Picking a Premier League All-Stars Squad

Imagine it for a second: The Premier League and La Liga's best competing in an annual All-Stars game.

The Americanised fixture would be a fascinating spectacle, even if it was inevitably driven by financial means.

But who would feature in the EPL side? Which 22 players would be selected for the squad?

Here are some suggestions.

GK: Petr Cech

The first of two goalkeepers in the squad is Chelsea's Petr Cech.

The Czech beast has been one of Europe's best shot-stoppers for almost a decade. He combines an immense presence in the box with outstanding mobility for a man of his size.

His enduring quality is the reason talented youngster Thibaut Courtois has been sent out on loan for a third consecutive season.

GK: David De Gea

Alongside Cech in the squad is Manchester United's rapidly improving David de Gea.

The keeper was immense last season, shrugging off past criticism of him being an unreliable weak link between the sticks for the Red Devils.

His reflexes are near-unparalleled in world football. In a few years' time, he has the potential to be the best.

DEF: Leighton Baines

Everton left-back Leighton Baines has steadily improved with every passing season.

He is now one of the elite players in his position in the game. Last season he was both a tenacious defender and a terrific attacking threat at Goodison Park.

However, whether he remains with the Toffees past the summer remains to be seen.

DEF: Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole may not be the most popular footballer, but few can deny his world-class quality.

The England international was a part of Arsenal's "Invincibles" team of 2003/04 and later claimed Premier League glory with the Blues.

At 32, he still shows little sign of any serious decline.

DEF: Branislav Ivanovic

Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic earns a place in the squad for his clutch displays for Chelsea in recent seasons.

A powerful player who can play at both full-back and centre-back, he is certain to play an important part in Jose Mourinho's plans next term.

Ivanovic is one of six Chelsea players featured here.

DEF: Nemanja Vidic

Is there a defender in world football more aerially dominant than Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian brute commands immense respect from both teammates and opponents for his natural physical ability.

His value to Manchester United can be highlighted by how much the team suffers at the back in his absence.

DEF: David Luiz

David Luiz is part of a new breed of central defenders.

The Brazilian is confident bringing the ball out from the back and having a significant impact on his team's attacking football.

When he was once shaky, he is also becoming increasingly reliable on the back foot.

DEF: Rio Ferdinand

His back may be shot, his legs gone, but Rio Ferdinand is still a class defender.

The Manchester United veteran was a consistent presence last season, named to the PFA's Team of the Year as reward.

He will turn 35 this year, but don't hold it against him.

DEF: Vincent Kompany

Last of the defenders, but certainly not least, is Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

The Belgium international oozes class. Without him in the team, the Blues would probably not have had as much success in recent seasons.

He is a calm force at the back, a true leader of men.

MID: Yaya Toure

Alongside Kompany is another Manchester City bruiser, Yaya Toure.

No one has the ability to control the middle of the park like the Ivorian box-to-box midfielder. He is a true midfield general.

He is the rare case of a £20 million-plus transfer bargain.

MID: Jack Wilshere

When he is 100 percent fit, Jack Wilshere is the most talented Englishman of his generation.

The Arsenal midfielder has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Because of this, he is still yet to reach his full potential.

But right now, he is still deserving of a place in this squad. Arsene Wenger will do his best to wring the best out of him next term.

MID: Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is another veteran whose quality is undiminished.

The Liverpool captain has been a steady force both in domestic and international football. His long-range passing especially is of the highest quality.

Brendan Rodgers may be steering the Reds down a more youth-orientated path, but Gerrard remains indispensable.

MID: Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is the king of understated excellence.

The Manchester United holding midfielder does his job without any fanfare or fireworks. He is the conductor for the Red Devils' orchestra.

Carrick is one of only seven English players in this squad.

MID: Juan Mata

Juan Mata was a transcendent force for Chelsea last season, consistently delivering even when his teammates struggled for form.

The Spanish attacking midfielder scored 20 goals and provided an astounding 35 assists in all competitions last season.

He would be an automatic pick for the first XI of the All-Stars team.

MID: Eden Hazard

Mata's attacking cohort, Eden Hazard, is also included in this star-studded squad.

The 22-year-old combines devastating pace with exceptional skill and trickery.

He is part of a new generation of Belgian players set to take world football by storm.

MID: Santi Cazorla

In a squad filled to the brim with attacking midfielders, how could Santi Cazorla be omitted?

The Spaniard made an immediate impact at Arsenal in his debut campaign, leading them to a fourth-place finish in the league.

He is a creative threat whose wide range of passing only makes his teammates better.

MID: David Silva

David Silva is one of four Spaniards included in this squad.

The Manchester City attacking midfielder may not have had his greatest campaign in 2012/13, but his enduring quality is undeniable.

The Blues rely heavily on his attacking movement and creativity between the lines.

MID: Gareth Bale

The Premier League needs a player like Gareth Bale in its ranks.

The Welshman is fast becoming an all-time great to rank alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He was outstanding for Tottenham Hostpur last term, scoring a ton of goals from all over the park.

ATT: Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero's goal at the death to win the Premier League for Manchester City will forever live in British football history.

The Argentine is a born goalscorer with terrific upper-body strength for a player his size.

He may have scored 13 fewer goals last season than the one before, but there is not a manager alive who would not want him in his first team.

ATT: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney may not be everyone's cup of tea, but sulking aside, he is a world-class footballer.

Manchester United may have Shinji Kagawa waiting in the wings, but if Rooney were to leave Old Trafford this summer, it would certainly leave a gaping hole.

He is a naturally gifted player who is a true X-factor when on form.

ATT: Luis Suarez

Like Rooney, Luis Suarez is another player who divides opinion but whose talent is undeniable.

The Liverpool forward scored 30 goals in all competitions for the Reds last season, almost single-handedly carrying the side at times.

The Premier League needs his quality, if not the trouble he brings.

ATT: Robin van Persie

The final spot in this All-Star squad goes to Manchester United forward Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman may have alienated his former Arsenal fans when he made the move to Old Trafford last summer, but his success in Manchester has proven the decision justified.

His 26 league goals were a major contributor to the Red Devils claiming domestic glory.

On Standby

In drafting a list like this, there were inevitably going to be notable omissions.

Here are five players who narrowly missed out, but are on the standby list:

GK: Hugo Lloris, Tottenham Hotspur

DEF: Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City

MID: Marouane Fellaini, Everton

MID: Mousa Dembele, Tottenham Hotspur

MID: Fernandinho, Manchester City