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After the NBA all-star game took place late last month Romelu Lukaku tweeted his desire to have an EPL (Premier league) all-star game. The Manchester United striker suggested that a Premier league version of the game should pit north vs south. This has got fans thinking about how these all-star teams would lineup.
Some ground rules must apply though, or else we’ll just see the team dominated by the top clubs. Each EPL team can only have a maximum of three players on the team and every EPL team must have at least one representative, just to fill out the rest of the squad.
Just as a quick refresher, north consists of Burnley, Everton, Huddersfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle, Stoke and West Brom while south will feature Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Swansea, Tottenham, Watford and West Ham.
And this is all based on this season’s form.
North will deploy a 4-2-2 while South will play in a 4-2-3-1.
#1 Goalkeepers
NORTH
David de Gea (Manchester United)
This one is very straightforward. David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the league without a shadow of doubt. He goes straight into this team without hesitation and will be a huge asset to the north.
At the club since 2011, Manchester United are quite lucky to have the Spanish stopper between the sticks. He has consistently saved the side making some unreal saves in the process.
Winning the club's player of the season award in the previous two seasons and making the PFA Team of The year four times in the last five years, de Gea is likely to repeat both honors.
SOUTH
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
Thibaut Courtois has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league since he became Chelsea’s number one after coming back from a 2 year loan spell at Atletico Madrid in 2014. Already a 2 time Premier League winner, Courtois was a key player in both those campaigns for Chelsea, making several big saves.
With rumors of a move to Real Madrid consistently cropping up, with even the player himself saying it may be difficult to turn down, it's clear to see why the Madrid club would want to bring in the Belgian.
Still only 25, Courtois could still have more than a decade left at the top level and if his career so far is anything to go by, he could be the world's safest pair of hands someday.
#2 Defenders
NORTH
Right Back
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker has been the league's best right back for a few years now and this season has continued in that form for his new club. Joining City from Tottenham for £50 million in the summer, Walker has slotted in seamlessly in the City defense helping his side concede the fewest goals in the league while also contributing at the other end of the pitch, helping his side score the most in the league with his 5 assists.
Center Backs
Harry Maguire (Leicester City)
Although the first pick from outside the top clubs, it may not be long before Harry Maguire starts playing for one. Joining Leicester from relegated Hull City this past summer Maguire has shown why his former club asked for what was seen at the time as an overpriced £17 million.
Maguire was one of the few bright spots in Hull's side last season and has continued to impress in his second season in the league. Maguire has been a wall in Leicester’s defense, helping the club settle in 8th place (presently) after a relegation scare last season. The Englishman is also a big threat on set pieces with an impressive 2 goals and 4 assists so far this season.
With England regulars like Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling under-performing this season, Maguire could be on the plane to Russia in the summer.
Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)
Another 24-year-old English center-back, Jamaal Lascelles has been Newcastle's best player this season as they try and survive the drop. The club captain, Lascelles embodies the fire and determination that Newcastle need to stay up.
A fan's favorite, he isn't quite yet rated by other fans but if Newcastle can stay up and Lascelles can continue to guide them in the league then it will only be a matter of time before many more start to see his quality.
Just like Maguire, Lascelles is a set piece threat scoring 3 goals so far this season and together they form a strong, tall, underrated partnership.
Left Back
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
This time last year Andy Robertson was fighting for Premier League survival with Hull. Now he is thriving in Europe with Liverpool. After only starting 2 of the first 14 league games, Robertson has started 14 of the last 15.
An injury to Alberto Moreno saw him given a chance and he hasn't looked back. Now Robertson is Liverpool’s first choice left back. He not only is solid at the back unlike most fullbacks, he also does all the attacking work one is expected to do. He is the complete package and leaves everything on the pitch.
SOUTH
Right Back
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)
When Walker left Tottenham this summer Serge Aurier was brought in to replace him, but to everyone's surprise, it hasn't been the Ivorian who has started the majority of games, but rather Kieran Trippier.
Trippier is currently in his third season at Spurs and having only started 11 league games in his first 2 campaigns the Englishman has started 16 this time around. Now a mainstay in the Spurs' defense, Trippier has proven himself and has adequately replaced Walker.
Center Backs
César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Originally a fullback, César Azpilicueta has found his home in the centre of defence and is now one of the league's best. Exceptional both on and off the ball Azpilicueta has developed into an all-around defender, able to make crucial interceptions and last-ditch tackles, while also being able to win the back and carry it into midfield. He also has 6 assists so far this season, an amazing amount for a centre back.
As Gary Cahill features less for Chelsea these days Azpilicueta is given the armband for Chelsea and the same thing goes for this team.
Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
Nacho Monreal has had a bit of a career resurgence of late. Arsene Wenger now favors playing a back three and Monreal has been deployed as the left-hand center back and has done an excellent job there.
Arsenal's best defender this season is Monreal, and just like Azpilicueta early he is originally a fullback, and just like Azpilicueta is good both on and off the ball. But unlike Azpilicueta’s 6 assists and 0 goals, Monreal has 4 league goals and 2 assists.
Left Back
Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
Ryan Bertrand has quietly gone about his business since moving to Southampton 4 years ago. Since then he has been one of the league's most consistent players. His performances may have dipped this season a bit, but in this disappointing season for the Saints, Bertrand has been one of their best players.
#3 Midfielders
NORTH
Right Midfield
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Starting our midfield four off, on the right is Mohamed Salah. With 24 goals in the league this season, picking Salah is a no-brainer. Many doubted him when he came back to the league after a previously failed stint at Chelsea, but Salah has proven them all wrong and is now one of, if not the best player in the league.
His electric pace, insane close control and unreal finishing ability makes Salah one of the most dangerous players in the world.
Although in real life he operates on the right of a 4-3-3 he will be deployed on the right of a 4-2-2 in this team, but should still be able to be a potent goal threat.
Central Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Wilfred Ndidi has been one of Leicester’s stars since joining the club a year ago. Seen as N'Golo Kante’s replacement 6 months after he left, the 21-year-old obviously hasn't hit the heights Kante did during his time at the King Power, but he hasn't disappointed either.
Ndidi is a hard tackling, no-nonsense midfielder whose primary goal is to screen the back four. With an impressive year so far in English football to his name and with the rest of this season still to go Ndidi will most likely be included in Nigeria's World Cup squad which could be the platform he needs to get recognized by bigger clubs.
In this team he’ll be the rock in front of the back four, tasked with winning the ball back and playing it to the main attacking talents.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
If Salah doesn't win the PFA Player of The year then Kevin De Bruyne will. De Bruyne has so far scored 7 goals and made 14 assists, as he spearheads Manchester City to a historic title win.
De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the world this season, adapting to the deeper position Pep Guardiola has deployed him in with ease. Nothing more can be said about the brilliant Belgian. He is a world class player who would walk into any team in the world.
In this team he will operate alongside Ndidi, this will allow him the freedom he thrives in. I’ve decided to give De Bruyne the captaincy.
Left Midfield
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
One of the league's most improved players this season is Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling. This season he has upped his game a level, especially his finishing. Previously Sterling was seen as a poor finisher who always squandered the simplest of chances, but this season he hasn't let those chances pass him by.
This campaign he has registered 15 goals, the fourth best in the league, and 6 assists. His previous best tally was in the 2013-14 season with Liverpool when he recorded 9 goals and 5 assists. Clearly, his end product is improving and with Guardiola’s side getting better we can safely say Sterling will follow suit as he enters the prime of his career.
He has been played on the right this season, Sterling will have to make do with a role on the left of midfield and let Salah operate on the right of midfield instead.
SOUTH
Defensive Midfielders
Mario Lemina (Southampton)
Mario Lemina moved to the South coast of England in the summer from Italian champions Juventus. In search of first team football, Lemina came to Southampton to restart his career and he hasn't disappointed.
Southampton's best player, Lemina has excelled in England. A defensive midfielder by trait, the 24 year old isn't afraid to take the ball forward and run at defences with his great dribbling ability and close control.
Abdoulaye Doucouré (Watford)
Having gone out on loan last season to Spanish side Granada, this is Abdoulaye Doucouré’s first year playing in England. Doucouré has made the most of the little time he’s been in the Premier League scoring 7 goals and creating two others as he continues to impress many who didn't even know who he was back in August.
Doucouré has been Watford's best player this season and it's easy to see why because he dominates and controls the midfield with ease. Rumours have already begun to surface of a move away from Watford to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.
Right Midfield
Marko Arnautovic (West Ham)
After a slow start to life in London when Marko Arnautovic failed to register a single goal or assist in the first 15 games of the season, the 28-year-old has since scored 7 and assisted 3 in the last 13.
A man reborn under David Moyes, Arnautovic is playing his best football since coming to England in 2013 when he joined Stoke. He is a massive threat on the pitch and will be the main reason West Ham stay up if they do.
Although he has operated mostly as a striker this season, in this team Arnautovic will be on the right of midfield where he has previously played.
Attacking Midfield
Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Christian Eriksen is one of the best playmakers in the world. With 7 goals and 7 assists this season, the Danish international continues to tear defenses apart with his eye through the needle passes, thunderous long shots and pinpoint freekicks.
At 26 Eriksen is entering the best years of his career and will be crucial if Spurs are to win any silverware in the near future, but they better do it quickly because Europes top sides are sure to come knocking soon.
Left Midfield
Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Eden Hazard is in my opinion one of the top 3 players in the league. He is a world class talent and would walk into any team in the world. With 11 goals and 3 assists so far this season, Hazard could better his best ever goals tally in England, which was 14 goals and 9 assist in the 2014-15 season.
Just like fellow Chelsea and Belgian teammate Courtois, Hazard is also linked with a summer move to Real Madrid and he wouldn't look out of place plying his trade in one of the best sides in the world.
With Álvaro Morata not living up to expectations since he moved to Chelsea, Hazard has been tasked with picking up the slack, playing the majority of his games centrally, whether it be upfront or in midfield. But just like Arnautovic, Hazard will be shifted out wide in this team.
#4 Strikers
NORTH
Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Sergio Agüero has been one of the best strikers in the league since he arrived in Manchester 7 years ago. Consistently putting up world class numbers, the Argentinian is underrated by a few.
Never really mentioned in the conversation when discussing the league's best player at any point during his 7 years in England so far, this is proven by the fact he has never featured in the PFA Team of The year, even when his goals every season read 23, 12, 17, 26, 24, 20 and 21 so far this season.
And this is for a man who has been very unlucky with injuries in his career. Before the season started many tipped Gabriel Jesus to overtake Agüero, forcing the striker out of the club in the summer, but now Agüero stands as City’s main striker as they steamroll through games on their way to the league title.
Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Without Firmino, Salah and Sadio Mané don't score as many goals as they do. He creates the space they run in. He is Liverpool’s first line of defense and crucial to their pressing style. Firmino is Liverpool’s most vital player.
Many called for Liverpool to invest in a '20 goal a season striker' because Firmino wasn't scoring enough. Well this season he has made all those people look stupid scoring 13 in the league and a further 21 in all competitions.
SOUTH
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
The focal point of this team is none other than Tottenham striker Harry Kane. With a league-leading 24 goals, Kane is finally being considered as one of the world best hitmen. Since becoming a first-team regular Kane is yet to score under 20 league goals in a season.
And with his 0.93 goals per game this season he is set to surpass his best tally, which was last season with 29 goals. At 24-years-old and with 102 career Premier League goals so far, if Kane stays in the league for this entire career and continues this level of performance then he could break Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals.
Shearer’s average was 0.59 goals per game, while Kane is currently averaging 0.71. Obviously there is a long way to go for Kane, but the possibility is there.
#5 Substitutes
NORTH
Nick Pope (Burnley)
Last season Burnley’s Tim Heaton was one of the stand out keepers in the league, so when he got injured in September many thought that Burnley would plummet down the table. But to the surprise of many, Burnley currently sit 7th with one of their best players this campaign being Heaton’s understudy Nick Pope and his performances could deservedly earn him a ticket to Russia in the summer.
Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
For a few seasons now Antonio Valencia has been one of the league’s best right backs. Not too long ago Valencia was a disappointing winger, but he has found new life in defence and this season is no different.
Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)
He came to England as an unknown from Egyptian side Al Ahly, but Ahmed Hegazi has settled quite well in England. Initially coming on loan, West Brom made the move permanent in January and if the West Midlands club gets relegated I don't expect the Egyptian to go down with them.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
He may not be having a season as good as this first at the club, but Idrissa Gueye is still Everton’s most consistent player in what has been a disappointing season for the Merseyside club. Ever since coming to England with Aston Villa three years ago, Gueye has been one of the standout defensive midfielders in the league.
Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
Aaron Mooy was Huddersfield’s best player in the Championship, winning the club’s player of the season award as the Terriers won promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 1972. With 4 goals and 3 assist so far this season Mooy has continued his form from last season as he tries to help Huddersfield stay up.
Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City)
Xherdan Shaqiri is in his 3rd season with Stoke. Going under the radar this season, Shaqiri is enjoying his most productive season in England so far with 7 goals and 6 assists.
Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)
The man who inspired this article, Romelu Lukaku could only find a place on the bench. Although the striker has been heavily criticized this season he has still put up a respectable 13 goals so far.
SOUTH
Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City)
Lukasz Fabianski has been a very decent keeper during his time in Wales and if the club has any hope of staying up the Polish stopper will have to be at his very best. He has made the most saves this season with 102 and will need to keep that up to ensure Swansea’s survival.
Nathan Aké (Bournemouth)
Nathan Aké is a decent little player who has been very important at the back for Bournemouth in their bid to keep their Premier League status. Aké has 2 goals and 2 assist to his name this season.
Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace)
To stay true to my world of picking at least one player from every team Luka Milivojevic has been chosen to represent Crystal Palace. With a team-best 7 goals so far this season Milivojevic’s strikes have been key to Crystal Palace’s surprise resurgence under Roy Hodgson and he will have to continue to tuck away those penalties to keep Palace up.
Pascal Groß (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Signing for the newly promoted Brighton this past summer, Pascal Groß has fired the Seagulls to a surprising 11th with his 5 goals and 7 assists. Groß is an excellent playmaker and is the main reason Glen Murray has 10 goals.
Richarlison (Watford)
His form may have dropped a bit in the last few months, but that doesn't change the fact that Richarlison has had a great first season in Europe. He hasn't scored or assisted in his last 13 games, but 5 goals and 4 assists is good for a 20-year-old embarking on his first journey to Europe and at his young age the potential he has is clear to see.
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Wilfried Zaha is too good to play for Crystal Palace and should be lining up with one of the top teams in the league right now. His spell at Manchester United came too early in his career, but he is now ready to take a leap like that again.
He only has 4 goals and 1 assist, but Zaha has suffered from injuries this season. When he does get on the pitch he is clearly Palace's best player and if he can stay fit then Palace will most likely stay up.
Jordan Ayew (Swansea City)
Jordan Ayew is Swansea’s top goal scorer with 6 goals, all of which have come in the last 11 games. It is key to Swansea’s survival that Ayew continues in this form for the remainder of the season.
#6 Managers
NORTH
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Who else could it be other than the man whose side sit nice and pretty at the top of the table with 72 points so far and 13 clear of second? Pep Guardiola is in his second season in charge and has made City the most feared team in England.
This past summer Guardiola got rid of the dead weight and brought in fresh talent and this has rejuvenated the side, leading to an amazing run. City have lost just once in the league so far this season and although they have an endless pile of money to spend, that shouldn’t take away from the fact that Guardiola has managed to create one of the best sides in Premier League history.
SOUTH
Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham Hotspur)
Mauricio Pochettino has turned Spurs from a laughing stock to genuine title contenders in the four years he’s been there while developing the likes of Kane and Dele Alli into top players. Spurs just recently outplayed Juventus in the Champions League at the Juventus stadium, something that would have seemed impossible before Pochettino came in.
Spurs currently sit in fourth, just 4 points off second and Pochettino is likely to guide them to their third consecutive Champions League finish.
All stats per premierleague.com and whoscored.com
