As the build up to the London Derby to take place between last year’s top two sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur continues we look at what a combined Chelsea and Spurs XI would look like.
The players who are either injured or suspended are also taken into consideration as not doing so leaves the team devoid of much-needed quality.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
The Spurs and France captain is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world. He is usually more important to his side than he is given credit for. He possesses great reflexes and his punches are second to none.
Defenders
RCB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is one of the league’s most versatile defenders. He has played in so many different positions over the last 3 seasons and has looked no less impressive in each of them. He excelled playing on the right side of a back three last season and did not miss a single minute of the campaign, highlighting his value.
CB – Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian is a robust defender and is right up there with the best. His presence in the Spurs defence has been the key to them consistently being the league’s meanest defence.
LCB – David Luiz
Alderweireld’s presence sees him pushed on the left of the back three from the center. Luiz has been a changed player since he returned from his adventure in France with PSG. He commits lesser errors now and is more resolute while defending. It looks like the Brazilian has found that the back three system is tailor made for him.
Midfielders
RWB – Kieran Trippier
Spurs sold their first choice right back Kyle Walker to rivals Manchester City. While they did make a lot of money from the sale, the move speaks volumes about Kieran Trippier’s quality. The defender signed from Burnley 3 seasons ago has a great amount of talent to replace Walker. Towards the end of last season, he started threatening Kyle for his place in the side and despite starting just 6 times, he ended the season with an impressive 5 assists.
CM- N’Golo Kante
It is hard to look beyond him for any combined XI in the league to fill the midfield position. Kante has won two titles in the last two season with different clubs highlighting his importance. The Frenchman was ever present and ever so impressive in both the campaigns. He offers the defenders ample protection and allows them to move forward without fear.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
The magician with the hat is still one of the League’s most creative players. His through balls are always looking for players making runs and he finds them more often than not. He will look to complement Kante’s defensive contribution with his attacking prowess.
LWB- Danny Rose
The Englishman when fit is extremely dangerous as a wing back. While he does his defensive duties well, he excels in attack thanks to his blistering pace. Rose has been linked with a move away from Spurs and it is no surprise to see why he has so many potential suitors.
Attackers
RAM – Christian Eriksen
The former Ajax midfielder has quietly been impressive since joining Spurs. While the likes of Alli and Kane hog the limelight, the Dane has been equally important to Spurs’ resurgence over the last two seasons. He also provides an excellent threat from set pieces.
LAM – Eden Hazard
It is hard to look beyond the diminutive Belgian to fill this role. When on song, there are few who can stop him. He is arguably one of the Premier League’s best players and can turn games on their heads almost single-handedly. He has been touted to win the Ballon D’or in the future and there are very few who would bet against that.
ST- Harry Kane
Kane has been winning the Golden Boot for the last two seasons now. He is always a slow starter to the League but gains immense momentum in the latter stages of the season. The Englishman scored a whopping 29 goals this season and will be looking to match or even better that tally this year.
