While the La Liga is often touted as a two-horse race when compared to the English Premier League, its hard to argue that the two teams fans talk about from Spain consistently perform at a level English clubs only dream of in Europe’s elite club competition. So today we pick the best EPL XI that could take on the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona and quite possibly take them down.
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
He may be headed to Real Madrid in the near future but there are few who could argue against him being the best goalkeeper in the league. Blessed with lightning quick reflexes and almost cat-like agility; De Gea has grown leaps and bounds from the young Spaniard who came to England and struggled against crosses. His footwork has also been a particular feature of his game recently – simple and uncomplicated. Lining up against the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo; De Gea would be perfect for the EPL XI.
Right Back – Branislav Ivanovic
Having moved to Chelsea back in 2007, Ivanovic has gone from a back-up defender to one of the first names on the team-sheet. Having made the right-back slot his own; Ivanoic has developed a very healthy habit of hitting the back of the net regularly. The Serbian skipper notched up 6 goals this season from right-back and predominantly being regarded as a defensive right-back. Adding solidity and consistency at right back – Branislav Ivanovic.
Right Centre-Back – Jose Fonte
Perhaps a surprise inclusion in the side; Saints skipper Jose Fonte has been one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs this season. The Portuguese defender led the Saints with great valour as everyone expected the South Coast club to fumble and fold. Keeping in mind the system we would have to operate against the likes of Ronaldo and Messi; Fonte is ideal at the heart of the defence. Perhaps his greatest attribute was making Dejan Lovren look a class apart last season for the Saints.
Left Centre-Back – John Terry
34 year old John Terry defied common football logic of losing one’s powers as you grow older by putting in a season close to perfection at the heart of the Chelsea defence. Heading to the wrong side of the 30’s Terry led his defence brilliantly all season. Pairing him up with Jose Fonte for the EPL XI would be a lip-smacking delight for any manager as he can rest assured of two leaders and organisers right from his defence.
Left Back – Ryan Bertrand
This for the most surprising inclusion of them all – Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand has quietly notched up a season full of performances that even the best of players would be proud of. His signing from Chelsea for around £10 million now looks like a steal. The former Chelsea man who made his Blues debut in the Champions League final was the only Saints player to make the PFA Team of the Year.
Central Midfield – Francis Coquelin
24 year old Francis Coquelin has revived the faith in Arsenal’s investment in youth strategy having returned from a loan away to Charlton to dance his way into the heart of Arsenal’s midfield and make it his own. The Frenchman edges out Nemanja Matic purely due to his vocal and assertive presence on the pitch. While Matic is physically dominant in the same, position Coquelin offers more mobility and bite to the midfield that would line up against the technicians of Spain.
Central Midfield – Cesc Fabregas
The absurd red card away at the Hawthorns aside, its no real surprise that Fabregas lit up the League on his return with 18 league assists for the Blues. A superb passer of the ball who possesses both excellent vision and the ability to dictate the pace and tempo of a contest; the youngster from Arsenal has a strong character and mentality to complement his technical excellence as he put in one of the best midfield performances over the course of the season in the country for a long time. 23 assists in one season in the EPL; the perfect creative central midfielder for our team.
Left Wing – Eden Hazard
There simply couldn’t have been an easier position to fill on the team than this one. Last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year has gone from strength to strength this season, and maintained a level of performance virtually unrivalled in the best league in the world. Jose Mourinho said “People in love with football in this country must be in love with Eden Hazard”. Just about says it all really, and there’s plenty more to come from a 24-year-old who already has more than 50 Belgian caps to his name. The former Lille man will take good care of our dynamism down the left.
Right Wing – Alexis Sanchez
Alexis became the most expensive Chilean footballer of all time when he joined Barcelona from Udinese for £25million in 2011, and he became the second most expensive player in the history of Arsenal when he arrived at the Emirates for a reported £35million last summer. But despite the weight of expectation that comes with such enormous transfer fees, the 26-year-old has played with such freedom, passion and energy to endear himself to the Gunners’ faithful. Having snubbed Liverpool for Arsenal; the Chilean shows just what Liverpool have been missing as he dragged Arsenal over the line on a few occasions this season.
Centre Forward – Harry Kane
From where do you start when it comes to trying to assess the amazing impact this modern-day Roy of the Rovers has made this season? After various loan spells and having started the campaign as a ‘cup player’, Harry Kane has become as important to an evolving Tottenham side as any in the last decade. The young striker made the striker’s position his own despite being a playmaker-striker in a team that required a fox-in-the-box kind of striker. Having led the Spurs line so well, suitors have lined the youngster up already with the summer approaching. Perfect strike partner for our talisman.
Centre Forward – Sergio Aguero
Having pretty much snapped up the Golden Boot despite Kane chasing him; if it weren’t for Aguero, Manchester City would be struggling to make it to the top-four this season. The Argentine is one of the best centre-forwards in the world when fit and unless City find enough support for him next season he might just leave for better opportunities. Kane and Aguero in tandem – that would be one very hardworking strike-force with the likes of Hazard and Sanchez backing them up.
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