Which Premier League club would have the best five-a-side team?
It is a question that sparks debate among football fans everywhere – who would be in your dream five-a-side team?
There are plenty of world-class players in the Premier League, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they would be the best at the smaller sided version of the game too.
For a bit of fun during the football lockdown, Sportsmail has selected a five-a-side team from every Premier League club’s squad.
You can expect to see usual suspects such as Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero making the cut. But you may be surprised to see the likes of Alex Iwobi, Jordan Ayew and Max Meyer creeping in.
Take a took and see how our five-a-side teams would compare with yours…
Kevin De Bruyne is a world-class player that would bring power and energy to any team
Arsenal
Team: Bernd Leno, David Luiz, Mesut Ozil, Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Bernd Leno is the perfect option for Arsenal in goal as his ability to pass out from the back will create chances for his team-mates to attack forward with pace.
David Luiz was born for five-a-side football as he uses his physicality to boss the centre of the pitch. He is also capable of using his offensive mentality to advance up the pitch and support the attack. He’ll score goals in this format.
Nicolas Pepe would be added to the mixer as his lightning-quick feet would have defenders in a tizzy, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would come into the team to offer an intelligent approach to build-up play, working the ball in tight spaces and putting away goals with his various finishing techniques.
Bernd Leno’s ability to pass out from the back will create chances for his team-mates to attack
David Luiz’s role would include bossing the centre of the pitch and supporting the attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would use his ability to work the ball in tight spaces
Aston Villa
Team: Tom Heaton, Tyrone Mings, Jack Grealish, Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet
Tyrone Mings has never played better than he is right now so why not put him in Villa’s five-a-side team? His presence at the back will have a calming influence on an otherwise hectic five-a-side game. Plus, his defensive capabilities will keep Villa strong at the back.
Aston Villa have a ready-made five-a-side player in Jack Grealish. He offers creativity and exceptional dribbling skills, while topping it all off with his ability to pick out key passes for his team-mates. Not to mention the fact he is calm under pressure and retains the ball well.
Tyrone Mings is on top form for Aston Villa and has found a place in their five-a-side team
Jack Grealish would be the No 1 star in Villa’s five-a-side team, just as he is in the full-size game
Bournemouth
Team: Aaron Ramsdale, Nathan Ake, Harry Wilson, Josh King, Callum Wilson
Nathan Ake is an intelligent defender that can read the game and make good decisions. He knows when to press and pin a team in and when to sit deep and let players come to him. His timing of tackles and intercepts are perfect for winning the ball back and creating a counter-attack in five-a-side football.
Nathan Ake makes it in for being an intelligent defender that can read the game well
Brighton
Team: Mat Ryan, Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross, Leandro Trossard, Neal Maupay
Pascal Gross’s skill set is perfectly suited for five-a-side football. He is a creative player that displays quick thinking, killer vision and extraordinary intricacy to find gaps in congested areas. His key strength is finding his team-mates in packed penalty boxes.
Pascal Gross makes it for being a creative player that displays quick thinking and killer vision
Burnley
Team: Nick Pope, James Tarkowski, Jeff Hendrick, Dwight McNeill, Jay Rodriguez
Dwight McNeill’s enthusiasm would make him a great member of the team. He is also a talented, technical player that is good at running with the ball and committing defenders.
Jay Rodriguez should be in the team for not only being handy in front of goal but also the fact he is good value in the dressing room.
Dwight McNeill is a player that is good at running with the ball and committing defenders
Forward Jay Rodriguez would be handy in front of goal for Burnley in a five-a-side game
Chelsea
Team: Kepa, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Willian, Christian Pulisic
Mateo Kovacic would front up the defensive element for Chelsea as he is one of those players that is impossible to dispossess.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a physically powerful midfielder with a good striking technique, and is the team member that can drive from deep and join the attack.
Christian Pulisic, supported by the energy of Willian, would lead the attacking charge. With a good first touch and tight ball control, he would be a challenge for every defender.
Mateo Kovacic offers defensive stability while Willian’s energy would lead the attack
Mateo Kovacic adds security to his team as he is a player that is impossible to dispossess
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is selected for his powerful attacking drives and striking technique
Crystal Palace
Team: Vicente Guaita, Cheikou Kouyate, Max Meyer, Wilfried Zaha, Jordan Ayew
Enigmatic winger Wilfried Zaha will terrorise any team’s defence. His blend of speed, power and skill will give Crystal Palace an attacking edge.
Max Meyer might not be the obvious choice but when given the chance, his link-up play with Zaha has the ability to change the momentum in games.
Jordan Ayew is the unorthodox gift who keeps on giving for Crystal Palace so it seems right to include him their five-a-side team. His opportunities might not always be pretty, but the forward’s goals have been crucial to a side who often struggle to create chances.
Wilfried Zaha will be brought in to Crystal Palace’s team to terrorise any opposition’s defence
Max Meyer has the ability to link well with Zaha and their partnership could flourish
Everton
Team: Jordan Pickford, Lucas Digne, Alex Iwobi, Bernard, Richarlison
Alex Iwobi may not be your go-to player on a full 11-a-side pitch, but his low centre of gravity combined with his skill set make him the perfect fit for a five-a-side game. Add Bernard and Richarlison’s flair to the mix and Everton could produce an impressive team.
Jordan Pickford has an eye for a pass, plus wonderful reflexes, so could be one of the premier five-a-side goalkeepers.
Alex Iwobi may not be an obvious choice, but his skill set compliments a five-a-side format
Leicester
Team: Kasper Schmeichel, Ricardo Pereira, James Maddison, Demarai Gray, Jamie Vardy
Kasper Schmeichel would be Leicester’s last line of defence as he is quick, agile, and competitive. Not to mention the fact he was a striker until he was 15 so could give one of the lads a break when they inevitably pull up with some sort of injury.
Leicester full-back Ricardo Pereira is one of the best in the Premier League. Not only does he bring defensive strength to the team, he also brings an attacking threat. Pereira is a formidable attacking weapon, his marauding runs are fundamental to Leicester’s approach.
James Maddison and Demarai Gray provide creativity and trickery.
It is no surprise that goal-scoring mastermind Jamie Vardy is fronting up Leicester’s five-a-side attack. Aside from being a prolific wind-up merchant, his spatial awareness, predatory instincts and movement and anticipation in the box make him a great poacher for five-a-side football.
Goal machine Jamie Vardy makes it in the hope he can replicate his record on a small pitch
Ricardo Pereira’s taken the Premier League by storm and has a lot to offer on a five-a-side team
Liverpool
Team: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Georginio Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah
Alisson would shut up shop at the back while the remaining out field players would consist of tight ball control, speed and goal-scoring.
Although Virgil van Dijk may seem like the obvious answer for holding down the fort at the back, Trent Alexander-Arnold offers a level of defensive tenacity and speed in transition that is better suited for five-a-side football. Not to mention his ability to find team-mates with forward-thinking passes.
Georginio Wijnaldum would bring strength to the side with his ability to hold off players. His sharp mind would also see him offer a balance between intelligence, speed, flair and technical quality.
Roberto Firmino would slot in to offer ball control in tight spaces but ultimately Firmino’s best attribute is his finishing and he would be utilised for that.
Mohamed Salah would be a shoo-in for Liverpool’s 5-a-side team as he would take advantage of Alexander-Arnold’s passes and play well in tight spaces. Not to mention his class goal-scoring ability. He just edges out Sadio Mane.
The combination of these five is bound to be a recipe for success.
The combination of these five Liverpool stars is bound to be a recipe for success in five-a-side
Roberto Firmino comes in for his goal-scoring abilities but also his ball control in tight spaces
Mohamed Salah is a must in this Liverpool side as his goal-scoring ability is top class
Manchester City
Team: Ederson, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling , Sergio Aguero
Ederson’s sharp reflexes and ability to play penetrative passes to the likes of Sergio Aguero would make him a top pick in any five-a-side team.
As there’s no need for a brick-wall defender when it comes to 5-a-side, Fernandinho makes it in. He is quick, mobile, intelligent and defensively sound.
Next is Kevin De Bruyne. He is a world-class creative player that will bring power and energy to the side with an element of surprise as he fires off disguised passes and shoots with both feet.
Sergio Aguero may seem like an obvious choice but his stature and build make him suited to a five-a-side pitch. He’ll get plenty of chances to show off his relentless finishing too.
Kevin de Bruyne is a world class player who could offer an element of surprise with his passing
Fernandinho makes the team as he is quick, mobile, intelligent and defensively sound
Sergio Aguero is an obvious choice for five-a-side as his ability to score goals sets him apart
Manchester United
Team: David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford
De Gea remains one of United’s most important players when it comes to small-sided games. Once widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, he remains an excellent shot-stopper.
Having saved United’s defence and midfield countless times this season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will provide the defensive stability – good luck to any team trying to get a shot away when he is around.
Martial has pace on his side, but he makes the cut for his excellent positioning and link-up play. His ability to pop in and out of areas to pick up the ball in dangerous positions will add a serious attacking threat.
Couple that with Marcus Rashford’s current form, it is shaping up to be quite the team. Rashford has bagged 22 goals across all competitions this season and showed no signs of slowing down before his injury. His vast skill set and change of pace are precisely what United need.
Then if Pogba’s not too busy looking for another team to play for, he is a shoo-in for United. His skill-set is perfect for five-a-side; he is fast, skilful and productive no matter where he is on the pitch – if you can get him there that is.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will provide the defensive stability and speed to this five-a-side team
Rashford has bagged 22 goals in all competitions this season and showed no signs of stopping
Paul Pogba’s skill-set is perfect for five-a-side; he is fast, skilful and productive in all positions
Newcastle
Team: Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron
Jonjo Shelvey’s ability to read the game, coupled with his eye for goal positions him well to not only assist team-mates but bag a few for himself.
Allan Saint-Maximin is a dynamic young winger who uses his agility to set him apart from others. His ability to dribble, carry the ball up the pitch and cope in isolation makes him an attacking force to be reckoned with in five-a-side football.
Jonjo Shelvey makes Newcastle’s team for his ability to set up team-mates and score himself
Allan Saint-Maximin is a player that could dribble from front to back on a five-a-side pitch
Norwich City
Team: Tim Krul, Max Aarons, Emi Buendia, Todd Cantwell, Teemu Pukki
Max Aarons has both defensive and attacking quality. He shows dominant displays of physicality and pace that could see him bursting down the line and firing the ball into the danger area on a five-a-side pitch.
Next up is Todd Cantwell. He may have questionable dance moves and forthright opinions on Twitter but Cantwell would be a key member of Norwich’s five-a-side team. He is a fluid player that possesses the kind of premium skill and trickery required to excel in such an environment.
Teemu Pukki will bring an element of composure to the team, finishing off anything that falls loose close to the goal.
Max Aarons has the consistent defensive and attacking qualities that Norwich need
Todd Cantwell possesses the kind of premium skill and trickery required to excel in five-a-side
Sheffield United
Team: Dean Henderson, Chris Basham, John Lundstram, John Fleck, Billy Sharp
As a player who used to work in McDonald’s and worked his way up to the Premier League, Chris Basham is no stranger to a five-a-side kick around. His energy, work-rate and willingness to put himself in pole position on the pitch is why he makes the team.
Billy Sharp will front up Sheffield United’s attacking threat. He is a born finisher, he finds himself in the right place at the right time and will mop up on a five-a-side pitch.
Chris Basham used to work in McDonald’s and worked his way up to the Premier League
Billy Sharp is a born finisher who finds himself in the right place at the right time
Southampton
Team: Alex McCarthy, James Ward-Prowse, Sofiane Boufal, Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings
Danny Ings is a serial poacher that would score plenty of goals in five-a-side. He is a livewire who excels with hard work and sheer endeavour. He will offer a spark in attack with his confident dribbling ability and his magnificent goal-scoring ability. Not to mention he is an all-around nice guy who would be up for a bit of banter.
With James Ward-Prowse’s ability to strike a ball so purely, his long-range shots could be a threat from almost anywhere on the pitch.
Danny Ings, the serial poacher, would score plenty of goals in a five-a-side tournament
Tottenham
Team: Hugo Lloris, Giovani Lo Celso, Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min, Harry Kane
Giovani Lo Celso makes this attack-minded team as he posses mercurial dribbling skills with some quick thinking and adept passing.
Son Heung-min could cause all sorts of problems on a five-a-side pitch as he is quick and strong, with a good change of pace. He is tenacious and makes life difficult for defenders, not to mention his ability to shoot off either foot.
Next on the five-a-side wish list is someone with exceptional skill. Tidy control, a fantastic first touch, great in the air and a rocket of a shot – all traits possessed by Harry Kane.
Kane makes the team for his tidy control, a fantastic first touch, headers and a rocket of a shot
Son Heung-min is known for making life difficult for defenders with his tenacious attitude
Next up Harry Kane – a staple player in the Spurs five-a-side team as their primary goal-scorer
West Ham
Team: Lukasz Fabianski, Declan Rice, Mark Noble, Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini
Mark Noble is a one-club man and has a lot of pride in his team – his passion and commitment to the five-a-side team would be extraordinary. In terms of his playing ability, Noble would spring rapidly between the boxes, moving up the pitch in attack while also tracking his players in transition.
Declan Rice reads the ball well and is good in terms of his interceptions and defensive actions but it is his vision that grants him a position in this team. He has the ability to recognise and access the spaces on the pitch that others simply aren’t able to. Not to mention his carrying through the middle of the pitch is crucial for creating overloads, which the lively Manuel Lanzini could exploit.
Mark Noble would show nothing but the ultimate commitment to West Ham’s five-a-side team
Declan Rice’s vision grants him a position in the team as he can access spaces others can’t
Watford
Team: Ben Foster, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr, Gerard Deulofeu
Abdoulaye Doucoure is a hot property for five-a-side football. His disrupting play in the middle third will bolster the team while his power to drive through the centre of the pitch and keep control of the ball as defenders close in on him will help Watford compete with the bigger names.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is a hot property in five-a-side – driving at players and keeping control
Wolves
Team: Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho, Diogo Jota, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez
Diogo Jota would make the team for his ability to thread passes through tight angles, think one step ahead of his opponents and steal the ball off the opposition quickly and effectively.
Speed demon Adama Traore is next on the list for Wolves. It’s no surprise that Traore makes the side as he is built for five-a-side with lightning-quick speed. He’s also short in stature and built like the proverbial brick house, giving him a low centre of gravity, perfect for powering past opposing players.
Raul Jimenez is tall, strong and very good in the air. He can make things happen, he is unpredictable and a natural goal scorer. Plus, when he isn’t scoring for himself he is assisting team-mates. This is a super-attacking team.
Diogo Jota is Wolves’s pass master, making the team for his ability to execute on tight angles
Adama Traore is included for his speed, strength and power, which frightens opponents
