Chelsea and Tottenham combined XI: Blues dominate the midfield
Chelsea continues its march towards its first League Cup title since 2015, but Spurs stand in the way. Here’s a best combined XI of the two talented sides.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham has produced some classics over the years featuring some of the best the world has to offer. Any time the two London clubs get together—especially when managed by Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho—it’s going to be a rowdy affair. These are two of the most talented sides for each club in recent years, so it got us thinking; what would a combined XI between the two squads look like?
For clarification, players like Sergio Reguilon, Gareth Bale, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech were not qualified to make this list. This XI is comprised solely of match fit players who have featured for their team this season. Further, the formation used in this side is a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 as each manager has taken a liking to each. Without further adieu, here’s the Blues and Spurs’ combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris, Tottenham
Realistically, this was the easiest decision in the entire team. Hugo Lloris will go down as one of the best goalkeepers the Premier League has ever seen when he decides to hang up his boots. He’ll move into the top 15 all-time for PL clean sheets relatively soon as he currently sits at 92 in 263 appearances. That tally is good enough for the World Cup winning shot-stopper to come in at No. 16; he’s also No. 12 all-time in Premier League saves. Need I say more?
Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
The only question regarding this selection is whether to start the Chelsea skipper on the left or the right. Matt Doherty is a good, experienced footballer who can do well for Spurs, but he’s nothing compared to Cesar Azpilicueta. Azpilicueta has been one of the Premier League’s best defenders since he became a regular for the Blues and after a solid campaign last year, he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
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Centerback: Kurt Zouma, Chelsea
Kurt Zouma’s inclusion on this list needs no justification. Both Lampard and Mourinho adore the French defender, hence his links to Spurs towards the end of last season. Luckily the Blues screwed their heads on straight and kept the talented centerback at the club as he’s the best they’ve got in the position. Even after a gruesome injury that impacted Zouma’s performances and halted his development for years, he’s looking like the player we all hoped he’d be.
Centerback: Toby Alderweireld, Tottenham
Toby Alderweireld may not be getting the respect he deserves from Mourinho, but no Alderweireld slander will be present here. The 31-year-old Belgian defender has found himself on the bench more often than not due to Mourinho’s odd obsession with Eric Dier. However, he’s more than proven over the years that he’s capable of competing at the highest level. Alderweireld is one of those players you love to hate, but at the end of the day, you’d take on your team with no questions asked.
Left back: Ben Chilwell, Chelsea
When we revisit the combined XI between Chelsea and Spurs in two months when they meet again, this left back selection will be exponentially more difficult. However, with Reguilon ineligible due to failing to play a single minute in English football yet, selecting Ben Chilwell was easy. Chilwell’s terrorized the Premier League for the last two seasons down the left flank. He’s one of the most attack-minded fullbacks in the top flight and with his talent, it’s easy to see why Lampard wanted him all along.