Gareth Bale was overlooked by the Barcelona legend, as Xavi selected two unexpected players for his all-time British XI.

The all-time British XI has been named by the legendary former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, and some of his selections may startle you.

Xavi, 45, is widely considered one of the most exceptional midfielders of his generation, having established a formidable partnership with Andres Iniesta in Barcelona’s midfield. To name a few of his numerous accomplishments during his 767 appearances for Barca,

he won 25 trophies, including four Champions Leagues and eight La Ligas.In 2014, the 2010 World Cup champion assembled his definitive British XI during an interview with Shortlist. Fraser Forster, the custodian, was arguably one of the most unexpected selections. He characterised him as the ‘keeper who made some of the best saves I have ever seen’. Xavi is considered one of the finest midfielders of all time (Credit: Getty).

He selected an all-English centre-back triumvirate consisting of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, and Sol Campbell. Xavi selected Paul Scholes, who he called “technically the best English player since Matt Le Tissier, who I grew up watching,” to play in the midfield, his area of expertise. Extremely talented. He always appeared to be effortless whenever I encountered him in person or observed him on television.

The Spaniard also selected Paul Gascoigne, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard, characterising the latter as “one of the few midfield players in the world with the goal-scoring record of a striker.” Another unexpected player he named was Theo Walcott, a former winger for Southampton, Everton, and Arsenal.