Two English giants in Liverpool and Chelsea face each other in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul. Liverpool are the Champions League winners and Chelsea are the Europa League winners. Let’s find out who’d make it in a combined XI. Liverpool are in favour of winning the game with a healthy odd.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Goalkeeper (Chelsea)
The Spaniard gets the pick because of the injury to Liverpool’s number 1 Alisson Becker. The Spaniard is comfortable playing the ball with his feet and is good enough between the sticks when called upon.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Right-back (Liverpool)
The English right-back is currently one of the most marauding right-backs in world football. His defensive game needs some sharpening but he’s one of the best going forward.
Joe Gomez – Centre-back (Liverpool)
The Englishman has come a long way since last season. He’s great with his feet, has the recovery pace and is physical enough to start at the heart of this backline. Antonio Rudiger would’ve probably been on this list if not for his injury.
Virgin van Dijk – Centre-back (Liverpool)
He was probably the easiest pick for this combined XI. Considered the best centre-back in the world by many. He would marshal entire backline regardless of who he partners.
Andy Robertson – Left-back (Liverpool)
Another marauding full-back that has been crucial to Liverpool’s recent success. There’s no doubt that he’s currently the most complete full-back in the world. Where some excel in one area, Robertson is just as good defensively as he is offensively.
Jorginho – Holding midfielder (Chelsea)
The beating heart of Chelsea’s midfield. There aren’t many midfielders in the world who are as good as the Italian international at receiving the ball and playing one touch. He’s always available for a pass and doesn’t waste time in moving the ball. His lack of mobility will be compensated by his team mates in this combined XI.
Jordan Henderson – Box-to-box midfielder (Liverpool)
Every good side needs an engine and there aren’t many that are better than Jordan Henderson. N’golo Kante would have been ideal in this role but he’s currently recovering from an injury after picking up a knock against Manchester United on the weekend.
Ross Barkley – Attacking midfielder (Chelsea)
Barkley will help add some goals from midfield and will also provide some creativity to this side. Liverpool don’t have someone with his skillset and Barkley will help open up defences if required.
Mohammed Salah – Right-winger (Liverpool)
The Egyptian international is one of the best forwards in the game and will be looking to cut in from the right side and score and create chances.
Roberto Firmino – False 9 (Liverpool)
The Brazilian is one of the best in his position and allows the likes of Salah to run in between the centre-backs and full-backs. He’s the best in the world at defending from the front.
Sadio Mane – Left-winger (Liverpool)
The Senegalese international completes the front-3 and offers the same as Salah on the other wing.