DREAM TEAM WITH FABIEN ROBERT
GLOUCESTER CITY’S FORMER LORIENT, FOREST GREEN AND ALDERSHOT TOWN STRIKER PIECES TOGETHER A BEST EVER XI OF PLAYERS HE HAS PLAYED ALONGSIDE…
GK. JAKE COLE
I played with Jake at Aldershot and now he’s just joined me again at Gloucester City. I’m delighted with that because not only is Jake an excellent goalkeeper, he’s also a great guy. Always smiling and positive, Jake was the first person to teach me how to speak in a London accent!
RCB. MEDHI BENATIA
He came to us on loan at Lorient from Marseille and he became my room mate. Technically not the best but I’ve never seen someone with such a winning mentality. He was so confident. He knew he would become a success and subsequently went on to play for Roma, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
CB. LAURENT KOSCIELNY
Came to us at Lorient after having impressed in a cup game, playing for Tours and he was different class – far too good for our level. He had everything and was a winner, whether it be on the training field or in an important game. Was no surprise to me that he went on to become such a big hit at Arsenal.
LCB. ETHAN PINNOCK
I played with Ethan at Forest Green and you could see then he had what it took to be a top defender. Very good on the ball, so calm and composed and very rarely lost his cool. He was playing Non-League just two years ago but could be a Premier League player with Brentford next year. That will not faze him either.
RWB. LUDOVIC GIULY
I had the privilege of playing with Ludovic at Lorient and he was, quite simply, the best player I have ever played with. A true student of the game, his knowledge of football was ridiculous. I played alongside him in his last ever top-flight game, against PSG. A lovely guy too, he paid for nine or ten of his teammates to go and watch his former club Barcelona play in the Champions League.
CM: GAVIN GUNNING
I played with Gavin at Gloucester City and we clicked straight away. A very strong, tough-tackling holding midfielder, he’s just the type of player you need in English football, we complemented each other well. People say he’s a bit crazy but I like him a lot, he’s a great guy.
CM. MOUSSA SISSOKO
I played eight games with Moussa for the French Under 19, 20 and 21 teams and he was just a beast! He just pips Morgan Schneiderlin due to his physicality and mental strength which makes him perfectly suited to the English game. It’s no surprise to see him so successful at Tottenham.
LWB. RAPHAEL GUERRERO
I played with Raphael for two years at Lorient and have watched him grow into a European champion with Portugal. Was more of a left-back in those days but now operates a new advanced role and has turned into a top performer. Not the most physical but technically very good. A nice guy too, and very humble.
RF. KEVIN GAMEIRO
I played with Kevin for three years at Lorient and struck up a great relationship with him. Blessed with great pace, he was a top striker who went on to play for PSG, Seville and Atletico. Not particularly interested in training but when it came to gameday, he always delivered.
CF. KEIFFER MOORE
Every team needs a target man and Keiffer is the best I’ve played with. He was part of a great side at Forest Green but we were both among a number of players who fell out with the manager so we split up. He recovered, however, and is now a Wales international and a top performer in the Championship with Wigan Athletic. I’m so pleased for him too.
LF: PIERREEMERICK AUBAMEYANG
I played with Auba briefly for France Under 21s before he decided to defect to Gabon. Is so easy to play alongside as his pace is just ridiculous! That said, of all the top players I have played with, I am most surprised that he made it as big as he did. Yes he had pace but, at the time, that was about it. Now there is so much more to his game.
SUBS: James Brophy, Jordan Ayew, Mamadou Sakho, Brian Stock, El Hadji-Diouf, Benjamin Lecomte (GK). Manager: Marc Richards.