James Milner’s dream 5-A-Side has a considerably ropey defence

Patrick McCarry

In fairness to Milner, he has sacrificed himself for a gem of a midfielder.

James Milner has followed the Kevin Keegan philosophy of management when it comes to selecting his dream 5-a-side team – we’ll score more than you.

The Liverpool and England midfielder has played with some class players over the course of his career so it should be no surprise that his team contains some legends.

Unless they are guaranteed to net a rake of goals, 5-a-side teams usually have to contain a fair few players that are industrious, capable of tracking runners and who are handy passers. Milner would tick those boxers but, wisely, he has opted for David Silva in midfield.

Up front, no complaints either. Alan Shearer and Sergio Aguero would strike fear into the heart of most opposition sides.

When we get to the two lads at the back, we hit a speed-bump or two. Rather than going with someone like Rio Ferdinand, Milner has opted for former Leeds teammate Jonathan Woodgate. He tells Sky Sports:

“I’ve been thinking about this, there’s so many names – Rio Ferdinand’s in there, Ashley Cole was always a nightmare to play against and great to play with, Vincent Kompany’s a great defender, but I’m going for Jonathan Woodgate.

“Obviously he had a few injury problems so people didn’t realise how good he was, but he read the game so well, he was a good footballer and went to Real Madrid so you know how good they thought he was.”

Woodgate, as Milner, was good enough to be signed by the mighty ‘Los Blancos’ but a spate of bad injuries so his career falter.

In Milner’s team, he will be the last line of defence in front of Joe Hart. Unwanted by Manchester City and England (for the most recent World Cup), Hart is now with Burnley.

“An amazing friend of mine, a top person to have in the dressing room and a top, top keeper,” says Milner. “In any career you have ups and downs, and he’s had a tough few years unfortunately, but he’s quality and we’ve seen it time and time again.”

Milner is definitely loyal, we’ll give him that.