EX UNITED AND DUTCH DEFENCE STALWART, JAAP STAM NAMES HIS ALL TIME BEST 11 WITH BIG OMISSIONS

Jaap Staam had a storied playing career which saw him win trophies in his native Holland, England and Italy, including three Premier League titles with Manchester United. 

The 44-year-old, who is now about embark on his first managerial role with SkyBet Championship side Reading, turned out alongside some of football's all-time greats and during an interview with The Times, has revealed a best XI of his former team-mates.

'It has to be a 4-3-3 formation: that is the Dutch way,' Stam explained before admitting that his final selection caused him plenty of headache. 

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Jaap Stam won three Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United  

The ex-PSV, Milan, Lazio and Ajax centre back added: 'It is difficult to pick someone in every position, because I have played with so many great players; Peter Schmeichel would be a contender for goalkeeper, for example, but I can only choose one. 

'He is not the only one I have left out: Kaka, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes — he is one of the most underestimated players of the past 20 years.'  

Goalkeeper - Edwin van der Sar

In eventuality, Stam settled on Edwin van der Sar for his man between the posts. The pair played together for the Holland international side  during the mid 1990s to early 2000s. 

Van der Sar, who found club success with Ajax, Juventus and United, was named Dutch Goalkeeper of the Year in four consecutive years from 1994 through to 1997. 

Former Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar makes Stam's Best XI of old team-mates

Defender - Cafu

Former Brazil captain Cafu played alongside Stam when the pair were both at Milan and was part of the club's formidable 2003-04 Serie A title winning side.

The Rossoneri lost just two league games that season. 

Former Brazil captain Cafu was a key player in Milan's 2003-04 Serie A title victory 

Defender - Allesandro Nesta

Before he was plying his trade as manager North American Soccer League side Miami FC, the Italian was frustrating strikers with Stam at the San Siro. 

Allesandro Nesta  won two Scudettos and two Champions League crowns with Milan as well as the World Cup with Italy in 2006. 

World Cup winner Allesandro Nesta played alongside Stam when the pair were both at Milan

Defender - Paolo Maldini

Arguably the greatest defender of his generation, Paolo Maldini was a mainstay in the Milan first-team for a staggering 24 seasons. 

He remains one of world football's few one club men and like his father before him captained the club to Champions League glory. 

Milan legend Paolo Maldini spent his entire playing career at the club

Denis Irwin - 

Perhaps an understated force in United's rise to the top of English football, penalty taking left back Denis Irwin made over 500 appearances for the club.

Denis Irwin was perhaps an underrated player in United's dominance of the the 1990s

Midfielder - Roy Keane

United's captain and front line infantry rolled into one, Roy Keane was the bruising midfield force that was so central to the club's sustained success in the 1990s.

The former Republic of Ireland international was a leader on the pitch, tough tackler and scored over 50 goals for the Red Devils across a 12-year spell.

Roy Keane captained United during their sustained period of Premier League success 

Midfielder - Clarence Seedorf

Five-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf's feat is all the more impressive when you consider that he did it with three different clubs.

The Dutchman played alongside Stam at Milan after similarly successful stints at Ajax and Real Madrid. 

Five-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf won the trophy with three clubs

Attacking Midfielder - Dennis Bergkamp  

Serving as a conduit between midfielders and strikers, there are few players who could fulfill the role of facilitator as capably as Dennis Bergkamp. 

The former Arsenal and Ajax star played with Stam for Holland, most notably in their run to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup. 

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp was another player included in Stam's best XI 

Winger/Forward - Marc Overmars

The speedy Dutch forward, nicknamed 'Roadrunner', was another of Stam's international team-mates. 

He won three Eredivisie crowns with Ajax before moving to Arsenal in 1997 where he would also help Arsene Wenger's side to a top-flight title. 

Marc Overmars was given the nickname 'Roadrunner' for his pace bombing down the wing

Centre Forward - Ronaldo

Were it not for two career-shortening injuries, it is hard to fathom what Ronaldo could have gone on to achieve.

The goalscoring phenomenon had prolific spells at Cruzeiro in Brazil, PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

It was at PSV, the then teenage Ronaldo, playing alongside Stam, netted 35 times in 36 games. 

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo shot to prominence after his goalscoring exploits at PSV 

Winger/Forward Ryan Giggs - 

The Premier League's most domestically decorated player, Ryan Giggs is the measuring stick for longevity in the top-flight. 

The Welshman was part of United's first-team set-up for 24 years, his crowning achievement widely viewed as being part of the team, along with Stam, that won the Treble in 1999. 

Wing wizard Ryan Giggs is one of United's most decorated and celebrated former players