Vissel Kobe defender Thomas Vermaelen has mentioned his top four legends with one ex-player from his native Belgium making his list. Thomas Vermaelen was asked about his top legend in each position from Goalkeeper to Defender to Midfielder to Striker during his time at Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona.
Thomas Vermaelen opted for compatriot Michel Preud’hommeas he revealed that he was impressed with the former Belgium national team shot stopper for his performance for the Red Devils at the 1994 FIFA World Cup tournament in the United States of America. Michel Preud’homme was part of the Belgium team that got to the second round at USA ’94 before they were eliminated by then world champions Germany.
For his top defender, Thomas Vermaelen opted for Italian football legend Paolo Maldini who spent his whole career at seven-time European champions AC Milan. Paolo Maldini was a versatile defender who could play either as a left-back or as a centre back. Just like Paolo Maldini, Thomas Vermaelen is also a versatile defender that could play as a centre back or as a left-back. For his top midfielder, Thomas Vermaelenwent for Andrea Pirlo who’s now the Juventus manager. Andrea Pirlo was a key member of the Italian football team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament in Germany. Pirlo and Italy beat France on penalties to win the tournament in what was their fourth World Cup title. Italy had won the World Cup in 1934, 1938 and 1982 before the triumph on German soil 14 years ago.
Thomas Vermaelen picked Brazilian football icon Romario as his top striker. Romario was the star of the 1994 FIFA World Cup tournament in the United States of America as he helped Brazil to their first World Cup title in 24 years. Romario was the topscorer for the Brazilian team at the tournament.