Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink doesn’t hesitate when naming dream 5-a-side with surprise omission of Chelsea greats
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There was no room for Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard or John Terry in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's ultimate five-a-side team of former teammates.
The Chelsea legend was tasked with building his dream small-sided line-up of players he has shared a pitch with whilst appearing as a guest on talkSPORT’s The Lineup.
A prolific goalscorer in his playing days, Hasselbaink’s career saw him line up for some huge teams, including Atletico Madrid and the Blues, as well as appearing 23 times in a star-studded Netherlands side.
These experiences with club and country brought him into close proximity with a number of all-time greats, from Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluivert at international level, to Zola while at Stamford Bridge.
And despite having plenty of names to pick from, Hasselbaink was unflinching when it came to choosing his ultimate five-a-side team.
GOALKEEPER
The Dutchman began by putting compatriot Edwin van der Sar in goal, whom he played alongside on 21 occasions for the Netherlands.
"Edwin van der Sar. He could play now, modern goalkeeper, really good with his feet,” he said of the Manchester United favourite.
"He was magnificent with his feet, really good."
In six years at Old Trafford, the former shot stopper lifted four Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
DEFENCE
Here is where Hasselbaink made his first bold selection, as he revealed his choice: "Marcel Desailly – the rock!"
One of the greatest defenders of all time, Desailly won the World Cup and European Championship with France, before spending four years on Hasselbaink’s side at Chelsea between 2000 and 2004.
But with the former striker only leaving room for one player in this position, he admitted that this decision had required more thought.
Hasselbaink named Blues legend John Terry, who made his breakthrough during his time in London, and treble-winning ex-Man United centre-back Jaap Stam as the other main contenders here.
He said: "There were a few [other options] like John Terry and Jaap Stam, but Desailly…”
Despite his selection however, the former Leeds front-man admitted that Desailly was not always the dominant defender fans were used to seeing on the world stage.
When asked to describe the Frenchman in training, Hasselbaink said of him: "Useless, he's not a trainer.
“Honestly he is not a trainer, [in] games he comes alive. Big games, he is there, absolutely magnificent.
"If he doesn't want you to get past him, you are not going to get past him. If he turns up in training, there's no chance."
MIDFIELD
The Dutchman opted for another of his international colleagues in Edgar Davids, who represented Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus and Tottenham during his 23-year career.
Alongside Davids, he named former Atletico Madrid, Deportivo and Spain playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron as his other midfield pick.
Despite being a lesser-known player, the pair spent a season together at Atletico, during which time Hasselbaink scored a staggering 35 goals in 47 games.
And he was quick to remember Valeron’s role in his stunning individual campaign.
He said of him: "Played for Spain, played for Atletico Madrid, [an] absolutely magnificent player. Number 10.
"I scored 37 goals that year, I think maybe 18 assists [came] from him.”
Completing the 87-goal former Chelsea hero’s team in attack was Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp.
One of the greatest forwards in Premier League history, the former star inspired the Gunners to three league titles during his 11 years in north London.
And despite featuring just once alongside Bergkamp for the Netherlands, this was enough for Hasselbaink to choose him ahead of Zola, who Chelsea fans adore.
When quizzed on his decision to opt for his compatriot over the Italian, who inspired the Blues to two FA Cup wins, Hasselbaink simply replied: "Yeah also [a contender], I have to choose haven't I?"
Watch the full episode of the LineUp on YouTube.
