EPL XI VS La Liga XI: Every Football Fans Dream

English Premier League XI vs. Spanish La Liga XI

This is my first BR article. I’m honestly a bigger basketball fan but I’ve been wanting to write on this topic for some time now, so I decided to have a crack at it. Bear with me if it’s amateurish, I hope to get better.

Now, down to the good stuff.

The Barclay’s Premier League and the La Liga are close rivals for the titles of the two best leagues in the world. It’s unquestionable. The position could only go to one of the two. Which of the two is more competitive and entertaining to watch is a debate for another time. Both have an insane degree of footballing talent. What I plan to probe is which of the two would come out on top if thrown together.

It would indeed be a wonderful spectacle, as nearly every player who could contend for the title of the world’s best player comes from either of the two leagues. Even though it’s unlikely to ever happen, I wish we could see something like this as a fundraiser, perhaps. Let’s see....

Stadium: San Siro, Milan, Italy

Obviously, it can be argued that Anfield, Old Trafford or the Bernabeu would be more fitting for such a display. But it would definitely afford immeasurable advantage to the home side, something we wouldn’t want to see in what should rightly be one of the most closely contested matches ever. It would draw 80,000 football crazy Italians easily, not to mention so many other fans wanting to come here worldwide. A magnificent stadium, perhaps the best in the world. Who knows, it may be the right place to host any such match, regardless of the participants.

All-English Premier League Team

Manager : Alex Ferguson

You knew it was coming. Not much of a contest here. Wenger definitely deserves a mention, especially given his tendency to get the best out of players many thought were nobodies. But not one player on this team can be called a nobody, and we all know Fergie for his ability to get a star-studded team to co-operate.

Formation : 4-3-3

I took some consideration as to whether I should go with this, or the 4-2-2 diamond, but at the end it seems that this attacking formation serves for the most fair possible representation of the Premier League’s best.

Players

GK : Shay Given

It was either him, Cech, or Van der Sar. The former two have not been in great form this season, with Edwin even missing most of the season with various injuries. Given has been a constant in the Premier League for a long time, providing an unshakeable and experienced presence between the goalposts.

LB: Patrice Evra

Not many surprises here. He was chosen as the left-back for the FIFPro XI for 2009, and his great form has continued into this season. He’s also a surprisingly potent attacking threat, making many runs down the flank deep into enemy territory before delivering a cross into the box. They may not seem so effective with Manchester United’s current form, but in this team he could be deadly.

CB: John Terry (captain)

Again, even fewer surprises here. He’s been one of the constants for Chelsea’s defensive domination since their first title in 2005. The PFA Player of the Year for 2005 has been the world’s most reliable centre-back time and time again, and has proved with Chelsea and England that he would be the first choice captain on any team.

CB: Nemanja Vidic

He’s the linchpin for the EPL defence. Easily the world’s best defender in form, he’s an absolute monster. Any ball that looks even close to threatening is cleared instantly. He’s one of the few players to ever make Didier Drogba look humble, and even though his failings against Fernando Torres could be brought up, I can’t think of another player I’d want when facing the titans that will comprise the La Liga’s striking line-up.

RB: Ashley Cole

Another constant for Chelsea, and a potent attacking threat as well when on-song. He’s not a natural right-back, but a player of his defensive prowess and football IQ would be necessary in this case. He’s the perfect compliment to the other three, having played with John Terry for years in Chelsea and England.

CM: Cesc Fabregas (vice-captain)

The Spanish maestro has shown time and time again that he is the firmly to be considered in the debate for the best Premier League player. He’s added a beautiful free-kick to his already bursting repertoire of talents, and has scored 14 goals in all competitions to go with a phenomenal 16 assists. If he can deliver one of his killer balls into the strikers then the Premier League XI will be in a commanding position. A fantastic player, who, scarily enough, seems nowhere near his peak.

CM: Frank Lampard

Normally plays as an attacking midfielder, but for reasons that will be explained just after this he has been pushed back slightly. Still, he will flourish here as well, wreaking havoc with his creativity and long-range shots. A central midfield duo of Fabregas and Lampard is something that visits defenders in their nightmares.

AM: Steven Gerrard (vice-captain)

The mere fact that he can push Lampard down the field shows the quality of this player. Steven Gerrard is one of the greatest players in football history. He can do anything with a ball, and is the best possible choice to link the midfield and the strikers. A truly deadly long-range shot combined with slick passing makes this addition to the already formidable midfield almost unfair. Gerrard is a true legend and the Premier League’s team would be incomplete without him.

LF : Wayne Rooney

He’s the Premier League’s top scorer this season, and has flourished in the role of being Manchester United’s attacking key. Even though he probably won’t occupy the same position for the Premier League XI, he’s shown in the past he’s more than content to still get his goals while playing second fiddle. He’s scored over 100 goals for United, and the scary part is he’s just 24.

RF: Didier Drogba

The Ivory Coast striker has been on fire this season, netting goals whether or not Chelsea is playing well. He is one of the most frightening strikers to defend, his brutal strength and incredible long-range shot making him almost unplayable. If he concludes the season in the same form as he began it, he could begin to push debates as perhaps the greatest African player ever.

CF: Fernando Torres

The absolute key for this team. He is an out-and-out pure-bred striker, one who bangs in goals for a pastime. His control over the ball is breathtaking, and his football IQ would be off the charts. If he gets going, there’s not a single defence in the world who can even think of containing him, not even the La Liga’s defence. If I had to mark Rooney or Drogba, I’d be nervous. If I had to mark Torres, I’d be downright terrified.

Substitutes

GK: Petr Cech

He hasn’t been performing to his usual high standards this season, but deserves a mention over Van der Sar, especially since the Dutchman has been injured most of this season.

CB: Rio Ferdinand

He’s also been injured most of the season, but when he’s on form, a central defence duo of Ferdinand and Vidic can stop anyone.

DM: Michael Essien

A truly world-class player who only missed out on the starting line-up because of the attacking formation. If the team comes under excessive pressure, Ferguson would be very likely to sub him in and ensure that the team’s lines hold with his excellent defensive capacities.

AM: Andrei Arshavin

The Russian magician has the sky as his limit, and showed us a glimpse of his ceiling with a four goal performance against Liverpool last season. He’s the key to Arsenal’s success this season, and if he gets into rampant form then he’s almost unstoppable. A wise buy for Arsene Wenger.

FW: Robin van Persie

Arsenal’s imperious striker just makes the cut over Nicholas Anelka for his explosiveness. Had he not been injured this season, it’s possible that the Gunners would have been the runaway favourites for this year’s title. He’s not an out-an-out striker, preferring to play off the main one. I can imagine him doing so extremely well with Fernando Torres.....

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There you have it. The English Premier League’s best. You may not agree with some of these selections, and of course you’re welcome to your opinion. Do tell me where you think I went wrong in your comments.

A 4-3-3 may be risky as Essien would be essential to stop the La Liga’s rampant forwards. But it also gives scope to include the Premier League’s own striking trio of Rooney, Drogba and Torres. The earlier two can be easily comfortable playing off the Spaniard, with Lampard, Fabregas and Gerrard also making decisive runs followed by incisive crosses into the box for the strikers to slam home. The nature of the Premier League which is in their favour is that all the attacking players within this team are used to being the central options for their own respective teams, but will be just as comfortable taking a secondary role here. Any one of them is capable of producing magic once given the ball in times of need.

I believe the Spanish duo, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres would be key. If Arsenal’s captain can make his genius passes count, then the strikers will be in a good position upfront with the ball. And if Torres gets going.... Well, then the match will be pretty one-sided.

Not to say, of course, that the La Liga will be any weaker. Let’s have a look.

All-La Liga Team

Manager: Josep Guardiola

The only manager to have ever won six trophies in a year. He’s an excellent manager of players, making them forget their egos and work together. He was able to finally get the best out of Lionel Messi in his first relatively injury free year. Definitely the only man to match up to Alex Ferguson.

Formation : 4-3-2-1

GK : Iker Casillas

Possibly the best goalkeeper of our generation, the Spanish captain is going strong for Real Madrid. He’s pulled of stunning saves this season, and at the age of just 28, he still seems to have a great career ahead of him. An absolute rock in Madrid’s defence, he may end up as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever.

LB : Pepe

Even though he is really one of the best centre-backs in the La Liga, he’s being moved to the flank due to the quality of the central defence pair here. He is not a potent threat on the wing, but is a fantastic pure defender.

CB : Gerard Pique

One half of the defending La Liga champion’s immovable central defence. A wonderful defender who became an immediate success for Barcelona after transferring there in 2008 from Manchester United, his partnership with this next player will be the cornerstone for the La Liga’s attempts to stop the Premier League’s attacking force.

CB : Carles Puyol (captain)

Not much can really be said here. He is the equivalent of the John Terry in the Premier League team. He’s been one of the best defenders of the generation, and his importance to Barcelona is illustrated by the fact that while both him and Pique were both playing, they conceded only one goal last season as compared to having no clean sheets while he was injured. He will be key in keeping Torres, Rooney and Drogba at bay.

RB : Dani Alves

A great defender with incredible attacking flair, he is a threat down the wing to any defence. His pinpoint crosses are one of the many reasons for Barcelona’s success last season, he also has a beautiful free kick. His presence here just illustrates Barcelona’s dominance of the Spanish league, considering three out of four defenders reside within it’s starting line-up.

CM : Xavi Hernandez

One of the footballing worlds true tactical genii. His pinpoint passing and unbelievable ball control make him almost unstoppable. Barcelona wouldn’t be half as good without him, and I believe that he was truly the greatest reason for their success last season, even more so than a certain Argentine winger. A Catalan legend without whom, this team, as would any, is incomplete.

CM : Andres Iniesta

His presence along with Xavi provides the La Liga’s answer to the Lampard-Fabregas combo. His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch combined with his natural humility has made him extremely popular with the Spanish press, who call him ‘El Anti-Galactico’. He is the embodiment of Barcelona’s total football style, and I could see him using his natural attacking flair to score bucket-loads of goals in another team if he were the attacking key. Even so, I’m sure he’s content winning bucket-loads of titles and getting recognition as one of the world’s best players in Barcelona.

AM: David Silva

His incredible dribbling skills make him a necessity for this team. He can form a perfect link between the forwards and the midfielders, especially considering his use of that rare ability to dodge multiple defenders to set up team-mates. Considering he is only twenty-four, the sky really is the limit for this Spaniard.

LW: Lionel Messi

An absolute no-brainer for this team. The reigning FIFA World Player of the Year slammed thirty-eight goals last season, ripping apart opposing defences with absurd ease. His ball control skills are unlike anything we have ever seen before, and has drawn many comparisons to another certain Argentine called Diego Maradona. None can challenge him for the title of the world’s best player, except this next player.....

RW : Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is a ridiculously talented attacking player who is going to be involved in a debate with Messi as the best player for the next five years. Even though he may not be the easiest man to play with, there is no doubt of his importance to Real Madrid and Manchester United before that. Both wingers have the makings of true legends, and one can only imagine the havoc they could wreak together, especially considering the man playing in between them.....

ST : David Villa

As a striker, Villa is simply in another league. He seems to have developed this strange habit of banging in loads of goals every season with David Silva as the only recognizable help he has. Another player who deserves to be in the conversation for the world’s best player. He has been courted by a number of European giants, but has showed his loyalty by refusing to budge from Valencia. They are indeed lucky to have him.

Substitutes

GK : Victor Valdes

He has been one of the world’s most consistent keepers for the last couple of years and another integral part of Barcelona’s defence. Part of his incredibly low number of goals conceded is because of the tight Catalan back four, but there is no doubting his natural talent.

LB: Eric Abidal

One of the best left-backs in the world whose self-proclaimed goal is to infuriate opposing players and make them sick at the very sight of him. He has yet to score a goal in his professional career after two hundred and eighty one games, but is still one of the La Liga’s best defenders, if only just good enough to make the bench.

CM: Kaka

He doesn’t make the starting XI by virtue of the injury hampered start to his La Liga stint. However, I fully expect him to pick up the pace as soon as possible. A stunning passer with a great shot and incredible vision, he stands among the top three players in the world and is the key to Brazil’s World Cup hopes.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

He started a new chapter in his career with Barca at the beginning of this season, and has not failed to impress. A breathtaking finisher with great technical skill, he will be a great fit in any attacking line-up. He only misses out on the starting XI because Villa is simply in another league.

ST: Gonzalo Higuain

The young Real Madrid striker began the season on the bench, but quickly replaced Benzema in the starting line-up by hammering in goal after goal. He has proved this season that he is as important to Madrid as any player including Ronaldo. He has the makings of a legend in him, and is sure to have success at the World Cup with Argentina.

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There are the squads. Why don’t you leave your predictions in your comments? Personally I feel the Premier League has a better chance. The La Liga has far more raw talent on its side, but the experience, toughness and strength of the best of the EPL should see them through. Don’t get me wrong, even though most of the La Liga team is young, they are still the future of world football. However, as of now, the likes of Lampard, Drogba, Gerrard and Rooney simply have them outclassed and outmatched in terms of physicality and toughness. Plus, Ferguson remains Ferguson.

I predict 2-1 for the EPL XI.