The QPR boss picks out his best XIs since 1992.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has picked out his best early years Premier League XI and best late years Premier League XI with the Daily Mail and here CaughtOffside compares the two sides to see which would win.
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GK – Peter Schmeichel v Petr Cech
It was fairly easy choice for the early years with many considering Manchester United legend Schmeichel to be among the best goalkeepers of all time, whilst Edwin van der Sar is perhaps the only realistic competition for the late years.
Winner: Schmeichel – even though Cech has the most clean-sheets in the league’s history the Dane was a different class.
RB – Gary Neville v Pablo Zabaleta
Neville himself would admit he wasn’t a naturally gifted footballer and had to work hard for his success and whilst Zabaleta undoubtedly works hard himself, his prowess when going forward makes the Argentine the complete full-back.
Winner: Zabaleta – not always given the credit he deserves considering how influential he has been for Manchester City since a 2008 transfer.
CB – Tony Adams v John Terry
Having already achieved great things at Arsenal under George Graham, Adams did it all again under Arsene Wenger – yet Terry could be considered a similar type of defender and enjoyed even more success during a boom period for Chelsea.
Winner: Terry – for the amount of years he has spent in the division we give it to the Blues captain over Adams.
CB – Sol Campbell v Rio Ferdinand
Another all English affair and also the central defensive partnership for the Three Lions for a brief time, with Campbell supplying the physicality and Ferdinand an assured style on the ball and great passing technique.
Winner: Ferdinand – another close call, but for all the defender achieved with the Red Devils this goes to the current Hoops star.
LB – Stuart Pearce v Ashley Cole
Had a thumping left foot and wore his heart on his sleeve – which appealed to Nottingham Forest and English fans – yet Cole is regarded by many as one of the greatest left-backs of all-time for his time at Highbury and Stamford Bridge.
Winner: Cole – the easiest decision yet.
RM – Matt le Tisser v Cristiano Ronaldo
Redknapp opted for the Southampton legend ahead of David Beckham in his early years team and although now a left winger at Real Madrid, Ronaldo did indeed start life at Old Trafford as right-sided midfielder.
Winner: Ronaldo – le Tissier was good, but even he would probably admit he is not in the same class as the Portugal captain.
CM – Roy Keane v Steven Gerrard
This was a battle that was often seen in the English top tier, with the experienced Keane coming up against the precocious and undoubtedly talented Gerrard on many occasions in heated derbies.
Winner: Keane – Liverpool fans may be up in arms, but there are few more successful midfield players ever than the Irishman.
CM – Patrick Vieira v Paul Scholes
Not really sure how Redknapp decided this one as Scholes was already established at United before Vieira even arrived in England in 1996, but then I suppose the 66-year-old was keen to get both stars into the lineups somehow.
Winner: Scholes – Xavi says he modelled his game on the former England international and Pep Guardiola is also a big fan.
LM – Ryan Giggs v Gareth Bale
A battle of the Welshmen now, with 2014/15 being the first season Giggs hasn’t played since the league was rebranded in 1992, whilst Bale became the most expensive player of all-time in 2013 when Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur £85.3m for his services.
Winner: Giggs – although Bale may go onto be more highly regarded, as the most decorated player in British history Giggs has to win currently.
ST – Dennis Bergkamp v Luis Suarez
This is tough as although Bergkamp was undeniably talented he was nowhere near as prolific in front of goal as Suarez was during his time at Anfield, but was perhaps a better team player.
Winner: Bergkamp – very close, but in the end for his all-round ability and team play the Dutchman just edges it.
ST – Alan Shearer v Thierry Henry
With 260 league goals to his name no one has come near the all-time top-scorer Shearer, who dazzled for both Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, whilst Henry was Ballon d’Or nominated during his boom period in North London.
Winner: Henry – may not have as many goals as the Englishman, but in our mind the striker is the best player the league has ever featured to date.