Combined Tottenham and Liverpool XI – No space for Luis Diaz
Tottenham Hotspur return to action in the Carabao Cup with a trip to Anfield, so we have put together a combined Spurs and Liverpool XI from both squads. Both sides will be hoping to book a place at Wembley as they continue their chase for silverware.
Combined XI: Tottenham and Liverpool
This combined Tottenham and Liverpool XI does not take into consideration players who are unavailable for Thursday night’s game. So Trent Alexander Arnold and Tottenham’s 7-8 absentees are not included.
Alisson Becker: This is most certainly a no-brainer. Alisson Becker is much better with the ball at his feet and better when it comes to shot-stopping so, he is ahead of Antonin Kinsky in this one.
Pedro Porro: Trent Alexander Arnold is set to miss the game against Tottenham on Thursday night because of an injury, which leaves Liverpool with Conor Bradley, who is a solid replacement. However, he is still young and regardless of Porro’s inconsistent form, he has still been a solid performer for Spurs – playing almost every single minute.
Virgil Van Dijk: This season, Van Dijk has been the best centre-back in the world. He will work into any team quite easily – he is better than all of Tottenham’s options at centre-back.
Micky van de Ven: This is a toss-up as both van de Ven and Konate are mightily impressive. They both are quick defenders who are comfortable defending in wide areas. But van de Ven, makes it into our combined XI, simply because of the impact he has on Spurs. If he is not playing there is a massive dropoff, that is not the case with Konate, as Van Dijk makes anyone better.
Djed Spence: Based on this season alone, I do think that the left-back spot for Liverpool is probably one of their weaknesses. While for Spurs, the reintegration of Spence has made them look better. Let’s not forget he kept Mohamed Salah quiet for huge parts of the first leg of this encounter.
Ryan Gravenberch: Fairplay to this man. I mean before the season started, there were loads of talk about how Liverpool would fare badly because they failed to address their defensive midfield position. No one expected Gravenberch to make this much of a jump. Alongside Mo Salah he is a contender for Liverpool’s player of the season.
Alexis Mac Allister: I am a big fan of this lad. I do think he is underrated and he does not get the praise he deserves. He is a big part of Liverpool’s midfield, he makes them much better. It is no surprise he is a World Cup winner.
Dejan Kulusevski: A midfield three of Kulusevski, Mac Allister and Gravenberch would be any manager’s dream. Just think about the Swede’s work rate, creativity, versatility and dribbling – the amount of tactical flexibility he affords. My word, he walks into the midfield of any team.
Mohamed Salah: Is there any doubt about this one? The season he is having is worthy of the Ballon d’Or. He has been that good for Liverpool. If Spurs keep him quiet on Thursday, then you believe they will have a chance of going through.
Cody Gakpo: Gakpo is another player who looks completely different from what he was last season. The forward has popped up with a lot of vital goals for Liverpool and among the fit players, he is the one who will get in as the number nine.
Heung-min Son: Not been his greatest season, but he has reached double figures for goal involvement, form is temporary but class, they say is permanent.
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