Best of the rest XI: Part 1
I asked a few of my friends to construct the best Premier League team they can using players outside the traditional big six clubs (Manchester City Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Tottenham).
Here’s how it went…
To begin with, Emiliano Martinez has to be my keeper. I don’t necessarily watch him week in week out, but whenever I see him play he PERFORMS.
I thought he only made it because of the World Cup, but I’m sure some of the top six would be happy to have him as their number one.
My full backs are Aït-Nouri and Livramento. These defenders both have the ability to beat their man and provide assists. Defensively I’m not too sure about Aït-Nouri because Madueke had him on the ropes a couple of weeks ago, but he definitely put on a dribbling clinic in the early stages of that game.
My CB partnership is Guehi and Branthwaite, two solid defenders — especially Guehi who should be on his way out of the club.
The two of the three midfielders are no-brainers in my opinion, I don’t have to talk too much about why I selected Paqueta and Onana.
However, Barkley is probably a surprising pick. I’ve always liked Barkley, but his vice is consistency. I’ll be honest, when he’s bad he’s dreadful, but when he’s in form he’s deadly and definitely making this XI.
On the LW, it was between Eze and Gordon but I haven’t heard Gordon perform too well recently. I’m even shocked that Eze is still at Palace after the past couple of seasons he’s had.
On the RW, I have Kudus. To be fair, I was thinking of Mbeumo or even a Jarrod Bowen but Kudus just edges it for me over the other two. I should definitely put him on my FPL.
Our number 9 has to be Alexander Isak. I do love Watkins, but when I see Isak play he makes me think “this is what my club Chelsea need”.
MANAGER — Unai Emery — ever since his arrival at Villa park, Aston Villa have transformed from a team in a relegation dogfight to comfortably winning Champions League away ties.
GK — MARTINEZ — one of the best gk’s in the world. Key part of Argentina dominance and Aston Villa resurgence.
RB — MUNOZ — been a high flyer since moving to the Prem. Key part of palaces resurgence last season and an excellent attacking option.
CB — BRANTHWAITE — Was a reason he was touted for 70m. Big, quick, excellent playing at the back and is a man mountain of a cb.
CB — SCHAR — Newcastle quiet general who has been quietly excellent at St James’ Park. Commander and leader at the back and excellent switch of play.
LB — ROBINSON — marauding full back. High flyer and a nonstop engine with a wicked cross. Only matter of time before he moves on.
CDM — BRUNO G — One of the best midfielders in the league. Can do everything, from dribbling, passing and a rocket of a shot and defensively astute.
CM — ONANA — since moving to Villa been unreal. Covers an insane amount of ground, great tackler, good dribbler and passer and a aerial threat.
CM — PAQUETA — West hams magician in the middle of the park. Great dribbler and has a eye for key pass in the middle of the park.
LW — EZE — Baller on the left wing. Great shot, pass and a feint which can leave you 10 steps behind.
ST — ISAK — Quick, great shot, good finisher and a good dribbler as Micky van de Ven knows, one of the leagues best strikers.
RW — KUDUS — A one man counter attack that no one can stop. Combine his short space dribbling with a ferocious shot, he is one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers.
The talent level across the league is the highest it has ever been. There a lot of ballers who don’t play for the big six so it was a huge challenged to make my best XI.
Who do you think had the best team?https://1do0ng4kpyb.typeform.com/to/oSNKuo9M
See you tomorrow for part 2
