Gabriel Agbonlahor has picked his combined Manchester United and Aston Villa XI – and it is not without controversy.
Appearing alongside Darren Bent on Drive, one listener texted into the show that incensed the ex-Villa star.
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It read that not a single Villa player would get into Erik ten Hag’s side, a claim that was heavily disputed by Agbonlahor.
Bent said: “We’ve got a text through, it says ‘No Aston Villa player gets in United’s first XI. Fact.’ I don’t agree with that, first and foremost they don’t have a centre-forward so Ollie Watkins gets in there.
As the show went to a break, the ex-striker furiously grabbed the nearest pad and pen and scribbled down his combined XI.
While some of the choices were relatively simple, United pairing Raphael Varane and Casemiro, who have nine Champions League medals between them, failed to make the cut.
Instead, Ezri Konsa and Douglas Luiz got the nod from Agbonlahor to leave many listeners dumbfounded.
It sparked fury in Agbonlahor, who responded straight away: “I think Watkins would get in anywhere before [Rasmus] Hojlund.
“Goalkeeper, Emi Martinez before Andre Onana. Martinez is the best in the world, won the World Cup. Simple.
“Centre-half, either Tyrone Mings or Ezri Konsa gets in ahead of Raphael Varane. Varane’s not great on the ball, mate.
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“He’s injury prone… Varane’s injuries, he doesn’t play often, he is not the Varane that won the World Cup, is he?”
“How about midfield, we’ve got Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, we are blessed.”
As the show went to an ad break, Agbonlahor wracked his brain and conjured up the rest of his wild list.
He continued: “Left-back, I am going Luke Shaw over Alex Moreno, who is a very good player.
“Lisandro Martinez is my left-sided centre-half. Konsa my right-sided centre-half, no Varane.
“Right-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka. I really like him, I am not too fussed about my right-back being the best at crossing. No one gets past him.
“Midfield is quite simple for me. Casemiro, very good player, not at his best though and does not make my midfield.
“I’ve got Douglas Luiz, outstanding player, and John McGinn. In front of them, in a free role, Bruno Fernandes. He has to be there ahead of Emi Buendia.
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“Marcus Rashford on the left, I think he picks himself quite easily. And then on the right, very easy, you’ve got Antony, who can’t do anything.
“So I have got Moussa Diaby. Mate, I have watched this guy and he is unbelievable. You will see this season, he is frighteningly quick, left-foot, he will get many goals and assists this season.
“And up front is quite easy, Watkins. Who you going to choose? Wout Weghorst, who’s gone back?
“Anthony Martial? Hojlund will be a good player but he is unproven in the Premier League at the moment.”
After listing off his combined XI, Bent thought there was one glaring omission as well as Varane and Casemiro.
“No Mason Mount?” he said.
“He doesn’t even make the bench, mate,” Agbonlahor replied.
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