Greatest XI of all time - Tottenham Hotspur?

Centre-Backs

Left-centre: Ledley King

King is the best defender England never had

When speaking of football tragedies, Ledley King’s name is bound to pop up at some point or the other. The former Spurs captain is perhaps the greatest defender England never had. Such was his quality that even fans of rival teams adored him.

However, a chronic knee injury didn’t allow him to reach the almost-unassailable potential that he had. Nevertheless, in the matches that he could play, he was almost always the best player on the pitch and attackers always found it hard to go past this rock of a defender.

Which is why he finds himself stationed at the left-centre-half.

Sweeper/Libero: Dave Mackay (captain)

1967 FA Cup Final: Dave Mackay with the trophy

For the libero role, there couldn’t possibly be anyone better than retired Spurs legend, Dave Mackay. He was regarded as a tough-tackling left-half who converted into a sweeper in the later stages of his career.

A natural leader, Mackay was known for barking instructions while waving his hands at team-mates and also his quality on the ball, which is why he would be the best for the libero role in this 3-man defence and also as the captain of the team.

Right-centre: Steve Perryman

Steve Perryman is Spurs' most loyal player

Let’s get this straight: Steve Perryman is a Tottenham legend. The man made 866 appearances for the white half of London and still holds the admirable record. In a time like this, where players always look to greener pastures, it is almost impossible that anyone would break Perryman’s record.

In his 3-man defence, he takes the right-central zone, which is akin to what he did as the right-sided centre-back or a right-back for Spurs in his playing days.