Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams has named his best 5-a-side team as part of Virgin Bet’s ‘Ultimate 5-a-Side’ series.
For his team, Williams could choose from any player, past or present, that has played in the Premier League. The Welshman put himself on the bench for good measure. Let’s find out who else he selected:
Michel Vorm
Williams’s first 5-a-side choice sees him pick former Swansea team-mate Michel Vorm in goal. The Dutch international played alongside Williams at the Swans before spending the final six years of his career at Tottenham Hotspur.
During his time in Wales, Vorm established himself as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the Premier League. He also featured in the Netherlands squad at three major tournaments, making one appearance at the 2014 World Cup.
Williams explained: “He goes in for me because he’s got unbelievable reactions. We used to call him ‘The Cat’ [at Swansea].
“His reaction time was so fast, and the best player with the ball at his feet, as a goalkeeper, that I’ve ever played with or against.
“He was probably the best passer in that Swansea team. In a 5-a-side game, I feel he could pick a pass as well.”
John Terry
Ashley Williams has opted for Chelsea legend John Terry to play in defence for his 5-a-side team.
Terry is one of Chelsea’s greatest ever captains. Having come through the youth system at the club, he led the side following the appointment of Jose Mourinho. Under the Portuguese manager, Chelsea won two consecutive Premier League titles.
The centre-back was known as a tough tackler with an astute footballing brain. He was also comfortable in possession. As well as winning 17 trophies with the club, he was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on four occasions. Terry also collected 78 caps for England.
Describing Terry’s role in his team, Williams said: “I think JT’s going to defend everything. He’s going to hold everything back and put his body on the line.”
Arjen Robben
Williams’s third pick is a former Chelsea team-mate of John Terry in Dutch legend Arjen Robben.
Although he is better known for his exploits with Bayern Munich, Robben spent three years at the Blues between 2004 and 2007. Although impacted by numerous injuries, he still helped the club to two Premier League titles and scored 19 goals in all competitions before joining Real Madrid.
Williams explained: “You knew what he wanted to do. He knew that you knew, and he was going to do it anyway.
“Lightning fast, his movement off the ball was brilliant. In tight situations, he could beat a man, and he was lethal in front of goal. On that left side, I’d have to pick him just because, in a 5-a-side, he’d just be frightening.”
Thierry Henry
The fourth pick of Ashley Williams is Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry.
The forward is arguably the greatest Premier League striker. His 175 goals put him seventh on the all-time list, but it was his all-around play that made him stand out from the rest.
Henry’s skill on the ball was sensational, and he could pick out a pass with ease. Add in his athleticism and ability to score from anywhere, and you have yourself a complete striker.
Explaining the choice, Williams said: “What a player. I was fortunate enough to play against him when he came back to Arsenal.
“Many years I enjoyed watching him play, as everyone did. Just such a stylish and elegant player. He makes my 5-a-side team because of his skill level.
“He’s going to entertain the crowd and score goals. He’s scored so many goals. He could do a bit of everything.”
Cristiano Ronaldo
The fifth and final pick for the 5-a-side team of Ashley Williams is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo returned to the Premier League this season after 12 years away. The Portuguese marksman has netted over 800 top-level goals, scoring 96 of those goals in a Manchester United shirt. As one of the greatest players in the history of world football, Ronaldo has more than earned his spot in anybody’s team.
Williams said: “In my 5-a-side team, he’s got to start up top because the man just lives for goals, and we need goals.
“I think we’ve got a good balance of everything there. With him at the forefront of it, he’s just out on that pitch to score goals, and he’s done it for so many years now.
“He’s adapted his game from when he first broke onto the scene. He doesn’t get about the park and entertain as much but scores as many goals as he ever has.”
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