sport news Micky van de Ven partners Dutch team-mate Virgil van Dijk at the back while … trends now
A Premier League clash between Liverpool and Spurs has provided fans with some memorable moments over the years – with this season’s VAR-filled offering one of the most notable in recent years.
In a remarkable error by the VAR officials, Luis Diaz‘s goal was ruled offside despite the forward actually being in an onside position. In the time since this fixture, Liverpool had managed to move themselves into Premier League title contention, only to capitulate after a recent bad run of form.
Their 2-2 draw with West Ham means they are unlikely to get their hands on this year’s trophy and end Klopp’s nine-year tenure on a high, but some fans will still feel they have overachieved somewhat – much like their opponents Spurs.
Ange Postecoglou‘s high octane style has been largely successful in north London during his debut season with Spurs likely to finish fifth this season after a recent drop off which has seen them lose three consecutive games.
Here’s our list of Liverpool and Tottenham‘s strongest combined XI, playing in a 4-3-3 formation.
Luis Diaz’s controversial disallowed goal in the reverse fixture was the latest in a long line of memorable moments between Tottenham and Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp and Ange Postecoglou will square off for the second time this season at Anfield
Only three Tottenham stars made the combined XI but can you guess who the third is?
Goalkeeper – Alisson
Despite being injured at times this season, the Brazilian shot stopper is still among the best keepers the Premier League has to offer.
He has seven clean sheets to his name in the Premier League and is a two-time golden glove winner.
Vicario deserves a mention for his impressive debut season with Spurs, but until he reaches the stature of Alisson and proves his longevity as much as the Liverpool number one, he will always be second best in this battle.
DEFENDERS
Right back – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold had to be picked in the right back position. The 25-year-old is probably the best offensive-minded full back the country has ever produced with 58 Premier League assists, though his role in the team nowadays sees him drift inside to operate more like a deep-lying playmaker.
The local Liverpool man will be looking to impress Gareth Southgate in his remaining league games with the aim of securing a place in this summer’s Euro 2024 squad.
Even if he misses out due to England’s embarrassment of riches in the right back position, he will still be lauded by many fans as the best right back in the business.
Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been crucial facets of Liverpool’s defence in recent years
Centre back – Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk has reinstated himself as one of the league’s top defenders after difficult seasons following his injury in 2020. Only James Tarkowski and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have won more aerial duels, and remarkably he is still yet to be dribbled past this campaign.
Despite Liverpool having a fairly leaky season in terms of goals conceded, the Dutch defender has still managed to help his side keep eight clean sheets in the league.
He has also blocked 49 shots, a staggering 45 more than Arsenal’s William Saliba who is arguably this season’s most impressive defender.
Centre back – Micky Van de Ven
The Netherlands is clearly good at producing tall, pacey centre backs who are comfortable on the ball. Few would have envisaged Van de Ven having such an impactful debut season following his move from Wolfsburg for around £35m. However, he has proven worthy of being ranked among the world’s best in his position and his relatively tender age for a centre back means his best days are ahead of him.
He has some of the best defensive stats among Premier League players this season, achieving a tackle success rate of 68% and winning 101 duels. If Spurs are to get a result on Sunday, they will need their new centre back to continue impressing with a solid defensive display.
Left back – Andy Robertson
Another player who has suffered through injury this year, Robertson remains one of, if not the, best left back in the Premier League. The Scot has the largest number of assists for a defender in Premier League history, one better than teammate Alexander-Arnold, and has chipped in with two goals this season.
Udogie would have been a clear candidate for claiming this spot in the team, but injuries have ruled him out for the rest of the season and Ben Davies has struggled in the position at times against stronger opposition. Gomez has filled in at left back for Liverpool when needed, but now Robertson has returned from his spell on the sidelines it’s only right he makes it in.
