All-Time XI: Ryan Green lists two former Wales bosses in star-studded side
Ryan Green has named his all-time XI and it includes two former Wales managers.
Chris Coleman and Gary Speed, two men who Green said were instrumental in his career, are named in Green’s all-time XI.
After speaking about a career spanning over 20 years, Green was posed with the difficult task of choosing a best eleven of those he’s played alongside.
Green spent time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bristol Rovers, Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday alongside a host of top talent.
The 39-year-old defender also has some notable Welsh internationals in his side from his two caps at Senior level.
Let us know what you think of Green’s starting XI!
Embed from Getty ImagesGoalkeeper
Kevin Pressman – Sheffield Wednesday
A goalkeeper with over 400 appearances for the Owls, Kevin Pressman and Green played together for only a season, but it was clear the affectionately named “Big Kev” made an impact.
Considered a legend at Hillsborough, Pressman spent 19 years with Wednesday but also spent time with the likes of Leicester City, Leeds United and Mansfield Town before hanging up his boots at Portadown in Northern Ireland.
Defence
Embed from Getty ImagesKevin Muscat – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Starting out as a junior in the Australian National Soccer League, Kevin Muscat went on to have a career that lasted only eight seasons in the English game.
Playing with sides such as Crystal Palace, Millwall and even a spell in Scotland with Rangers, Muscat now coaches Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Pro League.
Green and Muscat both played at Wolverhampton Wanderers together until the Welshman left for Millwall for the 2001-02 season.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoleon Lescott – Wolverhampton Wanderers
An England international and former Manchester City defender, Joleon Lescott is a Premier League winner with the Sky Blues from the 2013-14 season.
Lescott and Green both began their careers with Wolves, with the Englishman leaving for Everton in 2006.
Chris Coleman – Wales
Green made his international debut starting alongside Chris Coleman in a 3-0 win over Malta in 1998, and again in a game against Tunisia only three days later.
Coleman would go on to have a successful managerial career after his playing days.
The Welshman famously guided Wales to a semi-final at Euro 2016, whilst also earning a top 10 Premier League spot in his first season with Fulham.
Lee Naylor – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Lee Naylor spent most of his career with Wolves and amassed over 250 appearances during his time there, before moving to the Scottish Premiership with Celtic.
Another player from Green’s time with the West Midlands club, Naylor would go on to play for Cardiff City and Derby county throughout his career.
Naylor was also capped at U21 level for England.
Midfield
Steven Reid – Millwall
A Republic of Ireland international and a part of their World Cup squad in 2002, Steven Reid and Green both shared a brief stint at Millwall together.
Reid also featured for West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and Blackburn Rovers throughout his career.
The 39-year-old is currently an assistant manager of the Scottish national team as a part of Steve Clarke’s backroom staff.
Tim Cahill – Millwall
Australia’s all-time record goalscorer, Tim Cahill is perhaps best known for his time at Everton, spending eight seasons with the Merseyside club.
Green and Cahill both played at Millwall where the midfielder first broke into senior football after coming through the ranks at the Den.
With spells in China, India and the US, Cahill makes a fine addition to a best-XI squad.
Gary Speed – Wales
A Welsh international and eventual manager of Wales, Gary Speed once held the record for most appearances in the Premier League at 535 games before it was surpassed by David James.
Similarly to Chris Coleman, Green and Speed both lined up against Malta in his debut in 1998.
Speaking on both teammates that would eventually become managers of Wales, Green said:
“The two lads that standout are Chris Coleman and Gary Speed, they helped me through everything, made sure I was at home. They really looked after me.”
Forwards
Rickie Lambert – Bristol Rovers
A goalscoring machine during a five-year stint at Southampton, Rickie Lambert notched 115 goals in 230 Saints appearances.
Both playing together for three seasons at Bristol Rovers between 2006-2009, Lambert’s career saw him also join Liverpool, Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion.
An England international, Lambert continued a strong goalscoring form for his country by notching a debut goal with his first touch.
Craig Bellamy – Wales
A Welsh forward that poised a strong attacking threat from a wide-position, Craig Bellamy grabbed 19 goals in 78 Wales appearances.
It was on the international stage where Bellamy and Green would play together, and the latter had positive words for putting the forward in his best-XI.
“For a best XI, I have to throw Craig Bellamy in there straightaway, we made our debuts together, grew up in Cardiff, he’d definitely be in there.”
Robbie Keane – Wolverhampton Wanderers
A Republic of Ireland striker with a keen eye for goal, Robbie Keane spent most of his career with Tottenham Hotspur, hitting 121 goals for Spurs in 302 games.
Keane also enjoyed time at West Ham United, Liverpool and Inter Milan eventually led to a stint in the MLS with LA Galaxy.
The Republic of Ireland’s all-time scorer, Green had to include the prolific forward as a part of his best side.
Green added, “There are some top strikers, it would be hard to leave out John Hartson but it would be Bellamy and Robbie Keane.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
