I’m sure most fans have let themselves be flown away in a flight of fancy, where they imagine a certain bunch of players in their team, who could make their dreams of end-of-seaosn glory come true. We have allowed ourselves too as well. So, here’s T4O’s best possible XI from a mix of Chelsea and Liverpool players, who, when put out there on the pitch, the sum of their parts could demolish any deterrent set in their way.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Thibaut Courtois
When you’re competition is from Simon Mignolet, half your battle is won. Ranging from pedestrian to passable, the fortunes of the Belgian number 2, has been botchy. Despite pulling off some respectable performances, Mignolet’s inability to save shots directed at his near post has cost his team points. Thibaut Courtois wins this hands down.
Nathaniel Clyne
Ever-reliable, and never running out of steam, Nathaniel Clyne’s propensity for near-perfect positioning has bailed his team out on plenty of occasions, while always looking to be an attacking outlet from defence and be an option in the wide areas. Ivanovic’s lacklustre performances puts him out of contention.
Joel Matip
Stylish and uncompromising, the 6’5” Cameroonian international is the cement that holds the Liverpool defensive wall together. A natural leader, and exuding calm composure, he’d feature ahead of David Luiz – who has a reckless streak in him, with the monkey in his head pulling the strings.
Ragnar Klavan
Ragnar Klavan is a Baltic behemoth quarried for the rigours of the Premier League. With a knack of finding the right options to pass the ball to, he’s another one who would provide security in the rearguard, and would offer more in terms playing out from the back than Gary Cahill.
Cesar Azpilicueta
A certain starter at left-back, Azpilicueta would be an assured improvement over Alberto Moreno, being one of the most well-balanced full-backs in the league.
N’Golo Kante
The one-man man-o-war has enough about him to go about the job without much hassle. Dropping anchor, he’d allow the fleet of attackers storm the seven seas.
Jordan Henderson
The perfect partner to N’Golo Kante, his nerveless and breathless pressing, coupled with his link-up plays, would be the corridor for converting defence into attack while facilitating his frontline of attackers. He’d provide a zen-like balance to the team.
Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian is a football ninja of sorts, who hides in the fringes of the camera, up until the ball arrives in the general area of the opposition box, where he places himself in a position that is most advantageous to reap the rewards. Remarkably unmarkable.
Eden Hazard
Keeping Phil Coutinho out a combined 11 was a tough call to make, but I’d be dishonest to not concede that the magical Brazilain is yet to hit the levels of consistency that is demanded at a level this high. Fair to say that despite a hit and miss last season, Eden has shown enough consistency to eke out in front of the lil’ magician.
Sadio Mane
Scintillating Sadio Mane has had a rip-roaring start to life at Liverpool. So much so, that you’d be inclined to naming him in the potential Premier League team of the first four game weeks. Watch out Azpilicueta.
Diego Costa
The big bad wolf of the Premier League is back, and he’s blowing down straw-house defences with his huffing and puffing. On his day, almost unplayable, shades past Daniel Sturridge purely on the basis of his influence in the box.
