After reading the thread about AI suggesting who we should sign in the summer, I thought I would ask Google Gemini to suggest their all-star Blades team. Do you agree/disagree, who would you add and leave off?
Creating a Sheffield United all-star team from ex-players is a fantastic idea, pulling from their rich history. It's tough to narrow it down, as the Blades have had so many legends. Here's a team combining players from different eras, balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair, using a classic 4-4-2 formation:
Sheffield United All-Star XI (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper:
- Alan Hodgkinson: A true legend and long-serving goalkeeper (1954-1971), known for his incredible shot-stopping and longevity.
Defenders:
- Right-Back: Len Badger: A stalwart for 14 seasons (1962-1976), known for his consistency and reliability.
- Centre-Back: Joe Shaw (Captain): "Captain Fantastic" (1944-1966) holds the record for most appearances. A commanding presence and a true one-club man.
- Centre-Back: Chris Morgan: A modern-day icon (2003-2012, 2013-2015), known for his immense passion, leadership, and no-nonsense defending.
- Left-Back: Eddie Colquhoun: A Scottish international (1968-1978), a tenacious and combative defender who epitomised the Blades spirit.
Midfielders:
- Right-Midfield: Alan Woodward: "The Goal Machine" (1964-1978), a winger renowned for his thunderous right foot, goal-scoring ability, and set-piece mastery.
- Central Midfield: Tony Currie: Widely regarded as Sheffield United's greatest ever player (1968-1976). A creative genius, playmaker, and entertainer who could turn a game on its head.
- Central Midfield: Phil Jagielka: Versatile and committed (2000-2007, 2019-2021), he excelled in both midfield and defence, a true academy product who embodied the club's spirit.
- Left-Midfield: Dane Whitehouse: A one-club man (1989-2000), known for his tireless work rate, skill, and commitment on the left flank.
Forwards:
- Striker: Keith Edwards: A prolific goalscorer across two spells (1975-1978, 1981-1986), lethal in the box and a fan favourite.
- Striker: Billy Sharp: The modern-day hero (2004-2005, 2007-2010, 2015-2023), captain, and record goalscorer in the modern era, embodying the "one of our own" spirit.
Substitutes / Honorable Mentions:
- Paddy Kenny (Goalkeeper)
- Harry Maguire (Defender)
- Chris Basham (Defender/Midfielder - modern legend for versatility)
- Michael Tonge (Midfielder)
- Brian Deane (Striker - scored the first Premier League goal)
- Jimmy Hagan (Forward - legendary goalscorer from earlier eras)
This team offers a blend of steel, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess that would be a formidable force on any pitch, representing the best of Sheffield United's past.
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