Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini ahead of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

"When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-level," Ferguson told The Independent. "And, although he has never taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed, Zinedine Zidane was brilliant but without a doubt, Paolo Maldini has been my favourite.

"He has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world's greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era."