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Ah! The English League, that pioneering old classic turned rambunctious carnival (when they added the word ‘Premier’) of a football tournament, has seen its fair share of turmoil as the biggest clubs in the land fight toe-to-toe, year after year to establish their supremacy over the homeland of the beautiful game.
Since its inception in 1872, professional football has been dominated by teams hailing from within the boundaries of the metropolitan counties of Greater Manchester and Merseyside and the ceremonial county of Greater London.
Quite naturally too, consider the influence the biggest clubs in those counties – Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal (and more recently Manchester City and Chelsea) have had not just on English football, but world football itself.
In close to one and a half centuries of professional football in the land where they invented the beautiful game, English football clubs have won roughly 450 domestic, continental and intercontinental trophies – the three afore-mentioned counties have accounted for over 60% of that trophy haul.
| County | Titles | Victorious Clubs | Competitions
Domestic competitions include the League, FA Cup, League Cup, Charity Shield and the now defunct Full Members Club and the English Super Cup Continental competitions include the Champions League, Europa League (and its predecessors) and the UEFA Super Cup Inter-continental competitions include the FIFA Club World Cup and the now defunct Intercontinental Cup
|
| Greater London | 102 | Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Charlton, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Wimbledon | |
| Greater Manchester | 91 | Manchester United, Manchester City, Bolton, Bury, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic | |
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Merseyside | 84 | Liverpool, Everton |
With the 2014-15 season already gathering momentum, here’s a look at the best XIs (exclusively Premier League players) that each county could field if they ever decided to join forces - *mind flashes to images of Blues, Gunners and Spurs fans hugging each other and singing the same songs at White Hart Lane*
*mind explodes*
Disclaimer – the elevens have been chosen purely on the basis of potential (as many have not had a long enough run,if at all, in the league) and keeping in mind the necessity of having a sensible formation.
London XI
As seen, the capital is on top in the county vs county competition, and it had better be, considering the fact that they seem to have a top-level football club at the end of every street!
The 2014 edition of the Premier League too has its fair share of Londoners. They are an eclectic bunch; ranging from the very top of the table Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to the mid - bottom dwellers, West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
Naturally, a London XI would draw upon the superstars of the genuine title challengers more than the others, the selection is not indicative of bias on the author’s part – more an indication of the distribution of wealth (and corresponding talent) in the city/ county.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian was arguably the best goalkeeper in the world last year, alongside the enigmatic Manuel Neuer, and his incredible agility and immense command of his penalty box make him stand out as one of the top talents in the footballing world
Defence
RB: Branislav Ivanovic – The big Serb, naturally a centre back, has made the right back role his own over the years with his piercing runs down the right hand flank and the undoubted defensive ability that he has always possessed making him a hard man to deal with. His incredible aerial ability helps too.
CB: John Terry (C) – The Englishman may not be the most technically adept defender out there, but he more than makes up for it with a keen sense of positioning and the disposition of a celtic warrior defending his turf. Brave, Inspirational and a commander on the pitch - the Londoner captains his hometown side
CB: Gary Cahill – Tall and imposing, Cahill has emerged as one of the best centre backs in the league. He also shares a semi-telepathic chemistry with Terry that make the duo the toughest heart of any defence in the nation. It would be criminal to break the two up.
LB: Filipe Luis – Sure, Cesar Azpilecueta has been brilliant in the role over the course of last season, but in Filipe Luis, they have a specilist left back and a champion who was colossal for Atletico Madrid last season with his pace, calmness and astute defensive abilities. (Don’t want to repeat Scolari’s huge mistake now, do we?). (Take nothing away from the brilliance of Azpilicueta – he get’s in as back-up to the right back)
Midfield
CM: Francesc Fabregas – Oh Cesc! Coming back into the city that nurtured and built his reputation, the Spanish midfield maestro waltzes into the side with trademark flair. His out-of-the world passing, vision and incredible tenacity make him one of the best buys Mourinho has made in either spell at Chelsea.
CDM: Nemanja Matic – When Roman Abrahamovich and Chelsea swallow their ego, you know it’s only going to be for something monumental. Having let the Serbian tough-guy go to Benfica on the cheap, they bought him back for much more. With his strength, intuitive reading of the game, and consummate technical skill, he’s been worth every cent … and more.
CM: Aaron Ramsey – Where most managers would have lost faith, Arsene Wenger didn’t and boy did it pay off. After suffering a horror injury and the subsequent fall in form, Ramsey has emerged as one of the best players in the league, his constant running, visionary passing and all those goals he scores (resulting from perfectly timed runs into the box) making him a shoo-in for the capital side.
Forward line
RW: Alexis Sanchez - The Chilean superstar is blessed with pace, power and incredible skill on the ball. Combine this with the tenacity of a hyena chasing wounded prey and you get one hell of a player; possibly the player that can elevate Arsenal to the next level.
LW: Eden Hazard – The Belgian maverick can be quite frustrating at times (as recently evidenced by his World Cup performance) but on his game, there are very few who can match him. Fast, incisive and extremely skillfull, Hazard’s ability to fly down the left wing and then cut in to shoot powerfully make him a dangerous prospect for any defence.
CF: Diego Costa – The (Brazilian born) Spaniard was the revelation of last season. Thriving on his own up front in a dangerous Atletico Madrid unit, Costa was immense, as he scored at will, bulldozing his way through defences with a heady mix of skill, strength and arrogance. The first few games of this season have almost confirmed most people’s suspicion that he is tailor made for this league
Ideal Formation: Ostensibly a 4-3-3, that can fall back into a 4-5-1 if required.
Substitutes - Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Loic Remy (Chelsea)
Manager
Jose Mourinho – As great as Arsene Wenger is, and as great as Mauricio Pochettino promises to be (and with all due to respect to Allardyce and the exceptional Neil Warnock), the incredible concoction of aggression, charisma and master tactics that is the Special One is just that extra bit more... special!
Merseyside XI
The great shipbuilding docks at Merseyside have seen many a historic triumph over the years – mostly from the side of the county clad in red. There are a number of football clubs in the lower leagues from the area such as Tranmere Rovers but the two biggest clubs are undoubtedly Everton and Liverpool.
In the glory days of the 70’s and 80’s when Liverpool held sway over England, and indeed Europe (Everton came into their own in the mid-80’s too, possessing one of the best teams ever seen on English shores), the Beatles held their own in the music world and Merseyside was the place to be. Any success these days has been sporadic, but with Liverpool on the charge and Everton gaining ground, there is a promising wind blowing across the county – glory may be theirs again, soon.
Predictably the top half of the combined XI is Liverpool heavy and the defensive end favours Everton.
Goalkeeper
Tim Howard (C) – The charismatic American has been doing wonderfully well in the league for the best part of a decade now; in the last couple of seasons it appears his performances have been getting even better (as seen in his heroic displays in the World Cup, especially the Belgium game). He is our captain.
Defence
RB: Seamus Coleman – The Irishman was without a doubt the best right back in the league last season, as using his pace, tireless running and wonderful shot, he bombed his way through the left flanks of most teams with skill and verve. Add defensive solidity to this and you have the ingredients of a great fullback.
CB: Dejan Lovren – The Croat joined Liverpool this summer from Southampton, where he led the Saints backline with distinction as they produced impressive display after impressive display last season. Impressive tackling and aerial abilities perfectly complement an instinctively great reading of the game.
CB: Phil Jagielka – The Englishman has been one of the most consistent performers in the league over the years, and at Everton he has marshalled a rock-solid defence with great skill. Technically astute, Jagielka is solid and has great strength, as well as a great tackling technique.
LB: Leighton Baines – The local boy who fulfilled his dream – Baines (from Kirkby, Merseyside) has grown into one of the best left backs in the world. With pace and a wicked left foot, he can be a great threat whether flying forward or delivering those trademark vicious set-pieces.
Midfield
CM: Ross Barkley – Another merseysider playing out his fantasy, 20 year old Barkley was one of the brightest young talents on display in the league last season. Fantastic dribbling abilities allied with pace and vision make him an extremely entertaining talent.
CDM: Gareth Barry – The base of this midfield diamond, Barry is one of the most under-rated footballers in the league. With a keen sense of how the game is flowing, incredible anticipation and positioning and a die-hard attitude, Barry is the archetypal holding midfielder (his defensive qualities edge out Liverpool great Steven Gerrard from the line up)
CM: Jordan Henderson – The man who was shunned by all was given a breath of fresh air by Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers. Full of tireless and selfless running, Henderson’s passing abilities and shooting prowess see him get into the team for his quality to carry his team through the middle of the pitch.
CAM: Raheem Sterling – Arguably the most exciting youngster playing in England at the moment, Sterling took England, and the world by storm last season where his mazy dribbling, searing pace and audacious tricks left older, more experienced defenders red-faced and (usually) on their back-sides. Sterling is the creative hub of the team, and the spear shaped tip of the diamond.
Forward line
CF: Daniel Sturridge – Always considered to be a talent, Sturridge had been lambasted from pillar to post for perceived selfishness and lack of application. His move to Liverpool changed that and he formed a deadly attacking trident along with Sterling and the effervescent Luis Suarez. His sharpness, breathtaking pace, control and ruthlessness in goal make him on of the league’s best forwards
CF: Mario Balotelli – Mario, oh! Mario. The eccentric Italian is back in the league, this team with Liverpool, and it remains to be seen if Rodgers can shackle the madness and unleash, what is potentially, one of the world’s most talented strikers on the league this season. For sheer potential (not to mention personality) Balotelli makes it into the team ahead of Evertonion powerhouse Romelu Lukaku
Ideal Formation: 4-4-2 diamond
Substitutes – Simon Mignolet, (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Steven Gerard (Liverpool), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Phillipe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Manager
Brendan Rodgers - The ultimate man-manager, the brilliant North Irishman has taken the great work he did at Swansea and managed to translate that into even greater success at the historic premises of Anfield. Rodger’s Liverpool are fast, incisive and ruthless, making them probably the most entertaining unit in the country. A lot of credit for that goes to Rodgers. It must be said thought that his Evertonian counterpart, Roberto Martinez, is almost equally brilliant!
Manchester XI
In the 70s and 80s Manchester was left chasing their hated north-western neighbours’ shadows where they went. That all changed with the arrival of a Scot named Alex Ferguson (and much later on, Sheikhs Mansoor bin Zayed of the emirate of Abu Dhabi!). Manchester United and Oasis led the proud county back to the forefront of England’s and the World’s footballing and music scenes.
Now with United and City taking turns to win titles in the new decade (and there is no love lost between the two), Manchester lords over English football with the regal haughtiness of an Emperor.
Even if Bolton and Bury (the other major clubs in the county) were to be in the Premier League, the squad would still in all probability consist exclusively of the red of United and sky blue of City. With the United team undergoing major surgery, the team naturally has a strong light-blue flavour.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea – The Spaniard was one of the few bright spots for Manchester United last season, and he shows no signs of letting up. An incredible shot-stopper possessed with great agility, speed and reflexes, De Gea has vastly improved his skills against aerial balls and looks the real deal. Could grow into a United legend in the mould of Peter Schmiechel!
Defence
RB: Pablo Zabaleta - The marauding Argentine is arguably the best player in his position in the world today. With a “I’d rather die than give up” spirit and seemingly endless stamina, he is effective both as a defensive shield and an attacking weapon with his ability to send in searching crosses and knack for scoring important goals.
CB: Vincent Kompany (C) – The rock at the heart of the Mancunian defence, the giant Belgian is one of the most complete central defenders in the world today. Brave, strong, ferocious in tackle and with an uncanny ability to read moves, Kompany is the inspirational leader of the team from Greater Manchester
CB- Eliaquim Mangala – A talented centre-back with all the traditional attributes of a classical old-school defender with great athleticism and astonishing acceleration to break down attacks with consummate ease.
LB: Luke Shaw – The uber-talented youngster was one of the most promising youngsters on show in the league last season for Southampton. His incisive and tireless running from the back and intuitive defensive abilities mark him out as one of the best fullbacks in the league
Midfield
CDM: Fernandinho – The Brazilian may have had a nightmare World Cup but that does not take the sheen away from his magnificent displays in the heart of midfield for City last season. He was the tireless engine that mopped up behind the more creative forces in front of him and served as the dike against which wave after wave of opposition attack floundered
CM: Yaya Toure – Strong, agile, fast; Toure is a beast of a football player who seems to have imbibed the qualities of that brilliant Marvel creation (from X Men) Juggernaut. Like the mutant, if the Ivorian builds up a head of steam, he is impossible to stop. Strong defensively, the presence of Fernandinho at his side gives him the attacking freedom that makes him arguably, the league’s most dangerous player.
RAM: Angel Di Maria -The magnificent Argentine may just be the talisman that rejuvenates an ailing Manchester United. Tireless running and boundless energy perfectly compliment tremendous ability on the ball. His lightning pace and the ability to run at defences with the ball seemingly tied to his laces are a great asset. Combine that with a left foot that often has a brain of its own and you get one superstar of a talented footballer.
LAM: David Silva – With a footballing supercomputer for a brain, Silva is often capable of computing angles and trajectories most people wouldn’t have seen if someone had drawn it on a chalkboard and shown to them. Combine that intelligence with the Spaniard’s wicked left foot, and you have a player who wreaks havoc in opposition defences where he ends up floating across the business end of the pitch. His trademark pinpoint passing make him a striker’s fantasy made true.
Forward Line
CF: Radamel Falcao – The Colombian superstar with a seemingly insatiable hunger for goals comes to Manchester with a huge reputation and the numbers to prove it. Scoring across Europe, Falcao’s pace, physical presence, aerial ability and sublime finishing make him a terrifying prospect for defenders everwhere.
CF: Sergio Aguero – Where Aguero goes, goals follow. With a remarkable nose for goals, the Argentine superstar scores by the bucketloads (if his hamstrings hold up that is). Deadly in the penalty box, his low center of gravity and incredible close control make him a nightmare for defenders to handle as he twists and turns his way into our Mancunian combined XI
Substitutes – Joe Hart (Man City), Martin Dimichelis (Man City), Phil Jones (Man United), Fernando (Man City), Juan Mata (Man United), Robin van Persie (Man United), Wayne Rooney (Man United)
Ideal formation: 4-2-2-2 (with Silva and Di Maria given license to roam)
Manager
Manuel Pelligrini – As great a coach as Louis van Gaal is, the classy Chilean pips him to the post – just – by virtue of his previous success in the nation, chemistry with the majority of the starting eleven and for the sheer genius of his managerial ability. Man City at times last season looked like they could rip apart anyone on their day – slick passing and constant off the ball movement making them an unpredictable and intense opponent – in the mould of any classic Pellegrini side.
London XI vs Merseyside XI vs Manchester XI
The strengths
London – Balanced squad
The Londoners are a well-balanced unit with an incredibly solid defence and arguably the best goalkeeper of the lot guarding their net. Their midfield has that unique blend of steel and flair that can boss matches regardless of opposition and their attack is as deadly as they come – fast, direct and ruthless.
Possible strategy – As comfortable as the side will be with the ball in possession, Mourinho’s general tactics of drawing the opponent in before going for the kill looks the more likely strategy
Merseyside – Youthful attacking verve
The Merseysiders with that heavy Liverpool influence and aided and abetted by the sparkling Ross Barkley are a wonderfully vibrant side full of youthful verve and immense attacking talent. Their pace, ability to run with the ball at opposition and their ability to carve out intricate pathways at breakneck speed make them slippery customers to deal with.
Add to this the potent forward runs of Coleman and Baines (which can happen only with the solidity that Barry offers) and you have some guaranteed entertainment.
Possible strategy – Counter attack at break neck speed
Manchester – Varied and deadly attack
The Mancunians are packed to the rafters with attacking talent of a varied and deadly nature. Just have a look at the bench – Mata, RVP and Rooney, these guys, would walk into most teams’ dressing rooms and lift the quality by just being there!
The starting lineup has its share of incisive passers (in Silva), mazy dribblers (in Di Maria), powerful bulldozers (in Toure) and ruthless finishers (Aguero and Falcao). With Silva drifting inside, Di Maria’s natural tendency to waft towards the wings would stretch teams and if these two keep exchanging positions as they are eminently capable of doing, the defence will a hard time pining them done.
One word comes to mind when we picture all these players on the same pitch; Goals (emphasis on the plural)
The Weaknesses
London – Lack of real width
As talented as the outfit is, they are filled with wide players who work best when the cut inside powerfully. Sanchez and Hazard are both at their best once they come into that middle portion of the end third, and so are Schurrle, Eriksen and Ozil on the bench. Now can you can say that I’m missing the bleeding obvious in the pocketsize dynamo shaped hole in the squad that Theo Walcott’s absence results in, but Walcott himself really doesn’t want to be a winger as he’s stated multiple times. And discontent breeds incompetence.
Possible counter strategy – Park the bus against this outfit and wait to hit on the counter and you may just frustrate a (relatively) less varied attack.
Merseyside – Lack of real steel in midfield
The reason Gareth Barry pipped the legendary Steven Gerrard to the midfield is to add a measure of defensive solidity to that Merseyside eleven. But even with the grit of Barry in it, the midfield lacks that biting, commanding presence of a Matic or a Fernandinho that can make all the difference in the world in a tight match.
Possible counter strategy – Once the inevitable early tsunami of attacks from the youngsters is weathered, gaps will start opening up in this Merseyside outfit, and a team willing to, and capable of, mixing it up in the middle of the park may just gain the upper hand
Manchester – Lack of cover in defence
As talented as the starting four are, the defence is a real concern for both Mancunian teams. A lack of defensive cover will hurt the team when coming up against high-intensity, high quality team, even with the steel and discipline of Fernandinho and the formidable presence of Yaya Toure.
Possible counter strategy – focus on putting as much pressure as possible on the (relatively shaky) defence with a concerted high-pressing game plan
Who wins?
Comparisons amongst teams are at the best of times fraught with uncertainties (unless of course, they end up playing on the same pitch) but take hypothetical teams, a collection of mammoth talents and even bigger egos at that and you have with you something more uncertainly volatile than sticks of nitroglycerine in the back of a truck riding the potholes of Bangalore
No one can be sure of the kind of chemistry say a Sanchez and a Costa would enjoy or whether a strike partnership of Falcao and Aguero can really share the kind of telepathic understanding that sets apart the greatest strike partnerships (think Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke in their prime)
Having said that, the superior balance of the capital outfit comes through in my view as the more complete side, comfortable in attack and defence and eminently capable of bossing any midfield both in terms of strength or ability to keep ahold of the ball and move it about intelligently (although the Mancunian midfield is on par with it on both counts, if not slightly better).
Add to this potent mix a manager like Mourinho, who seems to exist for the sole purpose of wining on a big occasion and you can see why they have the slight edge over the northern neighbours
Although dealing with the scary attacking threat on show for the northern sides would be the greatest test for this tough capital city defence, for me the Londoners narrowly edge out the Mancunians who I can see beating off the challenge from Merseysde (if they can weather that early onslaught, that is),
Verdict
London > Manchester > Merseyside
