Matthew Upson has named West Ham United team-mate Herita Ilunga as the best left-back he has ever played with.
The England defender heaped praise on the DR Congo international in his 'My Dream Team' column in the official matchday programme for Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Liverpool.
Ilunga, who could return from a jaw injury suffered in the opening-day victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, has been a revelation since his arrival from French Ligue 1 club Toulouse a year ago.
The 27-year-old was a virtual ever-present following his arrival last term, making 35 league appearances and scoring in the FA Cup ties against Barnsley and Middlesbrough.
Upson, who watched Ilunga's displays from his front-row seat on the left-hand side of the centre of the Hammers' defence, has been hugely impressed by the African's performances at both ends of the pitch.
"I know we aren't supposed to pick current team-mates but I have to pick Herita. He has been a great acquisition for West Ham and I believe he showed straight away that he had the potential to play at a top level."
Upson is the second West Ham player to pick Ilunga in his Dream Team, following Kieron Dyer, who said: "How we found him is incredible. I had never heard of him before he became a West Ham player, but for me he is probably the best left-back in the league. I see him every day in training, he is brilliant going forward. I have never seen him get skinned really. I have come up against a few and played with the likes of Ashley Cole, but I think Ilunga is just as good if not better than them."
To discover who else has made it into Upson's Dream Team, grab a copy of Saturday's official matchday programme.
Saturday's edition is packed with exclusive content, including interviews with new signing Alessandro Diamanti, Alvin Martin and Stan Collymore. Supporters will also be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win the shirt worn by Diamanti on his goalscoring debut for reserves on 8 September. Manager Gianfranco Zola looks back on his first year in charge, David Burrows is asked 'Where Are They Now?', while Republic of Ireland youth international Eoin Wearen is 'Learning His Trade'.
Saturday's matchday programme will be available inside and outside the Boleyn Ground, priced £3.50. To order your copy click here.