As many as five Chelsea stars have made an interesting combined team with Premier League rivals Liverpool. The two sides make quite a stunning hypothetical XI, depending on who picks the side. Although, we'll have to see if our readers agree with these dream choices. But which outstanding Reds and standout CFC players get into this particular line-up? And we ask you if any areas of the selection should be altered?
In addition to assessing the joint team in the midst of Sunday's showdown with LFC, one former Blues star and fan favourite has admitted that his transfer exit years ago was ultimately a mistake. The ex-England international says he had no choice but to make the trip to Merseyside, essentially against his better judgement. Even though the retired professional who now works as a pundit was in a seemingly privileged position, there were problems. So why did Joe Cole endure a nightmare when signing for Liverpool from Chelsea?
Joe Cole on unwanted move to Liverpool via the English capital
Cole was a generational talent. Personally, I don't think he actually reached his true potential due to a number of factors: injuries and being played out of position or being out of favour with certain domestic and National Team bosses would be two prime reasons. Whilst a youth at West Ham United - he was the best I have ever seen!
Yet Cole still managed to dazzle at several clubs. Although he was not happy with one switch made in his still impressive career at the pinnacle of the game. Usually someone who gets a move to Anfield would be delighted beyond belief. But not the 42-year-old who recently opened up about heading north for his work, an undesired transfer in this instance:
"It didn't work for me there but it is a fantastic club, an institution globally. But if I could have my time again, I would probably go, 'no, you know what, wait.' And I'd have gone abroad, somewhere hot, because playing in the heat actually helped my knee."Joe Cole
Combination of Chelsea and Liverpool personnel creates wonderful blend with cutting edge
Ever wondered what a line-up which includes Mo Salah, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold looks like? Me too. So have, it seems, Daily Mail Sport writers. A what a team the Blues and Reds generate when the superior talent of each roster is added together.
One or two of the decisions taken here are eye-catching, with some more startling than others. Robert Sanchez over Alisson Becker, for example; to be fair the Brazilian is injured and therefore out of contention, suggests the article.
Some people shall be shocked to see Nicolas Jackson in place of Diogo Jota. Though the Senegalese's output speaks for itself.
"Our combined XI: Sanchez, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Colwill, Robertson; Gravenberch, Caicedo; Salah, Palmer, Diaz; Jackson."