CULT XI OF THE DECADE
How do you define a Cult player?
Selecting a Cult XI from the decade wasn’t easy. I asked around for suggestions, but I learned that everyone interprets ‘Cult’ in their own, personal way and that’s the beauty of it. It’s not about who was best, it’s about who you remember - even if it’s for the most unusual reasons.
Nostalgia plays a part for everyone though, which is why selecting from this decade and not the previous one was always more challenging. Nonetheless, each of the players in this team make a good case for being Cult heroes of the last ten years and here’s why:
Howard always looked destined to wash up at a mid-table team after his failed spell at Man United. He did, but rather than live a quiet life of mediocrity he established himself as one of the league’s best all-rounders between the sticks and a default Fantasy Team selection for millions of punters. Admirable for someone reeling from the disappointment of not making the cut under Fergie, and more seriously for coping with Tourettes Syndrome for his entire career.
Oh, and he scored from a goal kick.
In a decade that saw the emergence of sophisticated and athletic full backs, Hibbert was resolutely of the old school. Black boots; socks pulled up and shirt neatly tucked in, he was an unglamorous throwback and a Moyes favourite, not least for his effective crossing to the far post where Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill stalked. He clocked up 265 league games without scoring a single goal, which is an achievement in its own right and reason enough to be in this team.
Every player from Leicester’s title winning team is a cult hero in one way or another. But while Mahrez and Vardy quickly acquired superstar status, Fuchs was an understated hero that’s still at the club to this day. Fuchs is a peculiar chap with his own YouTube channel and fashion label named “No Fuchs Given”. He may have been overtaken by Ben Chilwell these days, but he’s still a quietly charismatic nod back to Leicester’s finest hour.
Like so many Argentinean centre backs who come to the Premier League with big reputations, Coloccini was flakey at best. But that didn’t stop him becoming a fan favourite and club captain during a turbulent era for Newcastle that involved a stint in the Championship. He also had comedy hair, which helps.
A truly eccentric defender/midfielder who stood out in some otherwise very conventional sides. Like his compatriot Fuchs, he was an unassuming Cult hero who became known for his bizarre haircuts (which didn’t attract the ire of the tabloids), quirky sense of style and consistently good performances for Wigan and West Brom.
While most of Delap’s best work came in the decade before, he was still active for Stoke until 2013. By “best work” obviously I mean taking throw-ins better than most players could take corners. He was known for little else, but as he could throw a football up to 40 metres for Tony Pulis’s Stoke City, he’s earned his place in the pantheon of Cult.
One of only two players in this team still playing in the league, Traoré is a rare example of a modern Cult hero with his best years ahead of him. While he’s undoubtedly improved his all round game this last year, his appeal still comes from his rather primitive playing style that’s both fearsome and comedy in equal measure.
MF: Adel Taarabt (QPR; Fulham)
One of the most mercuria