It’s the José Mourinho derby today
And therefore it’s time for another combined XI. Both Manchester United and Chelsea’s squads are full of quality, but both have underperformed at times this season. Bearing this in mind, players’ general quality taken into account more so than recent form.
The usual rules apply: injured players are not eligible.
We’re going to play 4-3-3, because it’s the best formation and as everyone has discussed recently, it is the best system to get the best out of a certain someone.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
No brainer, really. His save against Sevilla, preventing Luis Muriel’s header from 6 yards out from going in, reminded everyone that he is the best shot stopper on the planet. His transformation from the skinny lad who joined from Atletico in 2011 and couldn’t catch a cold to physically dominant sweeper-keeper with cat like reflexes has been magnificent.
Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta
‘Dave’, as he is affectionately known by the Chelsea fanbase, is indisputably one of the best defenders in the league. He’s adapted to playing on the right of a back three well under Antonio Conte, but in this team he’ll be returning to his old position of right-back. His crosses from deep have proved to be a dangerous weapon for Chelsea this season, and he would be afforded the freedom to get into those crossing positions from right-back in this system.
Centre-back: Eric Bailly
Bailly has missed a fair chunk of this season through injury but has returned recently and reminded us all what United were missing. Mourinho’s side have had to play Chris Smalling and Phil Jones together in Bailly’s absence, which nobody wants to see. The Ivorian is United’s best central defender and his athleticism, tackling ability and composure on the ball secure him a place in this team.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
At just 21 years old, the Denmark international has made the spot in the middle of Chelsea’s defence his own, snatching it from David Luiz. During a two-year loan spell at Borussia Mönchengladbach, he impressed so much that Chelsea could not afford to make him another name on the list of loanees who would eventually be sold for a profit. They’ve kept him and it’s paid off. He made a mistake against Barcelona, but it was uncharacteristic of him and he can be forgiven, when you remember his age.
Left-back: Marcos Alonso
United’s problems at left-back have been well documented, with Luke Shaw unable to secure his place in the team and Ashley Young – a right-footed winger – being their first choice at the moment, this was an easy decision. He’s not the fastest, but Alonso has the stamina to bomb up and down the left wing all game, score free kicks and win headers.
Defensive midfield: N’Golo Kanté
There is more than one way to play this role. Last week’s Champions League match between Chelsea and Barcelona showed this, as Kanté and Sergio Busquets both put in fantastic displays, showcasing their contrasting but equally brilliant styles. In this team, Kanté would screen the back four, putting out fires, allowing the other central midfielders to create.
Right-central midfield: Cesc Fàbregas
He lacks dynamism, which is to be expected of a someone who has played consistently in central midfield since the age of 16, but as one of three midfielders, with Kanté behind him, he would not be burdened with too much defensive responsibility. He is one of the best passers in the league and his creativity would serve the front three well, in this side.
Left-central midfield: Paul Pogba
Yes, he’s in. Of course he’s in. It would be ridiculous if he wasn’t in. He has found himself in the middle of a José Mourinho mind game recently, which hints at the possibility of another name added to the list of flair players Mourinho wasted who went on to do incredible things elsewhere. The left of a midfield three is definitely the best position for Pogba; it’s where he played best for Juventus and when given the chance, for United.
Right-wing: Alexis Sánchez
He hasn’t played on the right for a while, but for the purposes of getting the most out of other players, he must take one for the team here and move back to the side where he played for Udinese and Barcelona. Willian deserves a mention here after his man of the match performance against Barcelona on Tuesday night, but I simply can’t leave Sánchez out of this attack.
Left-wing: Eden Hazard
Probably the best dribbler in the league and one of the most pleasing players to watch, Hazard is one of the easiest choices to make when picking this side. An honourable mention must go out to Anthony Martial, who has been shackled recently by Mourinho moving him to the right, but has shown how dangerous he can be cutting in from the left. But sadly, he has to miss out.
Striker: Álvaro Morata
The Spaniard ha suffered lately after a great start to his first Premier League season. He is a sensitive character, and a player who depends greatly on confidence to perform well. But when he is feeling confident and getting service, he is an excellent number 9. He’s deceptively quick for a man of his size and links up with his supporting forwards well. Sorry, Romelu.
