Chelsea vs Liverpool combined XI: Carabao Cup final starting team
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy, Chelsea
This is one of the toughest decisions on the entire list. There is a legitimate argument to be made that Alisson and Edouard Mendy are the world’s top two goalkeepers right now. The Brazilian has ascended up to the world class rank since switching AS Roma for Anfield in 2018. He’s helped the Reds win a number of trophies, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, his counterpart is relatively new onto the scene.
Mendy came over from Rennes in 2020 as an unknown, underrated shot-stopper. It wasn’t long ago that the Senegalese No. 1 was filing for unemployment. Suffice it to say, his rise has been meteoric since joining Chelsea. The Blues’ first-choice keeper has already won a plethora of trophies with his new team and he is a part of the group that conceded the fewest goals (four) in a UCL-winning campaign. Mendy also currently holds the title of African Champion (Senegal), European Champion (Chelsea) and World Champion (Chelsea). How could someone with those accolades not get into any combined XI in the world? Both goalkeepers are world class, they’re both incredible at what they do, but it’s Mendy who edges out his counterpart this time around.
Right back: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool
I could just move on to the centerback choices without any explanation for this selection and nobody would bat an eye. Trent Alexander-Arnold has redefined the fullback position during his time as the starting Liverpool right back. He’s one of the chief creators in Klopp’s side already, as a defender, who is just 23 years of age. Alexander-Arnold is arguably one of the greatest fullbacks to ever grace the Premier League . . . and he’s still a baby for all intents and purposes. If James was fit, this would be a difficult selection as they’re two of the best right backs in world football. Alas, that’s not the case, so this is an easy selection.
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Centerback: Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk may not be the world’s most-feared centerback that he was prior to his ACL injury, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still an incredible player. The Dutchman is the only current centerhalf in the English top flight that can be mentioned in the same sentence as legends like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. Van Dijk’s consistency, adeptness, technical ability and pure talent have helped Liverpool become one of the best teams on the continent over the last few years. He walks into any starting XI in the Premier League, if not the world.
Centerback: Thiago Silva, Chelsea
Similar to the last two entries in this combined XI, Thiago Silva’s inclusion needs no justification. He’s been one of the generation’s most talented defenders for quite some time, the fact that he continues to impress at 37 elevates him into another class altogether. Silva is quite possibly Chelsea’s Player of the Year thus far. The Blues would likely not be where they are right now without the Brazilian’s veteran leadership at the back. A few Liverpool defenders, as well as Antonio Rudiger, are worthy competition for this second centerback spot. However, nobody else can come close to matching the success and form of Silva lately.
Left back: Andy Robertson, Liverpool
Andy Robertson is one of the world’s most lethal left backs when going forward. He’s got a killer cross in his arsenal and even though he may not score very often, don’t let those base attacking stats fool you. Robertson has a whopping 12 assists—yes, 12—already this season in 29 games. Chilwell remains sidelined for Chelsea, which only makes this decision that much easier. Marcos Alonso is a very good left back, his lack of defensive awareness from time to time sees him lose out on a spot fairly comfortably to Robertson, who is as consistent as they come.