Midfield ‘Zidane’, little

WHO would you pick in your Sunderland best XI?

That’s the question we have asked a series of former players, giving them the chance to pick their best XI from those they played alongside during their time at the club.

And this week it’s Sunderland Argentinian hero Julio Arca’s turn to select his side.

Arca arrived at Sunderland in 2000 from Argentinos Juniors and made more than 175 appearances for the Black Cats before leaving to join Middlesbrough in 2006.

His time at on Wearside included the highs of finishing seventh in the Premier League in his first season at the club, an FA Cup semi-final appearance in 2004, along with winning the Championship and promotion back to the top flight in 2005.

Here Arca selects the best XI from his playing days at the Stadium of Light – and explains why.