It’s crazy to think that last season United finished 11 points
and three places clear of the Blues, when things already look so different this
campaign.
Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils
have struggled over the last couple of months, and are currently in eighth
place in the table, while Maurizio Sarri’s Blues are in second place, only
behind Manchester City on goal difference.
Despite that, both sides
clearly have plenty of top talent in their ranks.
We’ve gone through both
squads to decide who would make it into a combined XI of Chelsea and United
players.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
This is actually a tight call
given that De Gea has not been quite as convincing of late and Kepa
Arrizabalaga has started well in west London. But Spain’s No.1 goalkeeper has
to edge out their No.2 after years of phenomenal Premier League performances.
Right-back:
Cesar Azpilicueta
A no contest here, with the
Spanish defender streets in front of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Matteo
Darmian. His versatility has seen him shine across the backline at Stamford
Bridge, and this season he has been solid as ever.
Centre-back:
Antonio Rudiger
The German finished last
season strongly and has formed a brilliant partnership alongside David Luiz
this season. His composure, strength and athleticism puts him ahead of United’s
unconvincing centre-backs who have only managed one clean sheet so far.
Centre-back:
David Luiz
Back from his exile under
Antonio Conte, the Brazilian has forced Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill out
of contention. His ball-playing skills are probably the best in the Premier
League, for a central defender.
Left-back:
Marcos Alonso
Luke Shaw has been very good
this season, but he has some way to go to meet the standards of the Blues star.
Alonso is arguably Chelsea’s biggest attacking threat after Eden Hazard, and he
has been a revelation since signing from Fiorentina in 2016.
Central
midfielder: N’Golo Kante
Since
arriving in England in 2015, the all-action midfielder has gone from strength
to strength. Winning the league with Leicester, then Chelsea - and becoming a
key man for France as they won the World Cup were impressive enough. Under
Sarri, he is excelling with more of a box-to-box remit. His energy levels are
incredible.
Central midfielder: Jorginho
A key
figure in Sarri’s revelation in the style of play at Stamford Bridge. The
Brazil-born Italy international followed his boss from Napoli and has become
the lynchpin at the heart of his side. He dictates the play all game long - and
broke a Premier League record for most passes in the draw with West Ham.
Central midfielder: Paul Pogba
He has
his critics but the Frenchman is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the
Premier League. His passing range is sublime - and when he turns on the style
few players can live with him. While his consistency could improve, he is much
better than the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Fred, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera and
Ross Barkley.
Right midfielder: Willian
A close
call this one, with Jesse Lingard, Pedro and Juan Mata all worth consideration
on the left. But for his hard-running style and all-round skill and ability,
the Brazilian winger gets the nod. Should score more goals than he does.
Left midfielder: Eden Hazard
Competition
should really be fierce here, but on recent form none of Alexis Sanchez,
Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford can remotely compare to the Belgian.
Chelsea’s main man, he is in the form of his life right now.
Centre forward: Romelu Lukaku
The big
striker has not quite set the world alight at Old Trafford, but his goals
record remains very good - something that cannot be said for Alvaro Morata and
Olivier Giroud at Chelsea. Needs to be more clinical in big matches.
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