DREAM TEAM

Accrington Stanley and former Sligo Rovers and Paços de Ferreira striker Padraig Amond chooses his favourite XI, made up from players he has played with or against in his football career.

GOALKEEPER1

Rui Patricio – Sporting Lisbon He has gone on to establish himself as one of the best keepers in the world. He is a fantastic keeper and any defence would feel comfortable with Rui playing behind them. He commands his box really well and it’s tough to imagine a way past him as a striker.

RIGHT BACK1

Seamus Coleman – Everton It sounds strange but his style of play reminds me a lot of Cafu. He offers so much going forward and his stamina is second to none. I am pleased to see him doing so well at Everton because he deserves it with the commitment he has put into his game.

CENTRE BACK1

Kevin Long – Burnley A very strong centre back and I am one of many people surprised at the fact it hasn’t really worked out for Kevin at Burnley. When he joined them in 2009 I really thought he would establish himself quickly as a first team player.

CENTRE BACK1

Pepe – Real Madrid I was once asked to mark a guy from corners before a match. My manager didn’t explain to me that it was in fact Pepe and it was a slight mismatch when I tried to defend against him. He does have a temper on him but nonetheless he is a top-class player.

LEFT BACK1

Fabio Coentrao – Real Madrid He deserved his move to Real Madrid and is a top class player. He is so comfortable on the ball and he was outstanding when he played against me for Benfica. He also has quick feet which helps him as a fullback.

RIGHT1 MIDFIELD1

Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid If it wasn’t for Lionel Messi then he would definitely be the best player in the world. His speed is frightening and technically he is unbelievable. He has everything as a footballer: touch, speed, strength and tremendous vision.

CENTRAL1 MIDFIELD1

Joao Moutinho – Porto He is a class act and a tremendous footballer. His touch is so good and his movement is second to none. I watched him at the 2012 European Championships for Portugal and he had a great tournament.

CENTRAL1 MIDFIELD1

Shaun Williams – MK Dons He is a very versatile player who can also play in defence. He’s a great passer of the ball and has terrific vision which helps him in the midfield. Shaun is very dangerous from setpieces and he can grab a few goals.

LEFT MIDFIELD1

Hulk – Zenit St Petersburg He’s another great player who scores bags of goals. Technically he is very gifted and he is so strong on the ball as well. His scoring-tochances ratio is unbelievable and one day I can see him playing in the Premier League.

STRIKER1

Raul – Al Sadd He is a legend of the game and I was fortunate enough to actually swap shirts with him after one game. It is on the wall at my parents’ house and it is definitely one of my most prized possessions within football.

STRIKER1

Radamel Falcao – Atletico Madrid Personally I think Falcao is the best centre forward in the world. I remember his hat-trick against Chelsea in the Super Cup and that really set a marker down. He showed everyone what he is capable of and I think he will continue to produce performances like that in the future.