our hands were tied. No Pele, no Best, no Cannavaro.
But we’ve done our damnedest to put together a side that we think could rival that of Giggs and Neville.
Goalkeeper
Even given the choice, we’d probably have selected Edwin van der Sar.
Peter Schmeichel had a tendency to get chipped and wasn’t the footballer that the big Dutchman was.
Both Manchester United legends but we’ll take Ed, thanks.
Defence
Our back four wasn’t even the hardest to pick because how can a defence not have Franz Beckenbauer at its heart? The German legend is a born leader and would probably captain our side. He was a central defender who actually used to play football and not hoof when put under pressure.
Alongside Franz, we’ve gone for Alessandro Nesta who, like Beckenbauer, made the dirty work look beautiful and we’d trust nobody more than the Italian legend in a one-on-one scenario. He’s won absolutely everything that there is to win and we’re confident with him in our defence.
At right back, Javier Zanetti gets the nod. He was the perfect full back, having found the balance of defence and attack early on in his lengthy career. Comfortable on either foot, he was as reliable as clockwork and always the fittest player on the park.
At left back, Roberto Carlos because… Roberto Carlos.
Midfield
As if Beckenbauer and Nesta needed any protection, we’ve gone for Lothar Matthaus in a sweeper position.
The German is the perfect candidate to sit in front of our back four, with his vision and accuracy being absolutely ideal in quickly finding the more creative players higher up the field.
He could read a game as well as anyone and often doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
That’s where our defensive mindset ends, though, as we’ve gone for a very attacking pair of midfielders ahead of Matthaus.
Ruud Gullit was strong on the ball, athletic and an absolute delight to watch. He could do it all – win headers, guide through balls, suck defenders out of position. The complete player.
He partners Michael Laudrup and while Laudrup may not have had the athleticism of Gullit, the Dane made up for it with perfect technique and passing ability.
This pair would give Vieira and Keane fits in the centre of the park.
Attack
On the left of our attack, we’ve selected Pavel Nedved and he was really the only candidate in this position after Giggs selfishly selected himself.
The Czech playmaker was just as proficient with crossing on his left as he was at cutting inside and shooting with his right and that’s the kind of unpredictability that would wind Gary Neville right up.
On the other side, we’ve gone all out trickster with Luis Figo.
In his prime, the Portuguese winger was almost impossible to defend against and he was doing Cristiano Ronaldo tricks when Cristiano Ronaldo had yet to sign a professional contract.
He has a deadly delivery and can definitely punish the lack of pace of Paolo Maldini.
Our front man is none other than Marco van Basten because, well, if you can score a goal like THAT goal then you’re good enough for us.
We’re no Alex Ferguson, we know, so why don’t you send your #FIFA16LegendsXI to us at @SportsJOEdotie and see if you can beat our team or that of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
Select your 11 from the players available on the FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Legends XI option, only on Xbox.
It’s not just for fun though as you could be in with a chance at winning the following for you and a friend.
- Tickets (1xpair) to Manchester United v Crystal Palace
- Flights and one night’s accommodation for you and a friend
- Plus a VIP Tour of The National Football Museum
Terms and conditions apply
Visit http://www.easports.com/fifa/ultimate-team/news/2015/fut-legends-challenge where you can watch Giggs and Neville pick their Legends XI and learn how you can win Legends loan items in Ultimate Team. FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Legends is only available on Xbox.
