Jaap Stam was asked a “difficult” question over who he would choose out of Premier League legend Alan Shearer and fellow Manchester United hero Andy Cole.
The 51-year-old United legend is considered one of the best defenders of all time and enjoyed incredible success in his prolific playing career at Old Trafford.
Stam, who spent three seasons at the club, was at the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence at United and was a key member of his side’s treble-winning campaign.
But the Dutchman’s time was cut short after Ferguson ruthlessly axed him over allegations made in his autobiography and subsequently sold Stam to Lazio in 2001.
Ferguson later admitted that he regretted the decision to sell Stam, with the former United centre-back recently reacting to the legendary ex-manager’s admission.
Stam has recently spoken out on Erik ten Hag’s struggles at United this season and even appeared to change his stance on one current player at Old Trafford.
The ex-PSV Eindhoven and Lazio defender also recently linked up with former United teammates Gary Neville and Roy Keane to discuss his ‘ideal’ centre-back partner.
READ MORE: MOTD pundit hesitates with initial West Ham vs Man Utd prediction, then considers different outcome
Stam on Premier League legend Shearer
Shearer has spoken highly of Stam and praised him as a “brilliant” player, with the footballer-turned-pundit spotlighting three incredible qualities that the treble winner possessed.
Stam also admitted that the former Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers striker was a “pain” to play against and highlighted Shearer’s impressive physical attributes.
When asked to choose between Shearer and Cole, he told Superstar Speakers: “Oh, that’s also a difficult one.
“They’re not the easiest… I like them both very much.
“You know Shearer, he’s a pain playing against especially when these long balls come from the goalie and he comes from the sides, you don’t see him come and then he’s jumping into you with his elbows as well.
“He’s making that clash. Difficult guy to mark as well. Great goalscorer, great player as well.”
Who did Stam choose out of Shearer and Cole?
Stam played alongside Cole during his time at Old Trafford and the former Netherlands international labelled him as an “unbelievable” player.
Cole, much like Stam, was an integral member of Ferguson’s treble-winning United side and the Red Devils legend enjoyed a prolific playing career in the Premier League.
The 52-year-old former United striker is fourth in the all-time leading Premier League goalscorers, with only Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Shearer ahead of him.
Cole has often been dubbed as ‘underrated’ or ‘overlooked,’ despite the incredible accomplishments that he achieved at club level.
Stam admitted that he would have to choose Cole ahead of Shearer, saying that his former United teammate was a “great player” and someone he likes “very much.”
“But I need to go for Andy because I like Andy very much as a person, but also as a player he was a great player to play with,” he continued.
“Great ability, very fast. In my opinion, a bit underrated, is it?
“I think if you compare him to other big players even now and in the past, big goalscorers, then I think Andy is up there as well. Unbelievable player.”
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