Fraser Aird is a young Scottish/Canadian midfielder currently playing for his boyhood club Rangers FC in Glasgow, Scotland. Currently under consideration for both the Scottish and Canadian men’s national teams, Aird is hoping to use the 2014/15 season to showcase his talent in the Scottish Championship, the 2nd tier of the Scottish Professional Football League, and earn a spot representing one of the two countries he calls home.
Aird is one of several up-and-coming youngsters in the Rangers squad, including fellow Canadian Luca Gasporatto, who having been nurtured at the famous Auchenhowie training ground north of Glasgow, as they battle for a first team place in what is a competitive squad. Due to a wrongful tax cases brought on by HMRC, the tax collection department of the UK government, Rangers FC were financially crippled in 2012 and demoted to the bottom tier of the Scottish pyramid, where they have relied on young players like Aird to help them win the Scottish Second and Third Divisions (now known as the Scottish League One and League Two) as they work their way to restoring glory for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League and in European competitions.
RedNation Online recently interviewed Aird while he was in Ottawa on the Rangers North American Tour and asked him what his Perfect Ten lineup would be, with himself along with his favourite ten players. He went with a 4-4-1-1 formation, favouring some of his boyhood heroes, his brother and some of today’s top stars.
Goalkeeper
Cameron Aird – Older Brother
I would pick Cameron, my older brother who I grew up playing with. I can’t imagine naming a squad without him in net.
Right Back
Dani Alves – FC Barcelona
He is a world-class player who impressed during the World Cup and I like how attacking he is as a right back.
Centre Back
Lee McCulloch – Rangers FC
The Rangers captain. I’ve learned a lot at the club from McCulloch. Lee is a big role model, often taking me aside to give me talks about how to improve my game and mentor me.
Centre Back
David Luiz – Paris Saint-Germain FC
Being a big Chelsea FC fan, I would have the former Blues defender as my other center back. I’m picking him due to his skill and ability to use both feet.
Left Back
Lee Wallace – Rangers FC
One of my good friends in the Rangers squad, Wallace is familiar playing with me, as we have spent the last two years creating going down Rangers left side. Lee is teaching me a lot about the game.
Centre Midfielder
Lewis McLeod – Rangers FC
Lewis McLeod is my best mate on the team and is someone who I enjoy playing with. Although McLeod often gets played out right for Rangers, I believe he is most effective through the middle.
Centre Midfielder
Frank Lampard – Manchester City FC
My favourite player growing up, I would put the Chelsea legend in the central midfield of my squad. He’s amazing.
Right Winger
Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid CF
One of the best players in the world, Ronaldo is a very versatile player who can do anything with the ball, including attack, defend, use both feet and beat players with pace.
Attacking Midfielder/Second Striker
Lionel Messi – FC Barcelona
The best player in the world, I would have the naturally gifted footballer playing off the striker helping do what he does best, creating and scoring goals.
Centre Forward
Didier Drogba - Chelsea FC
I would have Chelsea legend Drogba as my striker but it would have to be Drogba in his prime. He’s a great player.
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