We sat down with the charismatic Leicester City manager, Nigel Pearson, for an exclusive interview on the Fantasy Football Club, where he embarked on the nostalgic challenge of selecting his ultimate #One2Eleven from the wealth of talent he shared a pitch with during his impressive 20-year playing career. This isn’t just a list of names; it’s a journey through English football history, curated by a man who has seen it all from the heart of the defense.
Pearson, a rock at the back for clubs like Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday, and Middlesbrough, faced a difficult task. With over 400 professional appearances to his name, he had a deep pool of incredible teammates to choose from. Opting for a classic 4-4-2 formation, Pearson’s selections reveal not just skill, but character, presence, and that undeniable winning mentality. Let’s dive into the lineup that defines a generation of footballing excellence, only on Jeetwin.
Between the Posts: An Ageless Wonder
GOALKEEPER: Mark Schwarzer
The choice for the number one jersey was clear for Pearson. Mark Schwarzer gets the nod not just for his incredible shot-stopping ability, but for his legendary longevity and mental fortitude. “He’s in there because he’s still playing at 42,” Pearson remarked, highlighting a career defined by relentless drive. For a defender like Pearson, a goalkeeper is the backbone of the team, and Schwarzer’s commanding presence and experience—having even been a teammate of Pearson’s at Middlesbrough—make him an indispensable part of this legendary XI.
The Defensive Wall: Composure, Class, and Grit
RIGHT BACK: Roland Nilsson
In the right-back position, Pearson selects the immensely reliable Roland Nilsson. A cornerstone of the excellent Sheffield Wednesday side of the early 90s, Nilsson was the epitome of consistency and class. Pearson fondly remembers him as “very steady” and “a class act,” a defender who could be relied upon in the biggest matches, providing both defensive solidity and intelligent support in attack.
CENTRE BACK: Des Walker
No defensive unit curated by Nigel Pearson would be complete without the lightning-fast Des Walker. Famous for his mantra “You’ll never beat Des Walker,” his one-versus-one defending was peerless. Pearson points out that while English defending has always emphasized partnership, Walker’s individual brilliance was so profound that he simply had to be included. His pace and recovery tackles were a nightmare for any forward.
CENTRE BACK: Peter Shirtliff
Alongside Walker, Pearson pairs the underrated Peter Shirtliff. While perhaps not as celebrated as his defensive partner, Shirtliff was a manager’s dream: calm, composed, and an excellent reader of the game. Pearson praises him as a “very good player” and a “good team-mate,” the kind of player who does the crucial, unglamorous work that allows others to shine.
LEFT BACK: Nigel Worthington
Completing the back four is Pearson’s former roommate, Nigel Worthington. While Pearson jovially recalls Worthington’s famed thriftiness—making phone calls from hotel payphones to save money—his selection is based purely on footballing merit. Worthington was a “really good player,” a tough-tackling, dependable left-back who understood the defensive craft inside and out.
The Creative Engine: Maestros and Match-Winners
RIGHT MIDFIELD: Paul Merson
On the right wing, Pearson chooses the magical Paul Merson. His arrival at Middlesbrough following the departure of stars like Juninho was a massive statement of intent. Pearson admits to being surprised that Merson chose the club, but his impact was immediate. A genuine match-winner with unparalleled vision and creativity, Merson could change the game in an instant, even if, as Pearson notes with a smile, he was “very forgetful.”
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Emerson
In the heart of midfield, Pearson selects the enigmatic Brazilian, Emerson. A player of sublime technical quality, Emerson is described as a player who could have been a “world beater” with just an extra yard of pace. Pearson believes that in today’s game, his skillset would have made him a target for Europe’s elite clubs. He was a “great footballer and a great lad,” whose passing range and composure dictated the tempo of the game.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Bryan Robson
Alongside him is the legendary Bryan Robson, Captain Marvel himself. Although Pearson played with him towards the end of his illustrious career, the respect is immense. Pearson states it would be “wrong for me not to put him in there,” citing his immense respect for Robson “as a man and as a friend.” His leadership, engine, and goal-scoring ability from midfield make him an automatic choice.
LEFT MIDFIELD: Chris Waddle
On the left flank, Pearson doesn’t hesitate: Chris Waddle. He is hailed as “one of the best player I’ve ever played with without any shadow of a doubt.” A true artist with the ball, Waddle was the quintessential match-winner. Pearson specifically recalls his iconic free-kick goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United, a moment etched in the memory of every Sheffield Wednesday supporter, as a testament to his genius.
The Lethal Partnership: Flair and Firepower
CENTRE FORWARD: Juninho
Just behind the main striker, Pearson places the magical Juninho. The little Brazilian captivated English football with his dazzling skills and infectious energy. Pearson highlights his exceptional “ball management” and his uncanny ability to “find space when you least expected it.” From a defender’s perspective, Juninho was a nightmare, drifting into pockets of space that were dangerous to follow, a skill Pearson describes as “a real art.”
CENTRE FORWARD: David Hirst
Leading the line is the formidable David Hirst. Pearson speaks of him with immense admiration, noting that the national stage was set for a rivalry between Hirst and Alan Shearer before injuries intervened. He reveals the striker’s incredible toughness, often playing through pain. “Carrying an injury of that sort takes its toll, but that’s the type of player he was,” Pearson said, painting a picture of a classic, powerful, and fearless English number nine.
Nigel Pearson’s #One2Eleven: A Legacy of Grit and Genius
This team, as selected by Nigel Pearson on Jeetwin, is more than a fantasy; it’s a testament to an era of English football filled with characters, world-class talent, and unwavering determination. From Schwarzer’s ageless presence to Hirst’s ruthless finishing, every player embodies a unique quality that Pearson valued highly throughout his career. It’s a lineup that would challenge any from any period.
What do you think of Gaffer Pearson’s selections? Who would make your ultimate #One2Eleven from players you’ve watched? Share your thoughts and your own teams in the comments below and join the conversation here on Jeetwin. Don’t forget to share this with fellow football fans who appreciate the beautiful game’s rich history
