Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme, skipper Kurt Zouma names his World XI, made up of players he’s lined up with or against during his career, or idolised as a youngster…
GK - Alphonse Areola
We’ve been playing together since we were about 16 or 17, and from the very start I knew he was going to become one of the best in the game. We won the U20 World Cup together for France in 2013, and in the final he was the hero in the penalty shootout. He’s always been brilliant, and he’s a close friend of mine as well.
RB - César Azpilicueta
I played with him at Chelsea, where he is a legend. I never saw him at 50 or 60 per cent - even in training he always gave everything. He could play in many positions, he was my captain, and he spoke French to me and made it easy for me to settle in. He’s someone I keep in touch with, and someone I appreciate a lot.
CB - John Terry
He was simply one of the best defenders in the game. I played with him for around three years, and he helped me a lot. When I first joined Chelsea I was a bit intimidated by him, but he taught me how tough the Premier League is, how to deal with the best strikers and how to be a leader. I saw every day in training how focused and serious he was - he was just unbelievable.
CB - Nayef Aguerd
For me, he is one of the best left-footed centre-backs around. His left foot is a joke, and he has all the attributes to be one of the best. From the first day he arrived at West Ham we had a strong connection, and we are really good friends now. He’s got a good soul, and I love playing with him.
LB - Faouzi Ghoulam
He’s someone I came through the academy with at Saint-Étienne, and he went on to become an important player for Napoli in Italy. He’s now at Hatayspor in Turkey. His left foot is just a joke. I played with him for six or seven years, and he’s still one of the best left-sided defenders I’ve ever seen.
CM - N’Golo Kanté
Everyone knows how he good he is, and he’s a good friend of mine as well. I don’t think he ever stops running - I think he runs to training, and back home again! He’s one of the best midfielders I’ve seen in the game.
CM - Paul Pogba
He’s one of the most talented midfielders I’ve ever seen, especially because of his size. I’ve played with him since we were 16 or 17, and he was part of the France side that won the U20 World Cup, too. Whenever he has the ball, you just know something is going to happen.
CM - Cesc Fàbregas
He could see things before anyone else, he was good on the ball and his passing was a joke. He was a great leader and a really nice guy off the pitch as well, so I really enjoyed playing alongside him at Chelsea.
RW - Ousmane Dembélé
His dribbling ability is crazy - what he can do with his feet is just unbelievable! Football is about fun, and that’s what this guy gives to people. When I watch him play, I have fun. I have tried to defend against him though, and that’s not easy!
CF - Kylian Mbappé
He’s one of the quickest and most powerful players I’ve ever seen, so of course I had to pick him! I first saw him when he started coming through the France age-groups, and from a young age you could tell he was going to become one of the best. We used to play PlayStation together, and I could beat him at that!
LW - Eden Hazard
He wasn’t the most serious guy in the world, but he was one of the most talented! Playing against him was so hard - he was too good on the ball, and just a step ahead of everyone else. He’s a good friend of mine and we used to go round to each other’s houses when we were together at Chelsea.
