Royston Drenthe has named Ross Barkley in his ultimate five-a-side of players he has featured alongside throughout his professional career.
Fortunate enough to represent Real Madrid across three separate seasons, it will come as no surprise the majority of his selections are made up of individuals he shared the pitch with during his time in the Spanish capital.
Given the nod between the sticks, Iker Casillas is joined at the back by central defender Pepe. Chosen to lead the line is Robinho, who remained at the Bernabeu between 2005 and 2008.
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Drenthe's team is completed by Barkley in the centre of the pitch, whom he has chosen to partner himself. The Wavertree-born midfielder made his first-team debut for Everton during the Dutchman's solitary season at Goodison Park, with this brief period spent alongside the Englishman enough to convince him of the player's potential.
Talking through his team during an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes' Fanzone, he said: "I've played with some incredible players in my career, so it's tough for me to put together my ultimate five-a-side team. But, the first name in there, without a doubt, is Pepe. The guy is crazy, man. He's someone you want on your team when you're playing in those small games, for sure. You don't want to be playing against him! In goal, I have to pick Iker Casillas. Obviously he's one of the best goalkeepers we've ever seen, but he was so comfortable on the ball, too, he's perfect for five-a-side.
"I'm putting myself in there, in midfield, and Robinho up front. That was unbelievable and, again, this style of football just suits him perfectly. He's straight in there for me. And then I'd have someone from Everton alongside me in midfield: I'd go with Ross Barkley. I loved playing with Ross and I loved everything about him on and off the pitch. He was so strong, quick and technically gifted. But he was such a nice guy, too.
"I was quite young while I was at Everton, but I think Ross was still just 18. Even at that age, though, we could all see how special he was going to be. It's a shame things haven't quite worked out for him but, my God, what a player he was. He's making my five-a-side team, for sure."
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