Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Ander Herrera all miss out…
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Liverpool and Man United take each other in Monday evening’s International Championship Cup final, and here’s the XI we’d pick if we we had both of the squads to choose from.
GK) David de Gea – Man United
de Gea easily gets the nod ahead of Simon Mignolet. The young Spaniard is improving all the time, and if he fulfils his considerable talent, he could develop into one of the world’s very best.
DR) Jon Flanagan – Liverpool
There are no standout right-backs to choose from, with Rafael fairly inconsistent, and Glen Johnson s a defensive liability. It’s for that reason we’ve plumped with young Flanagan, who emerged as one of England’s most talented young fullbacks last season, winning his first caps for his country.
DC) Dejan Lovren – Liverpool
The £20m Liverpool signing stands out for us, after a fantastic debut Premier League season with Southampton. Man United have been constantly linked to Mats Hummels, and he’d walk in this side if they eventually complete a transfer.
DC) Mamadou Sakho – Liverpool
We’re choosing Sakho predominately because of the ability he’s shown with the French national side. He’s yet to find his best level yet for Liverpool, but we still feel he’s a stronger bet going forward than Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling or Phil Jones.
DL) Luke Shaw – Man United
Liverpool are trying to sign Alberto Moreno, but with the young Spaniard still a Sevilla player, we’ve had to go with United’s £27m wonderkid. Shaw’s excellent going forward, and has a wonderful left foot as well.
DMC) Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Liverpool’s legendary captain is ageing, but despite playing in an anchorman role – he still registered double figures for both goals and assists last season. He’s head and shoulders above the likes of Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick.
MC) Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
We’ve gone with Henderson over new United signing Ander Herrera because of his incomparable work-rate, ability to retain possession, and his improving attacking effectiveness.
MC) Juan Mata – Man United
Mata prefers to play further forward, but we’re accommodating him as part of a midfield three here, slightly advanced of Gerrard and Henderson. The Spanish playmaker is creatively superb, and is much more of a goal threat than Liverpool’s Coutinho.
AMC) Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
We’re going to play a front three, with teenage Liverpool man Raheem Sterling just behind two world-class strikers. Sterling’s pace is exceptional, and the way he dribbles with the ball at his feet frightens defenders. It’s plausible to say that right now he’s the best teenager footballer on the planet.
FC) Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool
Due to the number of goals he scored last season, we’ve had to go with Sturridge ahead of Wayne Rooney, although it was a very close call.
FC) Robin van Persie – Man United
The phenomenal Dutch striker walks into this side up top. He’s a potent finisher, creatively superb, and lethal when presented with an opportunity on his left foot.
