Chelsea and Liverpool combined XI: Champions for a reason

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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – AUGUST 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea is challenged by Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the UEFA Super Cup match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Vodafone Park on August 14, 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Centre midfielder: Fabinho, Liverpool

I apologise that this is beginning to look like Liverpool and Azpilicueta FC, but alas, the champions have an excess of talented stars. Fabinho is no exception. The Brazilian gets considerably fewer plaudits than his teammates, but remains an essential part of the Reds’ midfield. He has proven this season to be just as useful going forward as he is defensively. Fabinho provides a solid start to a midfield that is less glamorous than the attack and defence it sits between.

Centre midfielder: Mateo Kovacic, Chelsea

At last, another Chelsea player! To be honest, Kovacic’s inclusion here is largely the result of injuries to both Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and the Blues’ own N’Golo Kante, but the Croatian’s inclusion isn’t without merit. He hasn’t had a particularly consistent season, blighted by injury since the restart, but has shown his potential time and time again. Kovacic boasts one of the best pass percentages in the league (90.1) and is just as impressive on the ball, completing over 75 percent of his dribbles. If he can avoid injuries, next season promises to be his best yet.

Central attacking midfielder: Christian Pulisic, Chelsea

Unfortunately for Pulisic, the wings are pretty well accounted for in this side, but the young American is simply too good to leave out. Pulisic has claimed three goals and an equal number of assists since the restart, making him the first name on Lampard’s team sheet and it would’ve been the same here, if not for his competition.

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