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Chelsea vs Man City combined XI: Blues at the back, Citizens at the front

By Nathaniel Kay

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea holds off Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea holds off Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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SAITAMA, JAPAN – JULY 23: Mason Mount of Chelsea runs past Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona during the preseason friendly match between Barcelona and Chelsea at the Saitama Stadium on July 23, 2019 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images) /

Midfield: Fernandinho, Manchester City

Speaking of versatility, Fernandinho has already proved he can play deeper infield to a high standard. However, like Kante, he flourishes most just in front of his defenders, collecting and passing to his more dangerous team mates in the final third. At 35, his dedication is exemplary and his eventual departure, in a purely tactical sense, perhaps outweighs the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Right central midfield: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City

Any doubts over this spot can be locked away and thrown to sea. De Bruyne truly is poetry in motion. He has made passing an art form, attacking crosses with such equal ounces of venom and elegance. The league’s standout creative force, the brilliant Belgian netted the equaliser in the reverse fixture, adding to his plethora of goal contributions as he races towards Thierry Henry’s assist record for a single season.

Left central midfield: Mason Mount, Chelsea

To his huge credit, Mason Mount has outshone his fellow senior professionals with a mature debut campaign in the Premier League that has wielded six goals and five assists. Against Villa, the young Englishmen was the driving force when Chelsea went forward, linking play and picking up clever pockets between the lines. Despite only just turning 21 in January, Mount is Lampard’s go-to man, playing 90 minutes on Sunday, adding to his 42 appearances across all competitions in 2019/20.

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