Former Real Madrid midfielder and manager Zinedine Zidane picked out his best XI back in 2014 and it was a side littered with stars.
Zidane is one of the most successful players and managers in history, so when he delivers his opinion; it holds weight.
The Frenchman was key as France won the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil on home turf and won his only Ballon d’Or that same year.
In addition, he won numerous league and European trophies as a player and manager, including three successive Champions League triumphs when in charge of Real Madrid.
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And back in 2014, before he took over as Real Madrid boss for the first time, the 53-year-old was asked to name his best XI.
Real Madrid dominated the backline
Zidane went for iconic Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas between the sticks, with Brazilian pair Dani Alves and Marcelo at right and left-back, respectively.
At the heart of the defence, meanwhile, Zidane went for Pepe and Sergio Ramos, opting for a Real Madrid-heavy backline.
On Ramos, Zidane said: “He is an unrepeatable player. He is unique, and we know what he transmits to everyone else. I’m happy for him for his goal because when it comes to shooting a penalty, he has a lot of confidence.”
Ahead of the backline was Luka Modric and Yaya Toure, with Lionel Messi in the number 10 role. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Zlatan Ibrahimovic round off the incredible XI.
However, there was one notable omission from the team, and a player who Zidane has previously waxed lyrical about.
2010 World Cup winner misses out
“It is difficult because if you like football, seeing a player like him leave is tough,” Zidane said ahead of Iniesta's final appearance in El Clasico in 2018.
“I don't think of him as a Barcelona player. I see him simply as a football player.
“I've come across him two or three times and he is a charming, very reserved man and I like players who can do everything on the field but are that calm off it.
“I only have good words for him, admiration for his football and I wish him the best as a player for the future but above all, as a person.”
Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final as Spain lifted the historic trophy for the first time in their history in La Roja's 1-0 win over the Netherlands in South Africa.
'He deserved to win the Ballon d'Or'
And Zidane felt that Iniesta, and not Messi, should have won the Ballon d’Or that year. The Argentine claimed 22.65% of the vote in 2010, while the Spain star finished second with 17.36%. Compatriot Xavi, meanwhile, finished third with 16.48%.
On Iniesta, Zidane added: “We're talking about someone who made everyone dream and he deserved to win the Ballon d'Or, especially in the year he won the World Cup. It was clear then that he deserved it.”
Of the 11 players Zidane selected, only four are still playing: Ramos, Modric, Messi and Ronaldo, and it remains to be seen whether the quartet would make an XI if the former France star were asked to make a team today.
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Football, Real Madrid, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta
Ben McAleer