During a series of live shows in Cork recently, Manchester United legend Roy Keane sat down with his biographer, Roddy Doyle, to reflect on his extraordinary career. Among the many topics covered, one segment stood out: Keane was asked to select an XI of the toughest opponents he ever faced.
Known for his fearsome competitiveness and combative nature, Keane didn't hand out compliments lightly. But the team he picked was a testament to the elite quality of players he came up against on the biggest stages in club and international football.
Roy Keane's Toughest XI:
Goalkeeper: Oliver Kahn (Germany, Bayern Munich)
Keane highlighted the commanding presence of Kahn in goal — a leader and relentless competitor who rarely showed signs of weakness.
Right-Back: Lilian Thuram (France, Juventus)
A physically dominant full-back, Thuram’s intelligence and athleticism made him a nightmare to play against. Keane faced him multiple times against France and in Champions League action.
Centre-Back: Ronald Koeman (Netherlands, Barcelona)
More than just a defender, Koeman’s technical ability and powerful shot made him an unpredictable and dangerous presence from deep.
Centre-Back: Franco Baresi (Italy, AC Milan)
Keane described Baresi as the "definition of world-class" — a defender who read the game as if he were a step ahead of everyone else.
Left-Back: Paolo Maldini (Italy, AC Milan)
Elegant but uncompromising, Maldini is a name that often appears in 'greatest of all time' lists. Keane acknowledged his remarkable consistency and leadership at the back.
Midfield Powerhouse:
Defensive Midfield: Didier Deschamps (France, Juventus)
Keane respected Deschamps' tactical discipline and ability to control the tempo — describing him as “one of those players you only truly appreciate when you play against him.”
Central Midfield: Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)
Though Keane clashed with Gerrard often in Premier League battles, he admired the Liverpool captain’s energy, range of passing, and knack for big moments.
Attacking Midfield: Gheorghe Hagi (Romania)
Dubbed the ‘Maradona of the Carpathians,’ Hagi’s vision and creativity tormented defences. Keane admitted Hagi could “change a game with a single moment of magic.”
Attacking Midfield: Zinedine Zidane (France, Juventus/Real Madrid)
Zidane’s inclusion came as no surprise. A genius with the ball, Keane described him as “impossible to mark for 90 minutes.” Their battles in Europe were among the era’s best.
Devastating Forwards:
Forward: Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria, Barcelona)
A volatile but brilliant forward, Stoichkov’s explosiveness and eye for goal made him one of the most feared attackers of the 1990s.
Striker: Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil, Inter Milan/Real Madrid)
Keane summed it up bluntly: “The best striker I ever faced.” Ronaldo in his prime had everything — pace, power, control, and an eye for goal that made him almost unplayable.
A Fitting Tribute
This XI reflects Keane’s admiration for players who, like himself, combined technical quality with mental toughness. Every name is a legend of the game, and together, they form a side worthy of any era.