North London XI
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are two big clubs in North London and they have one of the fiercest rivalries in English football. There is good build-up to the matches, fierce banters and insults among the fans as they hate losing to each other. In the recent past, Arsenal have enjoyed a dominance over Spurs as they have finished above them in the league table on a consistent basis and have had a better record against their rivals. Spurs, now have a manager who has proved himself in the league and have a strong team which failed to generate the team chemistry last time out. Arsenal have made their team stronger than before and Arsene Wenger sees this squad as a title contending one especially when he is thinking of at least a couple of more marquee signings. Here is the North London XI which would consist of the players who are currently in the squad.
Goalkeeper:
Hugo Lloris
Lloris is an experienced goalkeeper and has been one of the best keepers in the world. Spurs have succeeded in holding on to him despite last season’s debacle. Szczesny has been a top performer for the Gunners but is still young in goalkeeping years and would take a couple of seasons at least to get to the level of the French International captain.
Defenders:
Right Back: Kyle Walker
While he had a dismal season last time, he is still a very important player for both club and country. He boasts of quick feet, electric pace and a strong physique. He is a good crosser and set-piece taker, has a powerful shot and is a good attacking full-back. He catches up with wingers because of his speed, whenever he tracks back from an offensive position. Debuchy, the Arsenal man is known to be a good no-nonsense full back. He is good in the air and works hard in defense, but has not much influence in attacking areas of the pitch. He isn’t the best tackler or the fastest runner either. Debuchy is a good overall right back but the young Englishman wins this battle.
Centre Back: Per Mertesacker
The German had a great season last time out as Arsenal finally learnt how to use him the best way. Always criticised for his lack of pace, he used to struggle to defend against fast players in the Premier League. But last time out, Arsene Wenger’s pairing of Koscielny next to him seemed to work magic. The Frenchman helped Mertesacker to use his strength and positioning to full effect while he closed down the faster players. In comparison, Michael Dawson of Spurs had a forgettable season last time out. He was heavily criticised for his displays in big matches and his form was average. He has quality, which he’ll need to find again this season.
Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny
The Arsenal man was among the best Premier League centre backs last year. A lot would be expected of him this time as well. Good on the ball, has good mobility and is a threat in set-pieces, the Frenchman was key to get the best out of his partner Mertesacker as well. In comparison, Spurs didn’t field a regular centre back. Younes Kaboul, Vlad Chiriches and Jan Vertonghen usually played this position. But since Vertonghen has shifted to the left-back role, Kaboul started playing CB. Kaboul didn’t have a good season last time in comparison to Koscielny.
Left Back: Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen is a central defender who was made to play on the left hand side of defense. He is surprisingly good on the flanks with his tough tackling and interceptions as well as his attacking displays with his crossing and overlaps. Keiran Gibbs of Arsenal is also a good left back but isn’t a standout player on the pitch. He hasn’t been a regular crosser or a no nonsense defensive player but seems to deliver to his expectations. But Vertonghen has always been a key member of the squad for Spurs and they would be lucky to hold on to him if he wants UCL football.
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