Lucas Digne: Here’s my all-time Dream Team

When we asked Lucas Digne for his all-time dream team, the French full-back opted for a tasty mix of childhood heroes and current pros. Take a look at his 4-3-3 here…

Manuel Neuer

“For me Neuer has revolutionised the position of goalkeeper. It’s the prototype of the modern goalie – he’s won all there is to win and he’s still quite young. He’s always produced amazing levels of quality and quite simply he’s a super keeper.”

Roberto Carlos

“One of the first attacking full-backs I can remember. That curling free-kick he smashed past Fabien Barthez in France v Brazil in the Tournoi de France in 1997 was unforgettable. He had an exceptional shot on him and played for some top teams.”

Thiago Silva

“I had the chance to play alongside him at Paris Saint-Germain and I learned so much from him. He’s a lovely guy and a great all-round defender, from breaking up opposition play to getting his own side back on the attack.”

Alessandro Nesta

“He was one of the best centre-backs I’ve ever seen. As well as being physically strong, quick and elegant, he was brilliant at anticipating the play. I have great memories of his European matches with AC Milan and at international level with Italy.”

Cafu

“A similar player to Roberto Carlos in that he was strong in both defence and attack. He won the Scudetto with Roma and was the captain and icon of the Brazilian national team. I remember him at the World Cup in 1998 – I’ve watched lots of videos of him.”

Xavi Hernandez

“I got the chance to see him play in the flesh when I was at Paris Saint-Germain and we went up against Barcelona in the Champions League a couple of years ago and he was so impressive. The way he used the ball was just extraordinary – he never made the wrong decision and his passes were always perfect. He’s had an exceptional career and won everything with Barcelona and Spain.”

Zinedine Zidane

“He’s the symbol of my generation, the World Cup 1998 generation. Aside from his displays for France, I remember his time at Juventus and Real Madrid well. Wherever he went he performed well and scored lots of goals. I think he was the best in the world. I’ll never forget that amazing goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final. He was the greatest.”

Andres Iniesta

“Like Xavi, he’s been the symbol of the greatest Barcelona and Spain sides of all time. He can win a game at any second, with a pass or some bit of technical brilliance. He might be overshadowed by Leo Messi at times, but there’s no doubt that he’s an exceptional player.”

Francesco Totti

“I’m lucky enough to work with this extraordinary player and incredible person on a daily basis. You learn so much from him. Despite his age, he’s still able to make the difference and it’s a pleasure to share the dressing room with him every day.”

Lionel Messi

“What he’s able to do with the football is incredible. He became a star at a very young age but he’s managed to maintain his high standards every season. He’s scored over 300 goals over the course of his career and is the iconic player in one of the greatest teams in the history of the game.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

“Like Messi, he’s been playing to an exceptional standard for years. On a physical level he’s extraordinary – he’s an insatiable forward. His stats are incredible and he’s scored more goals for Real Madrid than he’s played matches. Quite simply, he and Messi are the best two players in the world.”