We certainly are fans of the 'hypothetical XI' here at Balls.ie, and have used our imagination to craft up many an XI in our time, but normally when we do one it is because there is something particularly noteworthy in there, a surprise perhaps.
Sky Sports have patiently waited for the transfer window to close before compiling an XI of free agents, and they are exactly who you would expect to see in the 'Out Of Contract' section when you boot up Football Manager 2016.
With the exception of one or two players, it is totally understandable that these guys are searching for new opportunities.
Goalkeeper:
Stuart Taylor
A member of our list of perennial backup goalkeepers, if he's the best available then clubs who need a keeper are in big trouble.
Back Four:
Emmanuel Eboue
What needs to be said about Eboue that hasn't already been said? A good signing if you think your squad isn't crazy enough.
Ron Vlaar
The best player on the list, Vlaar's status as a free agent is due to him still recovering from his third surgery in the last 12 months.
Joseph Yobo
Former Everton defender Yobo hasn't had a team since he left Fenerbache in 2014, which is strange.
Royston Drenthe
Ah Royston Drenthe. Once the next-big-thing after a stellar U21 Euros for Holland, after he left Real Madrid he gradually took step-down after step-down until there were no steps left.
Midfield:
Jermaine Pennant
Despite being offered a contract extension at Wigan at the end of last season, Pennant opted to test the market. Probably not a great call.
Wilson Palacios
The finest Honduran midfielder of his generation, Palacios has slowly vanished out of the Premier League picture since Stoke decided they wanted to play football instead of kick people.
Urby Emanuelson
Once looked a promising young talent for AC Milan, then the sinking Fulham ship dragged him into the Championship.
Georgios Samaras
If you need someone to run the channels, hold up the ball, and put in a good shift while scoring one goal every 10 or so games, then Georgios is your man. Understandably Greek footballers are not hot property right now.
Attack:
Carlton Cole
Who doesn't need an injury riddled target man? Premier League teams, apparently.
Shola Ameobi
Ameobi broke hearts when he left Newcastle, but in all honesty he hasn't been able to run for a good three or four years now.
And that's the best XI. Grim is a word that comes to mind.
While Ron Vlaar will certainly find a new club once he can prove his fitness, the rest of them face a bit of uncertainty at the latter stages of their career. Both Pennant and Samaras have been linked with moves to the MLS, but who's going to take Stuart Taylor on board? And what club will Royston Drenthe's next mental haricut be inspired by?
So many questions, all of them pointless.
