We profile the five players our in-house social media team have selected to make up the outstanding Blackburn Rovers side from the 2006/07 season.
Blackburn Rovers (2006-07)
Led by Mark Hughes, Blackburn Rovers reached the FA Cup semi-final, the UEFA Cup knockout stages and finished in the top-half of the Premier League.
During the season, Hughes’ side beat the likes of Manchester City (three times), Liverpool, Arsenal, RB Salzburg, Wisła Kraków, FC Basel, Feyenoord & Nancy over an incredible season.
Brad Friedel (GK)
Over the 2006-07 season, Brad Friedel made 53 appearances in all competitions and was instrumental in Blackburn’s success in Europe. One of eight campaigns that made him a legend in Lancashire.
Christopher Samba (DEF)
Having impressed on trial, Christopher Samba joined Blackburn Rovers in January 2007.
Since making his debut for the club, Samba quickly became a first-team regular for the side and was voted by supporters as Newcomer of the Year at the end of the 2006-07 season having made 19 appearances.
Tugay Kerimoğlu (MID)
A footballer who gave his heart and soul to Blackburn, Tugay Kerimoğlu was vital to the club’s success in the 2006-07 season.
One of the finest ball-playing midfielders in Europe at the time, Sir Alex Ferguson suggested that if he was 10 years younger, he’d have been ideal for Manchester United.
Mark Hughes was asked in response if he wished Tugay was 10 years younger. He replied: "No, because if he was, he'd be playing in a Barcelona shirt.”
David Bentley (MID)
The stunning strikes in the Premier League, the 25-yard volley against Salzburg and the last-minute winner against Wisła Kraków.
David Bentley ended a sensational season with seven goals and 13 assists, which was enough for him to be crowned Rovers’ Player of the Year.
Benni McCarthy (ST)
Benni McCarthy endeared himself to Rovers fans, finishing as second top scorer in the Premier League in 2006–07 with 18 league goals, as well as 24 in all competitions.
A £2.5m bargain.
