PHIL THOMPSON has opted for Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe in his attempt at picking a World XI without two players from the same club or country.
Naturally, some big-name stars will have to be left on the cutting room floor for Sky Sports’ lockdown game and the Liverpool hero went without Lionel Messi and Pele.
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are among the former players carefully picking their line-ups and Thompson drew upon his experience to enlist stars of his 1970s and 80s pomp.
Pat Jennings, Billy Bremner and Gerrard add a British touch to his XI, which also features 1970 World Cup winner Carlos Alberto.
The right-back spent his career in the Americas and arrives ahead of attacking icon Pele and Neymar, given that he rules out any fellow Brazil or Santos player from the team.
Men typically associated with only one or two clubs are prevalent, from Liverpool’s Gerrard to AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini and former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
Joining them in defence is Mats Hummels, who has spent his entire career in Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo, snubbed by both Gerrard and Carragher, is picked by Thompson alongside Diego Maradona, Mbappe and Didier Drogba in the frontline.
An Ivory Coast international who stuck with Chelsea throughout his peak, Drogba has proved a popular choice in these selections.
Messi, meanwhile, has not given he would rule out any fellow Argentina or Barcelona player but ex-defender Thompson could have traded him in for Maradona if he so desired.
Likewise, bringing in Ronaldo condemns any other Real Madrid, Juventus, Portugal or Manchester United player – but given Thommo’s loyalties perhaps the latter was always unlikely to make an appearance.
Featuring in Rangers boss Gerrard’s XI were the likes of Cafu, Roy Keane and Andrew Robertson, although he did agree on Kompany, Drogba and Mbappe being worthy of a place.
Barcelona stars Messi, Busquets and Vidal show their skill at the loo roll challenge
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
