SHOOT Squad: Millwall’s best XI

With over two months of the season played, by now, managers should have their best eleven in mind.

The team that will guarantee the greatest possible chance of a positive result. The players that will perform to the best of their ability in any attempt to gain three points on any given match day.

Manager Neil Harris has his regulars in the current Millwall side, but what would you say was the Lions’ best XI?

SHOOT‘s Mark Litchfield has his say for this week’s blog…

GK: Jordan Archer

By his own admission, Jordan Archer hasn’t been at his best during parts of the campaign. But, the fact remains that he is the club’s number one goalkeeper and when on form, perhaps the best in the division.

Therefore, he rightly takes his place in the team.

The one thing that Archer could do with, some may say, is competition. Last season, when David Forde was at the club, the Irishman kept the ‘keeper on his toes, causing him to perform outstandingly week after week.

Now, with his only main understudy being youngster Tom King, perhaps Archer feels a shade of untouchability in his play.

RB: Mahlon Romeo

Repeatedly impressing since arriving on the scene in February’s 3-0 win at Walsall, Mahlon Romeo has made the right-back spot his own.

Breaking through into the first-team with Ben Thompson last season, Romeo has shown athletic ability, defensive nous and attacking quality in the six to eight months that he has been a first-team player.

Recent times have seen him form a solid partnership with Fred Onyedinma down the right-hand side – if that is the road Harris chooses to go down in the immediate future, the pair could form a very dangerous and potent problem for opposition defences.

CB: Byron Webster

Rising like a phoenix, Byron Webster has gone from zero to hero in the space of one season at The Den.

Now a mainstay in the side and Mr Dependable, Webster should be one of the first names on any Millwall fans’ teamsheet.

The name of the partner alongside him may be causing some concern among the Lions faithful, but for me, the centre-half and defensive rock is a sure-fire selection.

CB: Tony Craig

For now, Tony Craig is the most experienced and reliable centre-half at the club alongside Webster.

However, with Shaun Hutchinson on the way back from injury, the captain’s place in the heart of the defence could be under threat.

Suggestions are that any shift around among the back four would see TC move to left-back to allow Hutchinson to start in the middle, but until that problem arises, Craig is the best possible option to partner Webster.

LB: Joe Martin

He may love a yellow card and as a result, spend more time under suspension than many would like, but Joe Martin is the best left-back Millwall have at their disposal.

Tough-tackling, no nonsense and with a sweet left foot, Martin gives the team a genuine threat on the left-hand side – as well as one in an attacking sense, too.

Without a doubt, the discipline issue is a major problem, but to complete the back four, Martin is the best bet.

RM: David Worrall

The first name in the midfield is David Worrall.

Signed from Southend United in the summer, many Lions fans weren’t sure what they were going to get with the winger.

What they have got is a player that gives 100 per cent in every single game, which he also backs up with quality and precision.

Since opening his account in the 2-2 draw at Milton Keynes Dons, Worrall has elevated himself to the position of fans favourite. When he is in the side, Millwall not only have a threat regarding assists, but they also have a goascoring one, too.

CM: Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson has secured his spot as Millwall’s first-choice midfielder following a string of combative and tough-tackling displays over the last year.

For a guy of small stature, Thompson’s presence on the field is larger than life. He makes things tick and does one of the most important things possible in SE16 – gets the crowd going.

This time last season, the number eight was a relative unknown. Now, the majority of Lions fans wouldn’t be without him.

CM: Shaun Williams

Beside Thompson is potentially the best footballer at the club, Shaun Williams.

Not exuding his best form last season, Williams is back to his best this time round. Possessing intelligent play and a fantastic range of passing, the midfielder should be a vital cog in any Millwall team that wants to be successful.

Criticisms of his languid style may be valid, but when on form, Williams is an automatic pick.

LM: Shane Ferguson

Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson completes the midfield.

Somewhat wasted at left-back, ‘Fergie’ is a much better option further forward. Like Worrall, the winger possesses a fantastic delivery and will provide more assists than most other players at the club.

In a natural 4-4-2 formation, you need two wingers – David Worrall and Shane Ferguson are just that.

CF: Lee Gregory

For many; if not all Lions fans, the two strikers are no brainers.

After scoring 27 goals last season, Lee Gregory has had a somewhat stuttered start to this campaign, but has now scored six goals to date – albeit with five of them coming from the penalty spot.

The potent partnership with Steve Morison has continued on into this season and most of the time – Bolton’s immense pairing of Mark Beevers and David Wheater aside – they get the better of defences.

CF: Steve Morison

The man that should be captain?

That argument will rumble on for the rest of time, but in a playing sense, Steve Morison is the first name on the teamsheet.

With the experience now backing up the raw goal-scoring ability, Morison is perhaps the complete footballer. When he isn’t in the team, it’s noticeable.

So, that’s our best Millwall XI. Agree? Disagree? Let us know by commenting below…