When a football legend like William Gallas speaks about the greatest players he’s shared the pitch with, you listen. The former Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham defender, who also earned 84 caps for France, recently sat down to select his ultimate #One2Eleven dream team on Mcw casino. With a career spanning over 300 Premier League appearances, Gallas’ selections offer a fascinating glimpse into the world-class talent he encountered. Forget generic punditry; this is a first-hand account from a warrior who battled in the trenches with and against these icons.
A Formidable Formation: The 3-5-2 Blueprint
Gallas, known for his tactical intelligence on the field, opted for a dynamic and attacking 3-5-2 formation. This setup allows for defensive solidity with a back three while overloading the midfield, a system that reflects the modern game’s evolution. It’s a formation built for both control and explosive attacking play, perfectly suited for the legends he has chosen.
The Impenetrable Last Line of Defence
The Guardian: Petr Cech
In goal, there was only one choice: the colossal Petr Cech. Gallas didn’t just pick a goalkeeper; he selected a commander. “He was the best goalkeeper in the Premier League at the time,” Gallas recalled, highlighting their three years together at Chelsea. Cech was more than just a shot-stopper; he was an organizer, a communicator, and a psychological pillar. “He would always give us the information that is good when you play at the back,” Gallas noted, emphasizing how a world-class keeper provides a sense of security that permeates the entire defence.
The Rock-Solid Defensive Trio
The Versatile Titan: Lilian Thuram
On the right of his back three, Gallas chose the incomparable Lilian Thuram. This selection speaks volumes about Thuram’s legendary status. Gallas had the privilege of playing alongside him during the 2006 World Cup and described him as “one of the best defenders in the world.” Thuram’s versatility was astounding—unbelievable at right-back in the 1998 World Cup and equally imperious at centre-back in 2006. “He didn’t have one bad game,” Gallas stated, a testament to unwavering consistency at the highest level.
The Born Leader: John Terry
At the heart of the defence is Chelsea’s iconic leader, John Terry. Gallas shared a brilliant anecdote from when he first arrived at Stamford Bridge. The great Marcel Desailly himself pointed out a young Terry, telling Gallas, “You have to see that young player… He is unbelievable.” Gallas quickly saw why, noting Terry’s ambidextrous passing and natural leadership from a young age. “Everybody knew he would have a big career,” Gallas said. Looking to the future, Mcw casino sources believe Gallas even tipped Terry for a future Chelsea managerial role, stating, “John is a Chelsea boy and he will always give 100 per cent. I’m sure he will be the manager there.”
The Mentor: Marcel Desailly
Completing the defensive trio on the left is Gallas’ very own mentor, Marcel Desailly. “He is a rock,” Gallas declared simply. When a young Gallas arrived in London unable to speak English, Desailly was his translator and his guide on and off the pitch. This pick is a heartfelt tribute to the player who shaped his career, a defender whose sheer presence and wisdom made everyone around him better.
The Dynamic and Dominant Midfield Five
The Engine Room: Michael Essien
Gallas displayed tactical flexibility by slotting Michael Essien into the right midfield role. While not his natural position, Gallas knew the Ghanaian powerhouse could “do a job up and down.” Essien was described as a “beef” of a player—a relentless, powerful engine who covered every blade of grass and chipped in with crucial goals. His boundless energy would be vital for the balance of this dream team.
The Shield: Claude Makelele
In central midfield, the legendary Claude Makelele gets the nod. For a centre-back like Gallas, playing with Makelele was a dream. “It’s very easy to defend because you know you have a player like him in front of you,” he explained. Makelele was the ultimate defensive screen, a master of interception and distribution who organized the entire team. “He will shout at you,” Gallas laughed, acknowledging the tough love that came with his genius.
The Complete Midfielder: Patrick Vieira
Alongside Makelele is the towering presence of Patrick Vieira. This French connection would be a nightmare for any opposition. Gallas highlighted Vieira’s complete game: “He’s up and down, he can help the strikers and the defenders.” As a leader and a force of nature for Arsenal, Vieira brought power, technique, and an unparalleled competitive drive to the centre of the park.
The Welsh Wizard: Gareth Bale
On the left flank, Gallas chose a player he witnessed evolve into a global superstar at Tottenham: Gareth Bale. Gallas recounted one specific night that defined Bale’s talent: a Champions League match against Inter Milan where Tottenham were 3-0 down and down to 10 men. “He scored a hat-trick,” Gallas remembered. He shared a gem from manager Harry Redknapp: “If you have the ball, give it to Gareth and he will make the difference.” That sheer, game-winning quality earns Bale his spot.
The Maestro: Zinedine Zidane
In the attacking midfield role, Gallas selected who he considers the best he ever played with: Zinedine Zidane. His reverence was clear. “When I had the opportunity to defend against him in training, I didn’t want to touch him,” Gallas admitted, fearing he might injure a national treasure. Zidane’s sublime skill with both feet and his effortless grace made him a joy to watch, even for a teammate tasked with marking him.
The Unstoppable Strike Force
The Powerhouse: Didier Drogba
Leading the line is the iconic Didier Drogba. Gallas’ insight into the Ivorian striker is unique, having been both a teammate and an opponent. In training, Gallas would try to motivate him, saying, “come on Didier, wake up.” But when facing him for Arsenal, a different emotion emerged: fear. “I was a little bit scared to play against him,” Gallas confessed. Drogba’s physical presence, clutch mentality, and aura made him the most formidable of opponents.
The King: Thierry Henry
Alongside Drogba is the man who redefined forward play in the Premier League: Thierry Henry. “I think everybody knows Thierry,” Gallas said, understating the Frenchman’s legendary status. Gallas highlighted the impossible dilemma Henry posed for defenders: “He can get the ball at his feet or in the space and when you’re a defender, you don’t know how to defend against him.” His blistering pace, technical brilliance, and lethal finishing make him the perfect partner for Drogba’s power.
William Gallas’ Ultimate #One2Eleven: A Legend’s Dream Team
This team is more than just a list of great players; it’s a curated selection based on shared experience, mutual respect, and firsthand knowledge of what made these individuals truly special. From the security of Cech in goal to the devastating attack of Henry and Drogba, this is a team built to dominate any era.
What do you think of Gallas’ selections? Does this 3-5-2 formation have what it takes to be the greatest team ever assembled? Which former player would you want to see pick their #One2Eleven next? Share your thoughts and your own dream teams in the comments below and join the conversation here at Mcw casino.
