Aaron Crowie has picked his combined XI of Arsenal’s 2003/04 Invincibles and Liverpool’s 2019/20 red-hot would-be champions!
It’s not easy picking this combined team and it’s certainly up for debate. Who makes your team?
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Liverpool’s brazillian between the sticks gets the nod ahead of Jens Lehmann. While the German was a top-notch goalkeeper, Alisson became the first shot-stopper to bag three Golden Gloves last season, including English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Copa America and continues to prove his worth.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is just 21-years-old and already one of the best right-backs in the world. Lauren has an amazing defender but the young Englishman’s attacking prowess place him ahead of the invincible.
Centre-back: Sol Campbell
Campbell was a rock at the back for the Gunners and makes the combined XI ahead of Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. That is definitely non-negotiable.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk presence was essential to Liverpool’s success last season earning the Dutchman the PFA Player of the Season award and this term he has been one of their most consistent players with his leadership proving pivitol.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson
This one is a tough call, but I’m leaning towards Andrew Roberton, not only because of his tendency to get forward and attack the game but he is a brilliant defender as well. While Ashley Cole is all of that as well, he is also a traitor to the North Londoners.
Central midfield: Patrick Vieira
The legendary Patrick Vieira undoubtedly takes up a central midfielder role here. The Frenchman was one of the best box-to-box midfielders. Vieira will also take the armband for this combined XI.
Central midfield: Gilberto Silva
Gilberto Silva will play alongside Vieira in a defensive midfield role edging out his compatriot Fabinho. Silva was at his best during the Invincibles’ triumph and also had a World Cup win to his name with Brazil just a couple of years prior.
Right Wing: Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian just about gets this spot ahead of teammate Sadio Mane. It’s down to his goal scoring ability as no player has found the back of the net as Salah since he joined Liverpool.
Left wing: Robert Pires
While I’m sure this would be a talking point as well, Robert Pires gets in ahead of Sadio Mane as well. He not only a goal scorer and play-maker but his technical ability and reading of the game made him a Gunners great!
Centre-forward: Dennis Bergkamp
Bergkamp was simply classy and had this panache about him. His vision, eye for goal and skill was world class to say the least and it’s fair to say he has deserves a spot in the combined XI.
Striker: Thierry Henry
Spearheading this magnificent XI is none other that Thierry Henry. One of the best strikers to grace the EPL and probably Arsenal’s GOAT.
