Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, ahead of the game we look at what the combined team of the best players would look:
GOALKEEPER
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Alisson’s injury had made goalkeeper position an easy one to choose, with Adrian not in the same league as Kepa. Kepa is supremely talented with the ball at his feet and is comfortable playing out from the back, he made some crucial saves for Chelsea at the end of last season but is yet to show that form this season.
RIGHT BACK
Trent Alexander-Arnold
There was only one winner between the choice of Cesar Azpilicueta and Alexander-Arnold with Azpilicueta in woeful form. Trent Alexander-Arnold has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League even though he is just 20 years of age.
CENTRE BACKS
Virgil Van Dijk
The first name on any team sheet at the moment. Van Dijk is regarded as the best center-back in the world. The Dutch international is a brilliant reader of the game and always looks unfazed on the field.
Antonio Rudiger
Represents a better option than Joel Matip, would compliment Van Dijk perfectly with his athleticism.
The defender is world-class at one on one situations and is strong in the tackle. His passing from the back can improve.
LEFT BACK
Andy Robertson
Emerson has been impressive for Chelsea this season, but for sheer consistency and effort, Robertson would get in any side on the planet. Andy Robertson has been a sensation for Liverpool since signing from Hull City. The Scottish international is always available on the overlap and is a brilliant crosser of the ball.
MIDFIELD
Fabinho
Van Dijk and Liverpool’s front three get most of the attention in the Liverpool side but one player who has gone slightly under the radar recently is midfielder Fabinho. He is the one asked to sweep around and provide the protection as the full-backs push forward and his fellow midfielders operate in the half-spaces ahead of him.25 matches in which Fabinho has started have brought 21 wins, four draws, and no defeats. This stat underlines Fabinho’s importance to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
N’golo Kante
Kante has missed large parts this season with injury but his return to the Chelsea side will bring an enormous boost in confidence. The French international was brilliant in the UEFA Super Cup game against Liverpool and he will provide more protection to Chelsea’s back four or back three.
Mason Mount
While it may still be early days, Maon Mount is looking like he has played in the Premier League for years. Mount who was on loan in the Championship with Derby last season has had an impressive start to the season, scoring three goals in five league games
ATTACK
Sadio Mane
Probably the most in-form player in the league right now, Sadio Mane has established himself as one of the best players in the world at the moment. Pacy and strong Mane can get past defenders with ease and has improved his finishing considerably.
Roberto Firmino
The glue that holds Liverpool’s front three together often goes under the radar due to his lack of goals but make no mistake, Firmino is a crucial player for Liverpool. Showed his importance to the side when he came off the bench against Newcastle to change the game
Mo Salah
Many pundits were skeptical whether Salah could replicate his scoring after his first season at Liverpool, but Mo Salah has buried any doubts of him being a one-season wonder. Truly a world-class player.
