We asked AI to name Aston Villa’s dream ‘90s five-a-side team - including surprise midfield pick

Aston Villa had a mixed 1990s, to say the least, with a rollercoaster of highs and lows giving supporters plenty to cheer but also lots to fear.

From Jozef Venglos to Ron Atkinson, Brian Little and John Gregory, there were four different managers to oversee the decade as Villa achieved two second-placed finishes but endured two relegation near misses down in 17th and 18th.

European football was enjoyed during the ‘90s as Villa competed in the UEFA Cup on six occasions, reaching one quarter-final in 1997/98. There were two major trophies clinched, too, as Villa won the League Cup in 1994 and 1996.

So many iconic players donned the famous claret and blue strip before the millennium, with some even gaining legendary status. But who were the best to play for Villa in the ‘90s?

To answer that very question, we thought we’d put together a dream five-a-side team from the era — but with a twist. Rather than naming the players ourselves here at Birmingham World, we asked artificial intelligence for a helping hand.

AI names Villa’s dream 1990s five-a-side

Using Grok, the AI tool available on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), we asked for a ‘90s dream team with five players.

We left the formation completely up to the robot and it went for the balanced 1-2-1, with one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and one striker. Its selections were intriguing and its explanations were detailed, impressively so.

Starting in goal, Grok opted for Mark Bosnich, who played for Villa from 1991 to 1999, making 227 appearances, conceding 220 goals and preserving 90 clean sheets. The Australian was very popular at Villa Park before he returned to Manchester United at the end of the decade.

Explaining its goalkeeper selection, Grok wrote: “Bosnich was one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers during his Villa tenure. His reflexes, command of the box, and penalty-saving ability were crucial in Villa’s 1994 League Cup triumph over Manchester United.

“His agility and flair made him perfect for the high-pressure, fast-paced nature of five-a-side, where a keeper’s quick reactions and distribution are vital. Bosnich’s ability to launch counter-attacks with precise throws would give Villa an edge.”

Moving onto the sole defender choice, Grok unsurprisingly went for the legendary Paul McGrath. The Irishman signed for the Villans for £500,000 in 1989 after seven years with Man Utd and he quickly became a fan favourite, going on to make 319 appearances before his eventual departure for Derby County in 1996.

Clarifying the McGrath pick, Grok said: “Often called ‘God’ by Villa fans, McGrath was a defensive colossus despite chronic knee issues. His reading of the game, strength in tackles, and composure under pressure made him a standout.

“In a five-a-side setup, where space is tight and one-on-one defending is critical, McGrath’s ability to anticipate and neutralize threats would anchor the team. His knack for carrying the ball out of defence would also add an attacking dimension.”

Into the middle of the park, and Grok opted for a balance between the defensive and passing ability of the up-and-coming Gareth Barry and the attacking threat of Ian Taylor. The scorer of 42 goals in 290 appearances for Villa between 1995 and 2003, Taylor was one of the many cult heroes of the era.

Barry, meanwhile, is a bit of a surprise pick as he only made around 60 appearances in 1998 and 1999, playing the bulk of his career in the 2000s and 2010s. Nonetheless, his talent was clear to see and he later went on to become the Premier League’s leading appearance maker.

Setting out its reasons for choosing Taylor, Grok said: “He embodied the heart and soul of Aston Villa in the 1990s. A local lad, his work rate, versatility, and passion made him a fan favourite.

“In midfield, he could tackle, pass, and score spectacular goals, often arriving late in the box. For five-a-side, Taylor’s all-action style—covering every blade of grass, pressing opponents, and contributing offensively—makes him ideal. His leadership would keep the team cohesive in intense, small-sided battles.”

Meanwhile, explaining the Barry inclusion, Grok wrote: “Having broke through as a teenager in the late 1990s, Barry showcased maturity beyond his years. His versatility, initially as a centre-back before transitioning to midfield, gave Villa tactical flexibility.

“In five-a-side, Barry’s calm passing, vision, and ability to dictate tempo would control the game’s flow. His defensive instincts would complement Taylor’s energy, creating a balanced midfield. Barry’s left-footed precision and cool-headedness under pressure make him a perfect fit for tight spaces.”

Last but not least, Dwight Yorke was selected to lead the line for Villa’s ‘90s dream team. He may be better known for his time at Man Utd but some of his best years were at Villa Park, between 1990 and 1998.

Reasoning its final pick, Grok said: “Yorke was Villa’s talisman, blending pace, skill, and lethal finishing. His 97 goals in 232 appearances highlight his class, and his partnership with Andy Cole at Manchester United later proved his elite status.

“In five-a-side, Yorke’s quick feet, ability to exploit small gaps, and clinical one-on-one finishing would terrorize defences. His flair for nutmegs and clever movement would thrive in the confined, skill-driven environment of a small pitch.”

What do you make of the AI’s picks? Who would you choose? Let us know in the comments section below.