Virgil van Dijk among five Liverpool stars to make Liverpool vs Man City combined XI
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Alisson stands out as the far more complete goalkeeper, a fact he has repeatedly demonstrated during the opening stretch of this campaign.FBL-ENG-PR-BOURNEMOUTH-LIVERPOOL | GLYN KIRK/GettyImagesWhile Ronald Araujo has revitalised the right-back position for Liverpool this campaign, Matheus Nunes provides a more complete package. The Portugal international combines tenacious defending with progressive ball-carrying, which has helped him make the position his own for the Manchester club – he gets the nod for my team.It would be silly to break up Liverpool’s centre-back partnership at the heart of the defence.
The duo has been Liverpool’s shining light this season, with the combination of Virgil Van Dijk’s experience and Jeremy Jacquet’s composure earning three Premier League clean sheets already.While Man City fans may make a case for Marc Guehi, there has been little talk of his failed move to Liverpool amongst Reds fans since Jacquet entered the picture. The Frenchman has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.Liverpool FC Training Session | Nikki Dyer/GettyImagesCompleting the defence has to be Josko Gvardiol.
There have been positive signs from Kerkez since Iraola’s arrival, but the Croatian’s performances are currently keeping Premier League Young Player of the Year Nico O’Reilly out of the Man City team – a testament to the level he’s at.In midfield the Citizens edge it 2-1, with Dominic Szoboszlai joining Man City duo Elliot Anderson and Ryan Cherki to form a nicely balanced midfield three.On current form, Alexis Mac Allister is a harsh exclusion, but the quality of the chosen three just trumps the Argentinian.Onto the forward line, and while Alexander Isak has looked rejuvenated this season, unfortunately he’s up against the best striker in the Premier League in this debate. Erling Haaland’s numbers since he joined the Premier League have just been absurd, and any team in the Premier League would bite your hand off to have the Norwegian lead their line.On the wings, despite Cody Gakpo and Antoine Semenyo delivering so far this campaign, I’ve opted for Jeremy Doku and Bradley Barcola instead.