Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard, and John Terry are iconic names in football history, especially for Chelsea fans. Yet, in a surprising twist, they were not included in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s ultimate five-a-side team during a recent feature on talkSPORT. This selection has sparked curiosity and debate among football enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at Hasselbaink’s choices, the reasoning behind them, and what they reveal about the players involved.
Identifying a Goalkeeper
Hasselbaink began his selection with Edwin van der Sar, a legendary figure in goalkeeping. Having played 21 times alongside van der Sar for the Netherlands, Hasselbaink expressed his admiration for the former Manchester United star, stating, “He could play now, modern goalkeeper, really good with his feet.” This highlights a crucial aspect of modern football: the importance of a goalkeeper’s ability to contribute to the build-up play with their feet, a skill van der Sar exhibited masterfully throughout his career.
Van der Sar’s accolades speak for themselves, with four Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph under his belt. His inclusion underscores not only his individual talent but also the value of having a reliable keeper who can control the game from the back.
Choosing the Defense
When it came to defense, Hasselbaink made a bold choice by selecting Marcel Desailly, a player renowned for his strength and tactical awareness. Desailly’s experience in winning both the World Cup and European Championship with France is a testament to his elite status. Interestingly, Hasselbaink acknowledged the competition for this spot, mentioning John Terry and Jaap Stam as other contenders.
His candid comments about Desailly’s training habits—”Useless, he’s not a trainer”—add a layer of complexity to the selection process. It illustrates that even the greatest players can have their quirks; Desailly thrived in match situations but was less dedicated in practice. This juxtaposition raises an intriguing question about the mental makeup of elite athletes: do they excel under pressure regardless of their approach to training?
Midfield Dynamics
In selecting the midfield, Hasselbaink opted for Edgar Davids, a player celebrated for his relentless energy and tactical nous. Davids’ journey through clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, and Juventus speaks to his versatility and skill. Accompanying him is Juan Carlos Valeron, a less mainstream but equally impactful choice. Their partnership at Atletico Madrid was instrumental in Hasselbaink’s prolific scoring season.
Hasselbaink recalled Valeron’s contribution vividly, attributing many of his goals to the Spaniard’s playmaking abilities: “I scored 37 goals that year, I think maybe 18 assists [came] from him.” This points to the significance of synergy among teammates, particularly in small-sided games where quick thinking and chemistry can make a huge difference.
The Final Piece in Attack
Completing Hasselbaink’s lineup is Dennis Bergkamp, an iconic figure in Premier League history. Despite only appearing with him once for the national team, Hasselbaink’s respect for Bergkamp’s talent led him to prioritize the Arsenal great over Chelsea’s beloved Zola. Bergkamp’s ability to inspire his team to league titles and produce moments of magic on the field speaks volumes about his capability as a forward.
Hasselbaink’s decision reflects a broader narrative in football: sometimes, the best players aren’t the ones with the most appearances but those who can change a game in an instant.
Understanding the Choices
Hasselbaink’s five-a-side selections offer a window into the intricacies of team dynamics and the subjective nature of player evaluations. His choices may seem unconventional, especially given the legacy of players like Zola and Lampard. However, they reveal a deeper understanding of the qualities that can elevate a team in crucial moments.
This exercise also highlights the nostalgia and emotional connections fans have with certain players, making discussions about dream teams both engaging and contentious. Ultimately, Hasselbaink’s lineup is a reflection of personal experiences and the unique attributes he values in teammates—strength, skill, tactical awareness, and an ability to shine under pressure.
As football continues to evolve, such discussions will remain vital in understanding the ever-changing landscape of the sport and its players.