Okocha makes Sam Allardyce's best XI

Current Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce has named Austin Jay-Jay Okocha among the best XI players he has managed in his coaching career.

Allardyce was in charge of Bolton from 1999 to 2007. Okocha joined the club from 2002 to 2006 going on to become the club's captain.

The duo created a lot of beautiful moments together, notable among them was their iconic on-the-pitch dance which they recreated during a charity game at the University of Bolton Stadium in November 2021.

Picking his first eleven among the plethora of talents he has managed in his illustrious managerial career, the Big Sam named the Super Eagles legend in the midfield alongside Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff and Garry Speed.

The other Bolton players who made Allardyce's cut were Jussi Jaaskelainen in goal; Habib Beye, Ryan Nelsen, Phil Jones and Patrick Van Aanholt made up the defence line.

He picked Jermain Defoe and Nicolas Anelka as his favourite strikers.

The two-time BBC African Player of the Year, Okocha scored 18 goals as an attacking midfield in 144 games under Sam Allardyce.

He became the fans' favourite due to his dazzling skills which endeared the Reebok Stadium faithful to him.

WDN