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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!
