With the first Merseyside derby of the season fast approaching, I thought it would be good to assess the squad at both Everton and Liverpool’s disposal and create my combined XI. Despite my strong feelings of abhorrence when concerning the reds, I believe I have been totally unbiased and have produced the ideal starting lineup, presented in a modified 4-4-2 formation (4-2-2-2). Some of the choices were easy to make, others had me perplexed for some time; if only football was played with 12. Regardless, here it is:
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet – Liverpool
Both Mignolet and Tim Howard have been subject to criticism from both their own and opposition fans in the previous couple of seasons. I do however believe Mignolet just gets in ahead of Howard. Despite a phenomenal showing in the 2014 World Cup highlighting what a fantastic goalkeeper he is, Howard’s performances last season have done him some discredit, meaning the Belgian is the man between the sticks.
Right-back: Seamus Coleman – Everton
Nathaniel Clyne is, without a doubt, a fantastic player. His performances for Southampton last season showcased this, and his subsequent inclusion in the English national setup is testament to the player’s ability. Although, after developing into an exceptional attacking and defensive full-back, Coleman fills the spot at right defence as he is, I think, the best right-back in the league.
Centre-back: John Stones – Everton
Without a doubt John Stones takes his place in the line-up. Anyone who doesn’t rate this boy or who doesn’t understand the hype surrounding him needs only to watch him play. The young defender is a beautiful footballer; composed, confident, elegant – you name it he can do it. I have no doubt that he will become a huge player for England in the future.
Centre-back: Martin Skrtel – Liverpool
As much as I wanted to put the Everton skipper in this slot, it has to go to the experienced Slovakian. The man who rejected Everton for Liverpool back in 2008 has been a crucial player for Liverpool over the years, being an ever-consistent rock at the back for the reds.
Left-back: Leighton Baines – Everton
The easiest choice to make, Baines faces no competition for his spot at left-back. Baines has established himself as a key player for Everton, who is equally talented going forward as he is in defence. His telepathic connection with Steven Pienaar is magical to watch unfold, and despite being a defender, Baines has often been considered one of Everton’s most dangerous players in attack. He is certainly an exceptional asset to both Everton and England alike.
Defensive-midfield: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Whether or not Henderson is the heir apparent to Gerrard’s prestigious throne, the man from Wearside has earned his place in this eleven. After enduring a nightmare start to his Anfield career, the way in which Henderson has turned his career around shows that he has the level of steel needed to be successful at the highest level. Consistent performances for both England and his club have earned him Liverpool’s captaincy, and his importance to England is often underplayed.
Defensive-midfield: James McCarthy – Everton
I could sing McCarthy’s praises all day. £13 million for the young Irishman (Scotsman really!) has turned out to be a bargain. McCarthy has frightening ability, tenacity, vision and a wise footballing head. Along with Gareth Barry, McCarthy operates the motor room for Everton; he puts in all of the important grafting which often goes unnoticed. I am a big fan of James Milner, but I just couldn’t ignore a player of McCarthy’s quality. One of the most under appreciated players in the league in my honest opinion, McCarthy makes the team as he is a fantastic player, hugely underrated.
Attacking-midfield: Ross Barkley – Everton
If this team was done before the first game of this season, Barkley would not have made the starting line-up. Although a hugely talented and promising player, he hadn’t shown me enough to warrant his inclusion. This season, he is beginning to show us what he can do. Considering Martinez failed in his No. 10 pursuit, Barkley has had to shoulder a lot of pressure, and has done so magnificently. Arguably our best performer thus far, Barkley has already surpassed last season goals and assists tally and is in fine form.
Attacking-midfield: Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool
Coutinho has proved to be a bargain for Liverpool. At only £8.5 million, the young Brazilian was highly sought after when he departed Italy and he has become a highly valued addition to Brendan Rodgers’ squad. At only 23 years of age, Coutinho has shown an ample amount of his superb talent, which is only going to amplify and grow as he gains more experience. Admittedly, I was surprised to see him named in the Premier League Team of the Season last term, but his talent is undeniable. On his day, he is nigh unplayable.
Striker: Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool
As England’s best No. 9, Sturridge is an easy addition to the team. Whilst he has struggled to remain injury free for the past 18 months, when fit Sturridge is a real threat to any team’s defence. Stifled at previous clubs as he was played in unorthodox positions, Sturridge has flourished in the Liverpool side, previously striking up a destructive partnership with Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez. If he can strike up a similar connection with Christian Benteke, Liverpool could pose a serious challenge.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku – Everton
This was the hardest choice, as the big Belgian’s teammate and compatriot Kevin Mirallas is deserving of a place himself. As I said earlier, it’s a shame football isn’t played with 12. I went for Lukaku as I realised I couldn’t refuse the £28 million man his place. The forward has pace, power, strength and on his day is unplayable. Despite criticisms, Lukaku has scored 42 goals in 90 games; impressive for any player. With so much potential, and still only 22, Lukaku could be one of the world’s best if only he could knuckle down and focus on the weaker parts of his game. Regardless, he’s lethal up-front and he’s guaranteed to get you goals.
My subs bench contains a number of players who I believe were worthy of making the team, but for one reason or another did not make the final cut. A combination of these two great footballing teams really could cause some damage. The full eleven and bench reads as followed;
GK: Simon Mignolet
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: John Stones
CB: Martin Skrtel
LB: Leighton Baines
DM: Jordan Henderson
DM: James McCarthy
AM: Ross Barkley
AM: Philippe Coutinho
ST: Daniel Sturridge
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Subs: Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka, Mamadou Sakho, James Milner, Adam Lallana, Kevin Mirallas, Christian Benteke
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