There is always an inclination that fans have, of prizing, albeit, begrudgingly, some of the players of the opponent team. Ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Leicester for the 3rd round of The English League Cup, T4O, pandering to that fanciful thinking, have listed the best combined 11 that could wrestle teams into submission.
Goal-keeper
Thibaut Courtois
At one point, regarded as the best young goalkeeper in world football, while tending the posts of Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old Belgian number 1 has shown glimpses of his promise, despite the downturn in form and fortunes coinciding with injuries and Chelsea’s apparent struggles. Shades Kasper by a smidgen.
Right-back
Cesar Azpilicueta
The superbly ambidextrous full-back is capable of manning either flank, and would be a definite upgrade on Danny Simpson. And taking the formation into consideration, his defensive competency would be required doubly.
Centre-backs
John Terry and Wes Morgan
We have two old dogs in the defence. John Terry and Wes Morgan’s defensive resoluteness would be a sight to see, and a lesson in back-to-the-walls school of the art. The ponderings of David Luiz wouldn’t find a place in this no-nonsense backline.
Left-back
Christain Fuchs
Fitted with a well-oiled engine, Christian Fuchs’ #noFuchsGiven sass would be crucial for this formation to work. Much like Azpilicueta, he’d have the required industry and pace to provide width, and enough positioning ability about him to fall back when needed.
Central Midfielders
Danny Drinkwater and N’Golo Kante
Ah, the old brothers-in-arms. The perfect midfield combo. While N’Golo Kante goes about sniping at the heels, bagging possession, it will be Danny Drinkwater’s metronomic right-foot that would take monopoly of the tempo and tone of play. You don’t fix what isn’t broken.
Left Attacking-midfielder
Eden Hazard
The effervescent Eden has to start down the left, albeit, more centrally, allowing him to harness the full extent of his playmaking abilities, and run, in consequence of haveing more grass to run into.
Right Attacking-midfielder
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad, too, will thrive in this formation due to the aforementioned reasons, that allows him to get closer to the opponent’s box, play more one-twos, and get into the area.
Centre Forwards
Diego Costa and Islam Slimani
This pair is bound to be an absolute handful, that should tear teams asunder. Both big, both, burly, and will bag in between them, a bagful of goals.
The pair would also bring the best out of Eden Hazard and Riyad Mahrez, owing to their ability to play midfield runners in, with their backs to goal.
Substitutes
Kasper Schmeichel, David Luiz, Jamie Vardy, Michy Batshuayi, Willian, Loftus-Cheek, Ahmed Musa
This looks to be a well-balanced bench with a lot of strength in depth and variety to call upon, to effect any change of formation or style.
Manager
Claudio Ranieri
The wizened old Italian is picked over Tony Conte strictly on the basis of his familiarity with the base 4-4-2 formation.
