A combined lineup of the best players from these London giants.
Much will be made of the meeting of Andre Villas-Boas and Jose Mourinho this weekend, with the two Portuguese coaches sharing a long history of working together and apart at the likes of Porto and Chelsea. But there will also be some great football on display from some of the country’s best players. In our latest and one of the more challenging Combined XIs series, we look at the best combination of Tottenham and Chelsea’s talented stars.
Defence
Petr Cech – With these two sides arguably boasting two of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, it is a very close call between Petr Cech and Hugo Lloris. Still, the long-serving Chelsea shot-stopper just edges out his Spurs counterpart for his sheer longevity at producing the goods at this level, helping the Blues to immeasurable success since joining the club in 2004.
Branislav Ivanovic – Although Kyle Walker is great to watch on his day, with his pace and attacking enthusiasm from the back, Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic just edges him out here for being a more solid and consistent option, and arguably a more productive member of his side’s attack as well, as he has become well known for getting forward to good effect and providing goals and assists.
David Luiz – A controversial choice perhaps, but there’s no doubt that the Brazilian centre-back is a special talent. Not always known for sticking rigorously to his defensive duties, but Luiz is still a fine defensive leader on his day, and of course he can provide exceptional quality going forward, with an eye for a pass and a fierce long range shot as well. Again, plenty of good players miss out on a spot here, such as the ever-reliable Gary Cahill and Michael Dawson.
Jan Vertonghen – Another player with great ability going forward from the back, Jan Vertonghen is perhaps the best defender from either team at the moment. The Belgian signed for Spurs from Ajax last summer and fit in immediately as a key player for Andre Villas-Boas’ side. Incredibly, the three defenders mentioned so far scored 21 goals between them last season.
Ashley Cole – Still one of the best defenders in the country after all these years, Ashley Cole is an easy choice at left-back for this side ahead of Tottenham’s inexperienced Danny Rose. Still able to do a great job at the back and going forward, Cole would get into most starting elevens in the world, and deserves his place in this London lineup.
Midfield
Paulinho – With only two midfield spots up for grabs here, it is a very difficult choice picking the best pairing from these two sides, though Paulinho’s early form for Spurs this season suggests he is well worthy of his place. The all-action Brazilian looks a solid player defensively and also gets forward to great effect, scoring a delightful late back-healed winner in the team’s win against Cardiff City last weekend. A £17m signing from Corinthians this summer, the 25-year-old already looks like a great investment and potentially a player who will dominate Premier League midfields for years to come.
Frank Lampard – A more seasoned veteran for Paulinho’s midfield partner, Frank Lampard’s incredible ability to grab important goals and influence games even at the age of 35 makes him a valuable asset in this combined XI. The likes of Ramires and Moussa Dembele are also great players who could command a place in this side, but as long as Lampard is still around, his tendency to do the unexpected and provide a bit of match-winning quality still makes him one of the best.
Attack
Juan Mata – Jose Mourinho may not agree, but Juan Mata would be a starter for most teams in the world, and should definitely be a regular for Chelsea this season. The skillful Spaniard scored 20 goals and provided 35 assists in all competitions last season, and there are very few players in the world that can match that kind of return from midfield. Oscar is currently ahead of him in Chelsea’s pecking order and is certainly a top talent as well, but Mata seems an obvious choice for one of these three attacking midfield slots.
Christian Eriksen – With both sides containing arguably the best collection of attacking midfield talent in the Premier League, this is an extremely challenging selection to make, but Danish starlet Christian Eriksen already looks the real deal at Tottenham this season and a real player for the future. With great technique and vision, the 21-year-old is deserving of a spot in this combined XI.
Eden Hazard – Perhaps a player who struggles for consistency somewhat, but Belgian wonderkid Eden Hazard is one of the most naturally talented attacking players in the world on his day, and his performances for Chelsea last season see him edge out the likes of new-boys Willian, Andre Schurrle and Spurs’ Erik Lamela. Still only 22, Hazard is just going to get better and better, and this attacking midfield trio looks as good as anything in Europe, which is incredible considering the players who still missed out on a place.
Roberto Soldado – With all of Chelsea’s options upfront looking past their best, Tottenham’s Roberto Soldado is an obvious choice to lead the attack in this lineup. The Spaniard was highly prolific in his time at Valencia and has started well in England with four goals in his first six appearances. A top signing at £26m, the Spanish international looks set to be a hit in London and the Premier League this year.
