Ahead of Saturday’s fixture between Everton and Manchester United, i decided to draw up my perfect team, consisting of players from both clubs. United currently sit third in the Premier League table, after spending in excess of £100million on new recruits this summer, some of which include; Anthony Martial, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian.
Everton reside in seventh place after enduring a solid start to the season, with good results against Chelsea and Southampton included.
The Combined XI is this time presented in a 4-3-3 formation. Again, there are several players that deserved to feature but I couldn’t find space for; the selection was difficult. Ultimately, you may agree or disagree with my choices but they are nothing more than my opinions. Nevertheless, here is the team;
Goalkeeper: David de Gea – Manchester United
A pretty straight forward decision to begin with, their is no questioning de Gea’s place in the team. As one of the best goalkeepers in world football, de Gea was widely regarded as Manchester United’s best summer signings. A prospected deal to Real Madrid fell through, and de Gea subsequently signed a new contract with the Red Devils. Still only young, de Gea is only going to get better and better and as one of the best, if not the best ‘keeper in the league last season, earns his spot.
Right-back: Seamus Coleman – Everton
New United right-back Matteo Darmian looks a promising player, but he can’t dislodge Seamus Coleman from the XI. Coleman is one of the best fullbacks in the division, and with only a small amount of experience of English football under Darmian’s belt, it was fairly straight forward choosing the Irishman to man the right defence position.
Centre-back: John Stones – Everton
Without singing his praises to high heaven again, Stones simply makes the team because he is phenomenal. An exceptional player with a huge future, Stones makes the team no question.
Centre-back: Chris Smalling – Manchester United
Personally, I’m not a great fan of Chris Smalling. If this were a few months ago, he wouldn’t have made my bench. However, credit should be given where its due, and so Smalling makes the team on the basis of his performances as of late. For both club and country Smalling has established himself as a starting player, and although he isn’t quite the best thing since sliced bread, he is the second best English centre-half about at this moment in time (behind Stones of course!).
Left-back: Leighton Baines – Everton
Choosing between the wise master and the young apprentice Luke Shaw, Baines makes the team through experience and no shortage of quality. Luke Shaw is an exciting player, and one can only hope he recovers from his horror leg break speedily and with no setbacks, but even when fully fit it would be difficult to remove Baines. After all, there is a reason United tried to sign Leighton Baines first…
Central-midfield: Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin finally achieved his well earned transfer to a Champions League side this summer. A solid player for Southampton, Schneiderlin’s role within the team was often under appreciated. A good defensive and offensive asset, and still only 25 years of age, the Frenchman represents a good buy for United and makes the XI.
Central-midfield: James McCarthy – Everton
Once again, there is no way McCarthy wasn’t making my team. An extraordinary player with tons of quality, and only 24 years old, McCarthy would be a fantastic signing for any club in the league.
Central-midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger
The final place in my midfield trio goes to Schweinsteiger, and why else wouldn’t it? Bastian, captain of World Champions Germany, has experienced a fair bit of success over his career. Bastian played an integral part in Bayern’s treble in 2012-13, the first treble ever by a German club. The German enforcer’s accolades continues with nine Bundesliga titles, seven German cups, the 2012-13 Champions League medal, as well as two third-place World cup medals to accompany his 2014 winners medal over more than a hundred international caps. It’s probably safe to say he deserves his place in the XI.
Right-forward: Juan Mata – Manchester United
I’m a big fan of Mata, and he certainly makes the team, His time at Chelsea made him a man to watch, until his surprising outcasting by Jose Mourinho. Since then, I feel his talent hasn’t been truly appreciated. A typical Spaniard, Mata’s ability lies in his feet. A magical touch and great agility, Mata mirrors compatriot David Silva with the special ability of having genuine vision, making his position in any team invaluable as a creator.
Left-forward: Ross Barkley – Everton
The local boy, Barkley is Everton and it wouldn’t be right to not include him. Barkley really appears to be approaching this season differently, gripping every opportunity with both hands and not letting go. After two stellar performances for England in the past week, that included a Man of the Match display against Estonia and a well taken goal against Lithuania, Barkley looks to be the real deal. For both Everton and England’s sake, I hope he keeps the momentum going. A special mention to Memphis Depay, who was agonisingly difficult to leave out – however Barkley took the spot due to his greater experience of English football.
Striker: Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
I love Romelu Lukaku, I do, but he’s no Wayne Rooney. Though his time at Everton was short-lived, Rooney was one of the players that captured my interest in football as a youngster. A hero of mine, coming through the ranks at such a young age and becoming a star was something special, something I don’t think we;ll see again in a long time. I won’t drum on too long about Rooney as I’ve already profiled him for Read Everton, but he’s constantly risen to greater heights throughout his career and as the all-time leading goalscorer for England, he definitely deserves his place.
My subs bench contains a number of players who I believe were worthy of making the team, but for one reason or another did not make the final cut (I know I included 8 players but I couldn’t narrow it down). A combination of these two great footballing teams really could cause some damage. The full eleven and bench reads as followed;
GK: David de Gea
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: John Stones
CB: Chris Smalling
LB: Leighton Baines
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin
CM: James McCarthy
CM: Bastian Schweinsteiger
RF: Juan Mata
LF: Ross Barkley
ST: Wayne Rooney
Subs: Sergio Romero, Luke Shaw, Phil Jagielka, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Kevin Mirallas, Memphis Depay, Romelu Lukaku
