Chelsea vs Manchester City — Combined XI | FA Cup 2020/21

Defence: Ben Chilwell, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Joao Cancelo

Manchester United v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Semi Final

Based off this season, Ruben Dias is arguably one of the first names on the team sheet. The Portuguese defender has been one of the most incredible centre-backs in Europe since his move from SL Benfica and has transformed Manchester City's backline, making them one of the best defences in world football.

Apart from his impact on their defence, he's been an important player on the ball as well — registering more progressive carrying distance in England than any other player — which highlights his ability to drive his side forward.

💪 Manchester City have kept 14 clean sheets in the last 17 Premier League matches John Stones has started😱 Stones has scored more goals himself (4) than City have conceded in that time (3) pic.twitter.com/BdOZIz5ZKR

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 18, 2021

Dias' preferred partner, John Stones, reprises his role in this XI as he's been as impressive as City's new defensive colossus. After struggling at City for years, Stones is enjoying a career-best season at the Etihad alongside Dias as the two have combined to form a formidable unit together.

Chelsea's defenders have been impressive as well, with the likes of Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen proving to be difficult players to go past. However, City's defensive unit is currently the best in the world and occupies two spots in the middle of this back four.

João Cancelo: the best False-Back™ in the world right now. 😉

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 24, 2021

Joao Cancelo has shown that he possesses one of the most unique skillsets of any full-back in Europe so far. The Portuguese, much like Stones, didn't have a particularly productive season last time around but has grown into an important figure for them. He's operated higher up the pitch and in central areas with ease, easily slotting into multiple systems employed by Manchester City.

Chelsea's summer signing Ben Chilwell rounds off the back four as he slots in at left-back. The Englishman has had a great impact on the Blues since his big-money move from Leicester City, contributing superbly on the offensive and defensive fronts. With two goals and four assists to his name, he has more goal contributions in the league than any player in this backline, and indeed, more than any defender across both sides overall.

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