We think this team built from players from lower down the division could give any of the big sides a run for their money.
It’s easy to consider Premier League players who are not at one of the big clubs simply in terms of their value as potential transfer targets for the top teams. But how good are these players individually, and which are the best? Where would they finish in the league as a team?
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By excluding players from the league’s richest clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool), we have constructed an XI that could challenge the top sides. To make things more difficult, we have limited ourselves to two players from each club. Where do you think this “small club” 11 would finish in the Premier League? Who have we missed out?
GK – Hugo Lloris – Tottenham
No contest here, Lloris is probably the second best keeper in the division after Thibaut Courtois. He has rapid reactions and great speed off the line, plus he has the Champions League and international experience that much of this side lacks.
Honourable mentions: Tim Krul, Lukas Fabianski, Fraser Forster.
RB – Seamus Coleman – Everton
The Irish right-back has improved with every passing season at Everton, and is now one of the hottest properties in the league. While it is hard to decide which Everton players to spend picks on, Coleman is so far ahead of our other options at right back that we
Honourable mentions: Geoff Cameron, Kyle Walker, Nathaniel Clyne.
CB – Winston Reid – West Ham
West Ham picked up the New Zealand international after his strong showing at the 2010 World Cup. Since then he has developed quickly, and with his contract expiring in the summer has has become a target for several big clubs.
CB – Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur
The classy defender has had some dodgy games over the last 12 months, and was linked with an exit from Spurs over the summer. On his day, however, he is a world class centre-back with exceptional ball skills.
Honourable mentions: Ron Vlaar, Ryan Shawcross, Steven Caulker.
LB – Joel Ward – Crystal Palace
A controversial choice ahead of some big names, Ward has been excellent as an attacking full-back for Palace over the last season. If he played for a “bigger” club, Palace fans insist, he would already be in the England squad.
Honourable mentions: Leighton Baines, Aaron Cresswell, Ryan Bertrand.
DM – Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton
The energetic Frenchman tried to force a move to Spurs this summer but Southampton resisted the move after losing so many of their top players. Since returning to the team, he has continued to play at an exceptional level, and has added goals to his powerful midfield performances. Southampton probably won’t be able to hang onto him for another summer.
Honourable mentions: Alex Song, Etienne Capoue, Mile Jedinak.
CM – Fabian Delph – Aston Villa
After an exceptional season last year, the athletic Aston Villa midfielder has been called into the England team. His box-to-box running were vital for Villa last year, and he will provide our team with balance between defence and attack.
CM – Gylffi Sigurdsson – Swansea
The Icelandic playmaker faced a lot of top competition for places at Spurs and never quite established himself; but his long range shooting and incisive passing have been in question since his return to Swansea, and he already has six assists and a goal from his first seven games back in Wales.
Honourable mentions: Tom Huddlestone, Cristian Eriksen, Cheikh Tiote.
RW – Saido Berahino – West Bromwich Albion
Another player who would have had an England call-up if he was at a bigger club, Berahino has built on last year’s breakthrough season and has five goals this year already. Attacking from the right, he provides pace and trickery that will worry any top defender.
LW – Romelu Lukaku -Everton
Hasn’t started the season firing on all cylinders, but has proven quality and great physical attributes. Martinez has played Lukau from wider positions this year, where his size creates mismatches against smaller full-backs. This has limited his goals, but not his effectiveness.
Honourable mentions: Kevin Mirallas, Jay Rodriguez, Nathan Dyer.
ST – Wilfried Bony – Swansea
The Ivorian has scored consistently in the Premier League since his arrival last summer. A great all round forward, he will lead the line well and can compete with top centre-backs physically. Has been linked with all the big clubs at some point, but can play up front for this team until he makes the move…
Honourable mentions: Graziano Pelle, Leonardo Ulloa, Christian Benteke.
Lineup:
