Henry, Zidane, Bergkamp: Patrick Vieira's epic teammates XI | OneFootball

During an incredible playing career that saw him scoop up countless honours at both club and international level, current Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira lined up alongside some of the greatest talents of his generation.

Announcing himself to the world after joining Arsenal in 1996, Vieira went on to represent Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City before hanging up his boots in 2011 to move into coaching. The tenacious midfielder also racked up an impressive 107 caps for his native France.

When you’ve shared a dressing room with as many legendary names as Vieira, there’s scope to create a XI of his former teammates full of world-class quality – and that’s precisely what we’ve decided to do below.

Taking inspiration from responses given by the man himself when asked to name the best players he ever played with, this line-up is simply ridiculous.

Patrick Vieira’s insane teammates XI

GK: David Seaman

Arsenal’s shot-stopper when the Gunners won their first Premier League title in 1997/98, Seaman is entrusted to mind matters in between the sticks.

Defence: Ashley Cole, Fabio Cannavaro, Marcel Desailly and Lillian Thuram

One of the best left-backs in the history of the game, Vieira captained Cole in the Arsenal ‘invincibles’ side of 2003/04.

Cannavaro played alongside Vieira at Juventus, lifting the (subsequently stripped) Serie A title in 2005/06.

Both members of France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning sides together with Vieira, Desailly and Thuram round out a fearsome-looking backline.

Midfield: Claude Makelele, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo

Vieira partnered with midfield lynchpin Makelele on numerous occasions for Les Bleus. One of the finest players ever in his role, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea man had to make the cut.

In an interview with Sky Sports last month, Vieira identified Zidane as the best player he’d ever played with for France.

“It’s really difficult but at international level is Zinedine Zidane because he makes everything look so easy.

“Sometimes you give him the ball and it can be a really bad ball and it becomes a good ball because of his technical ability. He’s unbelievable and the best.”

As part of that same chat, Vieira also had praise for Figo – who he shared the pitch with at Inter.

Attack: Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Asked to name his favourite frontmen that he played alongside by Sky Sports, Vieira had a particular front trio in mind.

“Of course Dennie Bergkamp. I have to mention Dennis, I have to mention Thierry [Henry] and of course I was at Juventus with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.”

Given all you achieved in your career, Patrick, we’re not going to argue!

You can check out the sensational in full below.

In truth, we could easily have put together a second line-up full of top-tier talent made up of Vieira’s colleagues when you look at some of the names who missed out here.

Robert Pires, Pavel Nedved, Alessandro Del Piero, Emmanuel Petit and Robin van Persie (among countless others) would easily stroll into most fantasy XI’s.

Vieira, though, really did play with the cream of the crop.

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