Chelsea and Manchester City are set to face each other in an all-English Champions League final. The final is set to take place in three days in Portugal. Both teams have been playing exceptionally well over the past season, and would be looking to add the glorious Champions League title to their trophy cabinet. We try to make a combined XI for both teams. The formation that we have used is the 4-3-3 (Defend)
Goalkeeper (Ederson)
Ederson has been the best keeper for Manchester City and Brazil, where he faces tough competition from Allison, the Liverpool goalie. His technique as a goalkeeper is pretty different in comparison to other keepers. He was the first goalkeeper in the Premier League to start sweeping balls away from the danger zone. He has been at fault at the same time, but in comparison to Chelsea’s keepers (Kepa and Mendy), he is much better.
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Defense (Kyle Walker – Right back, Ruben Dias – Center Back, Antonio Rudiger – Center Back, Joao Cancelo – Left-back)Kyle Walker has been the best right back in the Pl for more than half a decade. He has improved his game both attacking-wise as well as defensively. His attacking ability in games has helped City score many goals and win the ball back in a high press situation. His crosses into the box are also one of his main strengths.
Ruben Dias has been the season’s signing and can be the long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany, the Manchester City legend who dominated the defense for them for years. He was a key signing and has helped them defensively, and his heading ability in both the penalty areas is unmatched.
Antonio Rudiger has revived his Chelsea career with an excellent form at the center-back position under Thomas Tuchel. His five at the back formation has helped them get better defensively, and he has turned himself into one of the fiercest defenders in the league. His runs through the middle of midfield also support Chelsea on the counterattack.
Joao Cancelo was considered one of Manchester City’s biggest flops till last season, but under Pep Guardiola, he has certainly brought his A-game. He has turned himself into one of the most versatile players ever. He has played at four different positions this season, namely left-back, right-back, center defensive midfielder, and center midfield. This proves his capability and his versatility as a player.
Midfield (N’Golo Kante – Center Defensive Midfield, Ilkay Gundogan – Center Midfield, Kevin De Bruyne – Centre Attacking Midfielder)
N’Golo Kante is one of the best defensive midfielders the league has ever seen. Even though he is short in height, his stamina, aggressive interceptions, and sharpshooting make up for it. He has improved his physicality as well, making him a risky asset to any team. He can play in any part of the midfield, and, depending upon the situation, he can act accordingly and help his team to victory.
IIkay Gundogan has improved his Manchester City and footballing career, in general, this season. He has been amongst the goals and assists in the league for City and can even play as a false-nine depending upon the conditions. He can slip inside defensives with his tricks and skills, and his finesse shots are unparalleled.
Mason Mount is the best young prospect to come out of the Chelsea academy. He has reached a different level to his game, from where he can achieve greatness and can be part of something extraordinary, and that can be remembered for years to come. He can play on the wings as well, and with the pace he has, he is a dangerous commodity to deal with by defenders.
Attack (Riyad Mahrez – Right Wing, Kevin De Bruyne – Centre Forward, Phil Foden – Left Wing)
Riyad Mahrez also has revived his Manchester City career after failing to adapt to the set-up since he joined in 2018. He reminded everyone this season what he is capable of. He has been scoring goals for fun, and this form reminds everyone why he was so crucial to Leicester City in their title-winning season.
Kevin De Bruyne, there is absolutely no team in the world who wouldn’t want this guy in their team. His vision and observation of attackers making runs can not be matched ever. This season he has been a bit low-key since he has played in the False nine formation. He has slotted into that position due to the lack of strikers at the club and has made sure City didn’t feel the need to play anyone else.
Phil Foden is the best England youngster or arguably the best youngster in the world as of this moment. Seeing him develop and grow under Pep Guardiola reminds everyone of a young Lionel Messi. He certainly shows signs of that and has been a trouble for defenses in any position that he plays. He can play at CAM as well as on either wing. He knows how to break defenses and score breakthrough goals as well.
This team can beat almost any side globally, and the quality that this line-up possesses is unimaginable. It would be a treat to watch them play on Saturday in the Uefa Champions League final against each other.