My Top Ten: Ben Doherty

COLERAINE midfielder Ben Doherty has shortlisted his top ten favourite footballers of all time…

Over the next few months, colerainefc.com will be asking current first-team stars to narrow down ten players and explain the reasons for their inclusion.

It should come as no surprise that there was a few attack minded players selected.

10 – Kaka

Quality on the ball playing in the number 10 role, glides past players and has the quality to cut defences open.

9 – Ronaldinho

Probably an iconic football figure for a lot of people and was probably the first skilful player everyone was introduced to. He was an unbelievable players who could do it all. Actually met him when he played at The Brandywell against Derry City in 2005.

8 – Virgil van Dijk

I’ve never seen a defender like it. To not get dribbled past in 50 games is unbelievable. He is quick, strong and good in the air. He is great to watch.

7 – Andrea Pirlo

Did everything at one pace – but did it exceptionally well. His range of passing was second to none and the best I’ve seen.

6 – Xavi

Captain of the most exciting and successful team I have seen in my lifetime. Xavi controlled games and was the piece that fitted Barcelona together. Quality player.

5 – Luis Suarez

As a Liverpool fan what a striker he was for us and obviously now at Barcelona. Whether it was inside or outside the box, the man could score from anywhere. The hat-trick at Norwich summed him up.

4 – Neymar

To have the confidence on a football pitch that this man has is second to none. He is of the Ronaldinho mould, again everything off the cuff and tries things that others wouldn’t, but nine times of out ten, he pulls it off.

3 – Steven Gerrard

Again what a player. Everyone will say only because he’s a Liverpool player, but he wins the midfield debate for me. His delivery of the ball, hitting set pieces, range of passing, shooting and all round leadership proves his legendary status.

2 – Lionel Messi

Extraordinary player. God given talent, goals and assists record is phenomenal and like others in the list could beat anyone. He has dragged Barcelona through important games on his own at times and of course, he is part of the battle with Cristiano Ronaldo.

1 – Cristiano Ronaldo

For me the best there is. He is an all round athlete, has put in the hard work to improve his game, has done it at three huge clubs and has been successful at International level. Like Messi, the goals and assists record is outstanding – what a battle the of two of them have had. We are very lucky to live in an era to watch two of the greatest ever.