EPL 2016/17 - Liverpool vs Manchester City - Combined XI

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 502929058 and 629845764) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool (L) and Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City. Liverpool and Manchester City meet in a Premier League match at Anfleid on December 31, 2016.  ***LEFT IMAGE*** SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool looks on before the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light on December 30, 2015 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Two of the best managers in the world will square off tonight as Liverpool face Manchester City

Midfielders

Manchester City v Arsenal  - Premier League : News Photo
de Bruyne has been immense for City

Defensive midfielder - Jordan Henderson

The Liverpool captain has grown in stature and is currently playing his best football in a red shirt. Everyone had doubted his ability to play as a holding midfielder but he has proved his detractors wrong. He is inarguably the best midfielder in England stats wise as he has the most passes, most forward passes and most attempted long balls in Europe this season.

Left wing - Kevin De Bruyne

The Belgian has been sensational for City and it was his presence that got City through the last few games. De Bruyne is an intelligent player and will be relishing playing against a susceptible Liverpool defence.

Though Roberto Firmino has been immense for the Reds, he just misses out to de Bruyne with the Belgian leading the Brazilian in both the goals and assists department.

Centre midfield - Adam Lallana

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27:  Adam Lallana of Liverpool gives a thumbs up as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Stoke City at Anfield on December 27, 2016 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Lallana has been Liverpool’s most improved player in the Klopp era

Lallana's form is a testament to Klopp's work at Liverpool and the Englishman is playing some of his best football this season. He has been absolutely brilliant for the Reds and has now included goals in his locker which he lacked in his previous years.

His presence gives Liverpool an extra dimension going forward and though he may not get the attention of the Coutinhos and De Bruynes, Lallana is slowly proving to be his side's most valuable player.

Centre midfield - David Silva

Guardiola has often spoken highly of the Spanish maestro as his presence has always been huge for City since his arrival. He dictates the play like no other in the league and when on song, Silva produces moments of magic consistently. The Spaniard has been decent enough for the Citizens this term and edges out Georginio Wijnaldum in this lineup.

Right wing - Sadio Mane

The Senegalese forward has been absolutely gobsmacking for the Reds and is their top scorer this season with eight goals. His directness and selfless play has been appreciated and he is turning out to be the perfect Klopp player. If Liverpool manage to win a trophy this year, Sadio Mane will probably be termed as the signing of the summer.

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