With both the clubs from Merseyside having excellent seasons in the league, it was pretty tough to choose a team of eleven from the clubs. There have been strong performances from both the teams with Everton having among the best defensive records in the league and their rivals Liverpool having one of the best attacking record courtesy the brilliant form of strikers Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
Here is the Merseyside XI for the season 2013-14
Goalkeeper : Tim Howard
Tim Howard deservedly is ahead of rival Simon Mignolet as he forms a key part of the defence that conceded only 37 goals throughout the course of the season in comparison to Liverpool who have leaked in more than 50 goals. Tim Howard has been one of the best keepers in the league and has drawn a lot of praise from his manager Roberto Martinez.
Right Back: Seamus Coleman
There was no real doubt in selecting Coleman. The Irish International who was previously a midfielder, has been a revelation in this season’s Barclay’s Premier League. His attacking play was lauded by experts and Everton’s organization and discipline helped the full backs to bombard up the pitch. He also chipped in with 6 goals this season.
Center Back: John Stones
The young English central defender was asked to step in for Captain Phil Jagielka when he got injured. John Stones did a commendable job at the back as he played more than what most fans would have expected and he also helped the team through the middle season as Everton successfully maintained a decent momentum throughout the season. Stones has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs notably Arsenal.
Centre Back: Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian centre back is the first Liverpool player to make the list, and with his goal scoring prowess this season, his selection was a no-brainer. Skrtel has provided aggression and passion while defending, but he has been a vital goal threat during the set pieces, which at times has given Liverpool a different type of attacker than what they usually have in strikers Sturridge and Suarez. Skrtel’s defending has been average, though, as he has conceded a few own goals as well as being in the centre of the defence that conceded over 50 goals. If it was not for his attacking ability, there was no way he would be in this team!
Left Back: Leighton Baines
England’s current first choice and one of the star players in Everton, Baines has been the soul of the team for the past few seasons. With his ability to maraud forward and create chances, Everton were always a threat from the wide areas. His combination with Coleman gave Everton width in their attacking play as well as Baines has been defensively decent as he barely out a foot wrong in the league as his defence holds a better record than Liverpool’s. Certainly deserving of the Merseyside XI spot.
Defensive Midfield: Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry might have been rejected by England for the World Cup, but he has been the vital cog for Everton’s defence. With the team playing with advancing full backs, his partnership with James McCarthy was very important to help the central defenders. Barry’s loan spell has been really superb for Everton as they went on to finish in the Europa League spot above the likes of Spurs and Man Utd while boasting of a strong defensive record, much to the perfect planning by Martinez by employing veteran mastermind Barry.
Defensive Midfield: Steven Gerrard
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has been one of their most important players and one of the best in the league this season. He ran the game from a deep position and also did his defensive duties to near perfection. Gerrard stepped up with crucial penalty goals and as always has been a brilliant set-piece taker for the team. With goals, assists and leadership, Gerrard was always going to make this list and it probably doesn’t need much explanation.
Central Attacking Midfield: Ross Barkley
The young Englishman has had a breakthrough season in the league with Everton and has caught the eye of many other clubs who want him for big money. His talent is such that it reminds the fans of a combination of a young Rooney with shades of Lampard and Gerrard. With such attributes, Barkley was sure to take the league by storm. He has enjoyed playing behind Lukaku and has also made it to the World Cup.
Striker: Luis Suarez
There is absolutely no doubt about Suarez’s inclusion. Has been the heartbeat of Liverpool and has risen to the top of the pile among the best strikers in the world. He has been clinical and decisive throughout the season as he won the EPL Golden Boot with 31 goals which is equalled only by Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid in Europe. Moreover, he has not taken a single penalty in his route to 31 goals, which makes his achievement even more handsome. He has also helped his partner Sturridge with some lovely assists.
Striker: Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has been the second highest goal-scorer in the league with 21 strikes. He has been a lethal goal threat throughout the season and has been clinical and confident whenever presented with a chance. He has been blamed for being selfish at times, but this same selfishness has given him an amazing goal tally. He is expected to light up England’s World Cup campaign, which requires him to be firing all cylinders against the tough defences of Italy and Uruguay in the group stages itself.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian has been prolific for Everton ever since joining them on loan from Chelsea. His 15 goals and 6 assists in the league have been very important for Everton who usually depend on only few goal-scorers. Lukaku helped his team maintain the solidity in their approach as he scored regularly as Everton nicked in results. Lukaku would mostly be with Chelsea next season as he has been better than the Chelsea strikers in the league, otherwise he would be a big money target for many top clubs.
