Thursday 15 October 2009 11:53, UK
Liverpool and Watford legend John Barnes picks the best XI players he has ever played with or against.
John Barnes was a sight to behold during the '80s and '90s when his rampaging runs down the left wing would get fans across the country off their seats. His superb solo goal for England against Brazil at Rio's Maracana Stadium in 1984 is probably the best example of the trickery, skill and speed of a very special footballer. The former Liverpool and Watford winger was named Football Writers Player of the Year on two occassions and PFA Players' Player of the Year once. There's no doubt he would feature in many former pro's dream teams, but who gets in his? He told socceram.com...Dream Team
Goalkeeper: Bruce Grobbelaar.
There are obviously great goalkeepers that I've played with, including Peter Shilton who was one of the hardest trainers I've ever seen. He demanded a lot of you, but I have to go with Bruce on this one.
Right-back: Viv Anderson.
That would be have to be my old England team-mate Viv. He was an exceptional player and won almost everything with Nottingham Forest, including two European Cups. He was a great attacking right-back so he would have to be my in my team.
Centre-back: Alan Hansen.
I think Alan was probably one of the best Liverpool players of all time. Not only was he good on the ball, he read the game brilliantly too. And while he wasn't really noted for his tackling that was because his positional sense and his ability to take the ball off you without going to ground was so good. So for me he would be a mainstay in any team.
Centre-back: Steve Nicol
Alongside Alan I would actually go for Steve. Obviously he played at left-back behind me in the Liverpool team, but he was so versatile and such a good player I would have him in the centre.
Left-back: Kenny Sansom
Stuart Pearce was obviously a favourite and he was a real tough-tackling defender. But I think Kenny was way ahead of his time in terms of being a really attacking full-back during that era.
Centre midfield: Paul Gascoigne
Regardless of what people think about him, from a football perspective he was just a genius. He saw things that no one else did, did things that no one else could and was just supremely confident. Even from a young age he would be shouting at a superstar like Kevin Keegan, asking him to pass him the ball. He was an incredible footballer and a lovely guy as well.
Centre midfield: Bryan Robson
Bryan would be alongside Gazza and he would be my captain. He was really an inspirational figure and a leader. He could play at the back, he could play in midfield, he could play anywhere! He really was a modern-day all-action player that understood what was needed of him in any position and would excel in it too.
Attacking midfield: Glenn Hoddle
Glenn would have to be in the team too because he was probably the best English player I have ever seen. He was just unbelievable and the way he used to caress the ball was something else.
Attacking midfield: Diego Maradona
So far I've only picked players I've played with, but I'm going to mix it up now and pick one I played against; Diego Maradona. I had to get him in my team somehow because in my opinion he is the greatest player ever.
Attacking midfield: Peter Beardsley
Peter was one of the most selfless players I ever played with. He would always do what was right for the team. He also had great vision, scored goals and worked back into the midfield. He really helped me in my Liverpool career.
Striker: Ian Rush
Not only was he a great goalscorer but what he did off the ball was incredible. When you talk about great goalscorers they would all score 30 goals - Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, John Aldridge. But what set Ian Rush apart was the work he did for the team too.
