Amrabat admires five midfield stars

The Morocco international, on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina, took part in our Fans' Q&A series, sponsored by Melitta, and gave some interesting answers about his background, representing his country and footballers he looks up to.

It was a question from Kagembe K. in Uganda that prompted Amrabat to explain who his favourite all-time midfielders are.

“Hello, Kagembe, it’s a difficult question but I think it’s clear," replied our no.4. "Players like [Zinedine] Zidane, Xavi."

Zidane, of course, helped France win the World Cup in 1998, winning the Ballon d'Or that year, while enjoying success with Juventus and Real Madrid. He won the 2001/02 Champions League with Real, scoring a brilliant volley in the final against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow.

Xavi, the current Barcelona coach, graced the midfield for the Catalan giants, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.

With Spain, he won the World Cup and two European Championships.

A couple of United's 1999 Treble-winning squad also earned the respect of the African ace, who appreciated their differing qualities in the engine room.

"I think Paul Scholes was also very good at Manchester United," he stated. "Roy Keane. I think that kind of player, of course."

Both players were, of course, suspended for the final against Bayern Munich but were outstanding that term and enjoyed sustained success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Amrabat's final selection is actually a great rival of United's, as he starred for neighbours Manchester City.

"I also like Yaya Toure," he said. "Yes, he played for City but he was also a fantastic midfielder. They all won trophies but they were just very good and very important for the teams where they played.”

Toure played at centre-back against the Reds in the 2009 Champions League final for Barcelona, in Rome, before going on to excel further forward when helping the Blues win three Premier League titles in his eight years at the Etihad Stadium.