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Yaya Toure names ridiculous Ultimate XI – Messi joins Arsenal hero and Mexican ace in team
YAYA TOURE was asked to reveal an Ultimate XI of former team-mates during his appearance on Monday Night Football – and his choices left viewers scratching their heads.
Yaya Toure scores volley for star-studded 2009 Barcelona side
Yaya Toure has named a starting XI based on the best players he has appeared alongside during his illustrious career, and the former Manchester City ace raised a few eyebrows with his selections.
Speaking to Jamie Carragher and host David Jones on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Toure was asked to reflect on his impressive career with an Ultimate XI.
The Ivorian, who is currently a free agent after a brief spell with Olympiakos, won 14 trophies during his time with Barcelona and City.
And a number of stars from those sides have been snubbed from his XI, including Spanish maestro David Silva as well as Kyle Walker, Dani Alves and Samir Nasri.
Toure opted for an adventurous 3-1-4-2 formation, selecting six strikers in his top-heavy line-up.
Stand-out selections include Ederson over Victor Valdes in goal, with Toure saying: “I think with his (Ederson) hands and feet he's the best I've played with because Valdes was not that good with his legs but was average to be honest.”
Toure also went for Rafael Marquez over Gerard Pique, suggesting the Mexican was “10 times better” than the Spanish centre-back.
Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi would be deployed in central midfield with Toure taking the reins in the dugout while Arsenal hero Thierry Henry is stationed on the left flank – having played with the 35-year-old at the Nou Camp.
Yaya Toure's Ultimate XI
GK: Ederson (Manchester City)
CB: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
CB: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona)
CB: Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
CDM: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
RM: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
CM: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
CM: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
LM: Thierry Henry (Barcelona)
ST: Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona)
ST: Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)