MY ACCOUNT
Bitter rivals Argentina and Brazil clash this evening in the latest edition of the Superclasico de las Americas.
One of the most fiercely competitive contests in the footballing world, superstars galore will be on show in San Juan with both points and pride on the line.
But which players would make it into a combined XI of the two nations? We have put our preferred side together — read on to see who made the cut.
Goalkeeper: Ederson (Brazil)
Arguably the toughest choice of the lot, Manchester City stopper Ederson narrowly edges out compatriot Alisson and opposite number Emiliano Martinez in the race to be our No1.
The trio are among the finest in the world in their position and all star for their respective Premier League sides but it is the phenomenal distribution of the 28-year-old which just sees him come out on top.
Right-back: Danilo (Brazil)
A straightforward choice at right-back, where the experience of Juventus star Danilo makes him first choice over his Argentinian counterpart Nahuel Molina.
Though Udinese youngster Molina looks destined for big things down the line, 30-year-old Danilo boasts a wealth of experience in top-level European football and has started 19 of his nation’s last 21 fixtures.
Centre-back: Marquinhos (Brazil)
As Thiago Silva’s glittering international career enters its twilight years, Brazil are on the hunt for a fresh leader — and his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Marquinhos looks to be the prime candidate.
Having taken the armband for his nation twice already this year, it is clear that the Selecao view the 27-year-old Les Parisiens skipper as a vital part of their core for the upcoming years and he walks into our XI.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Although his international career is still in its infancy, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has already emerged as a key man in Argentina’s backline and looks destined for a superb career.
The 23-year-old has helped La Albiceleste to clean sheets in his last seven appearances and was voted Serie A’s best defender in 2020-21 with Atalanta before making his switch to Spurs.
Left-back: Alex Sandro (Brazil)
While Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna has done a steady job for Argentina in this area recently, Brazil’s Alex Sandro is preferred over his fellow 30-year-old due to his stronger club pedigree.
A team-mate of Danilo at Juventus, Sandro has helped the Italian giants to five Serie A titles and is proving an extremely reliable performer in the current qualifying campaign for his nation.
Defensive midfield: Casemiro (Brazil)
Regularly keeping Liverpool star Fabinho out of the Brazil starting XI, Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro is one of the finest holding midfielders on the planet and gives our backline an extra layer of protection.
With his combative, no-nonsense approach, the 29-year-old has become a leading figure for the Selecao in recent years and his presence on the field is a huge boost to any side’s prospects of a clean sheet.
Centre midfield: Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)
Used in a variety of roles by La Albiceleste, Giovani Lo Celso joins Tottenham team-mate Romero in our combined XI to bring a combination of energy and flair to the middle of the park.
Though inconsistent, the 25-year-old’s two-assist display against Uruguay earlier this year showcased his immense talent and Spurs fans will hope that new boss Antonio Conte can eke similar performances out of him on a regular basis in North London.
Centre midfield: Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)
Signed by Atletico Madrid for £30million this summer, Argentinian star Rodrigo De Paul has made himself at home at the reigning LaLiga champions and impressed for his country too.
An all-action presence in the centre of the park, De Paul’s combination of craft and graft makes him an excellent addition to any midfield trio and the 27-year-old’s best years are still ahead of him.
Right wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Despite having a tough start to life in Paris, Lionel Messi remains the easiest selection of this combined XI with the great man sure to thrive in this ultra-talented line-up.
A record six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi finally achieved a lifelong ambition in winning the Copa America with Argentina this summer — how he would dearly love to add a World Cup to his collection in 2022.
Centre forward: Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)
Though both sides can call on a wealth of attacking talent, it is Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez who leads the line in our combined XI with the 24-year-old continuing to improve at a staggering rate.
Netting 17 times in Serie A to help Inter to a long-overdue Scudetto last term, Martinez also has 17 goals in just 33 appearances for his nation.
Left wing: Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar may be unavailable for selection this evening but the brilliant Brazilian walks into this side as one of world football’s most reliable performers on the international stage.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger, 29, has struck 70 goals for the Selecao and sits only seven short of Pele’s all-time leading total — a tally he seems certain to pass.
Be sure to let us know what you think of our XI and who makes your own team by dropping us a Tweet @LiveScore.
