Liverpool v Arsenal: Combined XI

Arsenal are certainly a team on the up whereas over the last three years Liverpool has asserted themselves as a European powerhouse. It’s therefore only logical that Liverpool dominate this combined xi with no notable areas for concern in their entire side. 

Gk Alisson- Indisputably the best keeper in the league and arguably the best in the world. Alisson is everything you want in a modern day keeper, excellent on the ball and as a shot stopper. His inclusion comes as no surprise. 

Rb TAA- The rightful winner of the PFA young POTY. A dead ball specialist and consistent threat bombing up and down the right flank. Defensively he is questionable at times but his attacking output consistently overshadows his defensive liabilities. 

Cb Virgil Van Dijk- Hasn’t been as dominant since the premier league restarted but is still arguably the best centreback in world football. Dominant in the air, a leader at the back and an overall exceptional defender. 

Cb Joe Gomez- Pacy, skillful and aggressive cb who partnered Van Dijk to a record breaking league title for Liverpool. 

Lb Andy Robertson- Similar to TAA, a consistent threat bombing up and down the left flank but more defensively sound. His work rate is second to none and holds the position of best left back on the league.  

CDM Jordan Henderson- A controversial but deserved Football writers Association footballer of the year and a steady figure in Liverpool’s midfield. Consistently good with organizing his midfield,  distributing the ball and a vocal leader on the field. 

CM Granit Xhaka - The most debatable inclusion in this eleven. Xhaka has completely transformed his Arsenal career since Arteta’s appointment. A great passer of the ball, his positioning has improved tremendously and from both dead ball and long range situations he has  an excellent shot on him. 

CM Thiago- The best passer,controller,  most talented and accomplished midfielder between both sides. Thiago is everything you want in a midfielder and with his inclusion Liverpool have completely changed their dynamic. He has the ability to set the tempo of any game, most recently seen in the Champions League final. 

LW Sadio Mane- Dribbling, excellent reading of the game and most importantly,  end product. Sadio Mane has asserted himself as arguably the best left winger in the premier league since Eden Hazard’s departure. 

RW Mohamed Salah- Liverpool’s top scorer every season since his arrival. Rarely do you find a winger with consistent end product like Salah but he continues to produce the goods. 

ST Pierre Emerick Aubameyang- Arsenal’s best piece of business this transfer window was extending Aubameyang’s contract. A consistent threat running in behind defenders and a clinical finisher. He is an extremely reliable goal scorer and Arsenal’s best and most important player. 

Liverpool’s dominance in the eleven should not understate the quality in Arsenal’s squad. However, Liverpool didn’t dominate the league last season without having a multitude of world class players at their disposal. They are simply the team to beat no matter who is facing them.