Neymar, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic all miss out!
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Following the signings made this summer, Real Madrid and Barcelona are clearly desperate to wrestle the Spanish title back from Atletico Madrid.
Barca have snared Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez, and two new keepers, while Real Madrid have picked up Toni Kroos, and could break the bank for World Cup superstar James Rodriguez as well.
Here’s our combined XI made up from the two squads.
GK) Diego Lopez – Real Madrid
This one was tricky! Real Madrid have also snared Keylor Navas, and have legendary stopper Iker Casillas, although the Spaniard couldn’t get in their La Liga side last term. Barcelona have signed Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen – but because they’re yet to prove themselves properly at the highest level, we’ll go with Diego Lopez – who had a strong season in 2013/14.
DR) Dani Alves – Barcelona
The Brazilian gets our nod ahead of Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s young Spaniard. Alves has been rated as one of the best right-backs in the world for many a season.
DC) Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid
Ramos is talented and technically strong enough to play virtually anywhere on the pitch. He scores goals from centre-back, and marshals his side excellently. Barring perhaps Thiago Silva, Ramos is maybe the best centre-back in the world.
DC) Gerard Pique – Barcelona
Pique’s won everything there is to win his club and country – but will be starting next season without his long serving partner Carles Puyol, who’s leaving. The Catalans could bring in a new centre-back, with Jeremy Mathieu mooted.
DL) Marcelo – Real Madrid
Marcelo gets our nod ahead of Jordi Alba, because of he’s slightly more exciting going forward. Neither are defensively exceptional, however.
MC) Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
Real Madrid have signed the World Cup winning German from Bayern Munich. He’s a phenomenal passer, and rarely ever gives the ball away. For us, he’s better than Xabi Alonso, Ivan Rakitic, Lukas Modric and Sergio Busquets right now.
MC) Andres Iniesta – Barcelona
Iniesta just about gets the nod ahead of the other brilliant midfielders previously mentioned. He can dribble, create, and has practically unrivalled vision in the final third.
AMR) Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
The £80m Welshman struggled with injuries last season, but he eventually came into his own, scoring a crucial goal in the Champions League final victory. At his dynamic best, he’s occasionally unplayable.
AMC/FC) Lionel Messi – Barcelona
In many people’s eyes, Messi should already be regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Naturally, he walks straight into this combined XI.
AML) Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Barcelona have Neymar on the left, but no player in the world would start here ahead of the legendary Portuguese attacker, who’s scored more goals for Real Madrid than games he’s played in.
FC) Luis Suarez – Barcelona
The Uruguayan sensation has just completed a £75m move to Barcelona from Liverpool, after sweeping up all the Premier League Player of the Year awards last season, having bagged 31 top flight goals. He’s a better player than Karim Benzema.
