Football fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating the release of Johann Cruyff's autobiography 'My Turn - A Life Of Total Football' which is due for release on Thursday morning.
The book, which was written before the football legend tragically passed away in March, promises to offer readers the most comprehensive look into the life of the man who many believe revolutionised the sport, but a snippet released early has revealed the players he has chosen in his all-time XI.
The Ajax and Barcelona legend opted to exclude himself from the side, while still selecting three Dutch players. Here is Cruyff's all time XI:
GK: Lev Yashin
Def: Ruud Krol, Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto
Mid: Di Stefano, Pep Guardiola, Bobby Charlton, Garrincha
Att: Piet Kiezer, Pele, Diego Maradona
Cruyff was always a massive fan of current Manchester City boss Guardiola, even blocking his transfer from Barca at one point in the Spaniard's career. On Pep, the Dutch master said the following:
What those people didn't see was that Pep had the fundamental qualities needed at the top level.
Pep has a very strong personality and an intelligent mind. You can talk to him about anything.
Elsewhere the list is a who's who of football icons from the notable absence of two current players that many consider amongst the best of all time in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Still, it's a pretty decent side (but could they do it on a wet, windy Tuesday...)
Also revealed from the book was the final line, where Cruyff reveals the problem that faces geniuses in different fields:
Meanwhile, I haven't always been understood. As a footballer, as coach and also for what I did after all that. But OK, Rembrandt and Van Gogh weren't understood either.
That's what you learn: people go on bothering you until you're a genius.
We can't wait to give it a read.
