BRIAN DEANE

The former Leeds, Benfica and Boro striker’s dream team features an iconic Belgian in goal, a Brazilian magician in midfield and a lethal Croatian up top

GARY PALLISTER “What a defender he was – it was a travesty Gary never got more caps for England. He was quick and tough to play against, plus he was an imposing guy but a very good footballer. Tony Adams was maybe a better organiser, which is why he won more caps, but at club level Pallister was outstanding. He was coming to the end of his career when I played with him at Middlesbrough, but was still comfortably one of the country’s best centre-backs.”

JUNINHO PAULISTA “He was great fun. Juninho trained like he was playing in the park with his mates. His attitude was infectious, and he was brilliant to play with. He was a really nice person too, and had a massive influence on the squad. He was like an 11-year-old kid playing football every day – he loved the game and always played with a smile on his face. He could play a killer pass or beat a man with a drop of the shoulder.”

ALEN BOKSIC “Some people claim he was lazy, but I don’t agree with that – I worked with him at Boro and thought he was different class. The ability that guy possessed was just incredible – he was such a gifted player. People can say whatever they want, but on his day he was unplayable. It was the same with Tony Yeboah, too – ridiculous. There were some top, top players in that Boro side and so much creativity. Playing upfront with a footballer like Alen was an education. His career ended up being cut short by injury and Middlesbrough’s fans would probably say they never really saw the best of him, but the man could play.”