12 May 2023 , 07:17
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Royston Drenthe has plenty of players to choose from in his 5-a-side team of former teammates.
The one-cap Dutch international played for 14 clubs in his professional career, most famously Real Madrid, winning the 2007/08 LA Liga title there in what was his first season in Spain. There, he played with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, before an ill-fated season long loan to Everton.
Drenthe was exiled by David Moyes after reporting late for training, and later had stints in England at Reading and Sheffield Wednesday. But there is one Goodison Park teammate who makes it into his ultimate team of five, and yet no place for five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.
"The first name in there, without a doubt, is Pepe," he told Ladbrokes Fanzone. "The guy is crazy, man. He's someone you want on your team when you're playing in those small games, for sure. You don't want to be playing against him!
"In goal, I have to pick Iker Casillas. Obviously he's one of the best goalkeepers we've ever seen, but he was so comfortable on the ball, too, he's perfect for five-a-side."
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Drenthe, 36, of course picked himself in midfield, but the final two names spring somewhat of a surprise. There is no place for Kaka or even Karim Benzema, but Nice midfielder Ross Barkley makes the cut despite being perceived to have fallen by the wayside in recent years.
Royston Drenthe with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid (Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Royston Drenthe spent a year on loan at Everton (Getty Images)"I'm putting myself in there, in midfield, and Robinho up-front," added Drenthe. "That was unbelievable and, again, this style of football just suits him perfectly. He's straight in there for me.
"And then I'd have someone from Everton alongside me in midfield, I'd go with Ross Barkley. I loved playing with Ross; I loved everything about him on and off the pitch. He was so strong, quick and technically gifted. But he was such a nice guy, too.
"I was quite young while I was at Everton, but I think Ross was still just 18. Even at that age, though, we could all see how special he was going to be. It's a shame things haven't quite worked out for him but, my God, what a player he was. He's making my five-a-side team, for sure."