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Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have had very contrasting seasons until now. The Reds from Merseyside are enjoying an extremely smooth ride, with nary a hiccup. They have been synonymous with consistency, and yet to be beaten after nine matches in the 2019/20 season of the Premier League.
On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur have been very inconsistent in this season. Conceding seven goals in one game and scoring five in the very next game of that competition, Mauricio Pochettino’s team have had a topsy-turvy time so far.
Liverpool are currently top of the table, with 25 points from nine games. Tottenham Hotspur are six places off the mighty Reds, with less than half the points Jurgen Klopp’s side has amassed. However, none of that will matter when the two teams clash at Anfield on Sunday, October 27. Both sides possess many world-class players. Let us have a look at a combined XI featuring players from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. We have picked up a 4-3-3 formation this:
Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker
Jurgen Klopp had built an extremely dangerous team by the 2017/18 season but a very important piece of the magnificent puzzle was missing. Neither Loris Karius nor Simon Mignolet were looking a good fit in the Liverpool side. Klopp needed a world-class goalkeeper who would do justice to the squad.
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker answered his questions. Klopp met AS Roma’s demands of £66.8 million and many questions were raised. Alisson soon proved his calibre and shut every critic down with his mesmerising performances. He won the Premier League Golden Glove, the Copa America Golden Glove and also became UEFA Champions League’s goalkeeper of the season. Though his Tottenham Hotspur counterpart, Hugo Lloris is a FIFA World Cup-winner, Alisson is currently in a league of his own.
Defenders – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk
Given how Tottenham Hotspur’s defence has performed so far, it is no surprise that we have picked an all-Liverpool defence line-up. Klopp boasts of one of the most intimidating full-back pairings in the world. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are solid at the back and extremely threatening during attacks.
The former got 12 assists last season, whereas the latter got 11 assists. There should not be any questions about Virgil van Dijk’s selection. The Dutch centre-back stood like a rock in Liverpool’s defence and every Premier League attacker will agree he is the best defender in the league. Van Dijk is one of the prime contenders for Ballon d’Or, with many pundits claiming it would be an injustice if the Dutchman doesn’t win it.
Joel Matip is the final piece of our back-line. Matip has had issues with consistency before but he has been a different player this season. Alongside Van Dijk, he forms one of the most formidable centre-back pairings in the league.
Midfielders – Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho
Another all Liverpool affair, this time in midfield. Van Dijk’s Dutch teammate Georginio Wijnaldum is an obvious selection for the team. Wijnaldum had an amazing season in 2018/19 and was one of the major reasons behind Liverpool’s consistency. An extremely resourceful player, Wijnaldum has contributed both in defence and attack. His goals in last season's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona changed the complexion of the tie.
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson’s work often goes unnoticed. However, with his incredible work rate and consistency, Henderson is a vital cog in Jurgen Klopp side. Willing to put everything on the line for the badge, the Englishman played through an injury in Liverpool clash against Barcelona last season.
Fabinho had a very tough time when he came to England from AS Monaco but he has adapted brilliantly since. The Brazilian midfielder is an important member of Klopp’s team now and his work ethic has been exceptional.
Forwards – Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Sadio Mane
Few managers could have come up with a better way of spending £76 million than Jurgen Klopp. The German mastermind used that sum to buy Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and he hasn't looked back ever since. Salah and Mane give opposition’s full-backs nightmares constantly.
The Senegal international has already scored nine times this season, while the Egyptian hotshot has scored on secen occasions. Together, the duo has amassed over 140 goals so far at Liverpool. Alongside them, we have picked Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane to complete the team.
Kane is one of those rare players who are always safe and reliable and form isn’t an issue for them. Many deemed him to be a ‘one-season wonder’ back in 2015 but Kane has only been improving ever since. This season, he has scored eight goals in 12 games.
Combined Liverpool-Tottenham Hotspur XI: Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Sadio Mane.
