Charlie Adam’s reflections on his time at Rangers and the players he played alongside provide a fascinating insight into his career and the influences that shaped him as a footballer. His ultimate XI, as discussed on Sam Allardyce’s No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, includes only two of his former Rangers teammates, which may come as a surprise to some given his years at Ibrox. However, his selections highlight the impact that certain players had on him throughout his career, particularly during his time in England.

Pepe Reina over Allan McGregor – A Surprising Choice?

One of the biggest talking points from Adam’s selection is his decision to choose Pepe Reina over former Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor. Given McGregor’s legendary status at Ibrox and his incredible performances, particularly in European competitions, many might have expected him to be the automatic choice.

However, Adam’s explanation provides some context. He pointed to Reina’s technical ability and his success with Spain, where he was part of the squad that won the European Championship. Adam admired Reina’s ball-playing skills, which were a key part of Liverpool’s play under Rafa Benítez, and also noted that the Spanish goalkeeper is still playing at over 40 years old with Como in Italy.

While Reina was undoubtedly a top-class keeper, McGregor’s impact at Rangers cannot be overstated. His ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure moments and his longevity at the club cemented his place as one of Rangers’ all-time greats. Still, Adam’s selection shows the influence that Reina had on him during his time at Liverpool.

Alan Hutton at Right-Back – A No-Brainer

Unlike the goalkeeper position, there was no debate for Adam when it came to choosing his right-back. He immediately named Alan Hutton, a player he had known since their early days in Rangers’ youth academy.

Hutton was a key figure at Rangers before earning a £9m move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, one of the biggest fees ever received for a Scottish player at the time. Adam highlighted Hutton’s incredible athleticism and attacking prowess, which made him a dangerous outlet on the right flank.

His career may not have reached the heights expected after his Spurs move, but he still enjoyed a solid spell in the English Premier League, particularly during his time at Aston Villa. Hutton’s relentless energy and physicality made him a valuable player at both club and international level.

David Weir Misses Out – Carragher and Shawcross Get the Nod

One of the more surprising omissions from Adam’s XI was David Weir, the veteran Rangers defender who played a key role in the club’s success during the late 2000s.

Adam acknowledged Weir’s professionalism and leadership, describing how the experienced defender helped guide younger players like himself. However, when it came to making his final selection, Adam opted for Jamie Carragher and Ryan Shawcross as his central defensive pairing.

Carragher’s inclusion is no surprise, given his leadership qualities and experience at Liverpool. He was a key part of Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League-winning team and was known for his commitment and defensive intelligence.

Shawcross, on the other hand, may raise some eyebrows. While he was a solid defender and Stoke City’s captain for many years, he did not enjoy the same level of success as Weir. However, Adam played alongside Shawcross at Stoke and clearly valued his defensive qualities and leadership.

Midfield Trio – Gerrard, Fletcher, and Ferguson

Adam’s midfield selection included two players who were undoubtedly among the best in their respective careers—Steven Gerrard and Darren Fletcher—alongside former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.

Gerrard’s inclusion was inevitable, given his legendary status at Liverpool and his leadership qualities. Adam played with Gerrard at Anfield and would have seen firsthand how influential he was on and off the pitch. His ability to dominate games and produce moments of brilliance made him one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Darren Fletcher, a player sometimes underrated outside of Scotland, was another key figure in Adam’s selection. The former Manchester United midfielder was a mainstay under Sir Alex Ferguson and played a crucial role in multiple Premier League title wins. Adam spoke highly of Fletcher’s intelligence and work rate, highlighting how important he was in big matches.

Barry Ferguson, the only former Rangers midfielder to make the cut, was a leader both on and off the pitch. Adam credited Ferguson for setting high standards at Rangers and pushing younger players to improve. Ferguson’s influence at Ibrox was immense, as he captained the club during multiple trophy-winning seasons and played a vital role in Rangers’ style of play.

Adam recounted how Ferguson was tough on him during his early years at Rangers but ultimately helped him develop as a player. That tough-love approach is something many former teammates have spoken about when describing Ferguson’s leadership.

A Limited Rangers Presence in Adam’s XI

For a player who spent several years at Rangers and came through the club’s academy, it’s somewhat surprising that Adam only included two former Ibrox teammates in his ultimate XI. Many Rangers fans might have expected players like McGregor, Weir, or even Kris Boyd to be considered, given their contributions during Adam’s time at the club.

However, Adam’s choices reflect the fact that much of his career was spent in England, where he played alongside some of the best players in the Premier League. His time at Liverpool, Stoke City, and Blackpool exposed him to a different level of football, and it’s clear that those experiences influenced his selections.

That being said, the inclusion of Barry Ferguson and Alan Hutton shows that Adam still holds his Rangers connections in high regard. Ferguson, in particular, left a lasting impression on him, both as a leader and as a player.

Final Thoughts

Charlie Adam’s ultimate XI is an interesting mix of top-level Premier League talent and a few former Rangers teammates who played a key role in his development. His decision to choose Reina over McGregor, his omission of Weir, and his preference for Shawcross all make for a fascinating debate.

While some Rangers fans might have expected more Ibrox legends in his team, Adam’s selections highlight the quality of players he encountered throughout his career. His respect for Barry Ferguson’s leadership and Alan Hutton’s talent shows that his time at Rangers was still highly influential in shaping him as a player.

What do you think of his selections? Would you have included more Rangers players in the team?