Midfield
Centre-midfielder – Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Victor Wanyama will normally be an automatic pick for the defensive midfield role. The Kenyan captain’s association started with Mauricio Pochettino during the latter’s time at Southampton and the Argentine manager brought him to London last summer.
However, Granit Xhaka gets in ahead of Wanyama and the likes of Eric Dier and Francis Coquelin, despite the criticism on him regarding his penchant for getting sent off.
The above comparison between the four players shows that Dier and Coquelin are not particularly inclined towards forward forays. Between Wanyama and Xhaka, the former Borussia Monchengladbach captain definitely has the ability to defend well despite not having Wanyama’s power and strength. His liking for shooting from range is a useful skill for the team as well.
Further, players who come in from German leagues come into their own in the second season and if Xhaka has been decent to good this year, he is bound to get better the following year. Thus, the Swiss gets the nod ahead of Wanyama.
Centre-midfielder – Mousa Dembele (Tottenham)
One of the most under-rated players in the league, Mousa Dembele is the orchestrator and the engine of this Spurs side and definitely one of the best midfielders in the league. Arsenal’s midfield has sorely missed Santi Cazorla this season and none of the others have truly nailed the role although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown promise when played in that position in recent months.
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The 29-year old Dembele is well-known for his defensive contribution as much as his dribbling ability from the middle of the park. His skill was recently praised by current Real Madrid superstar and former Tottenham team-mate Gareth Bale, who said, “To see Dembélé as a key member of Spurs’ squad is fantastic. Tottenham play better when he’s in form. It’s incredibly hard to get the ball off him. Once he has his body between you and the ball, he can keep it for years.”
Such talents are rare to find but the Belgian definitely finds himself in the combined XI.
Right attacking midfielder – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
The Dane is having the season of his life and easily takes the spot ahead of the likes of Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil. Eriksen has been the creative spark for Spurs and has 8 goals and 12 assists to his name in the Premier League this season.
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Ozil’s form has suffered this season and without end-product to show, he is a difficult player to have in the side as he does not offer much in terms of defensive contribution or work-rate. Walcott is a great option to have on the bench, but considering the attack on display, Eriksen’s vision, crossing and link-up play with Walker make him the apt choice for this position.
Left attacking midfielder – Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
The Chilean’s versatility is of great use in this combined XI as he can play on the left wing or as a striker with equal aplomb. Sanchez has been the brightest star for Arsenal this season with 19 goals and 9 assists in the league.
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Sanchez’s skill, work-rate and ability to link up well with the team make him the right person on the left-wing. Although Spurs’ Son Heung-min has definitely been outstanding in his sophomore season, he cannot displace Sanchez, who is undoubtedly a world-class player at the peak of his powers.
Central attacking midfield / Second striker – Dele Alli (Tottenham)
Receiving high praise from Arsene Wenger before a North London derby tells you the talent 21-year old Dele Alli has got in his locker. The Arsenal manager said, “He's done very well, he’s a complete player, he’s dangerous and it’s marvellous at his age.”
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He has already scored 16 goals in the league and is a very clever player who loves to play off the main striker and is adept at finding spaces to open up opposition defences. He is a better option than Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, who is yet to rediscover his old form and also Alli offers more playing behind the striker than Ozil though they are different types of players.
Further, Alli’s presence allows for great interchange of positions with Eriksen and Sanchez. All these factors are further proof for Alli, currently the hottest English prospect, to be in the combined XI.
