MY ACCOUNT
The 2021-22 European campaign concludes this Saturday when Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final at the Stade de France.
The Reds will looking to complete a treble of honours this season following their FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes, while Carlo Ancelotti’s men were crowned LaLiga champions.
But which of their stars would make a combined XI from the two squads? Read on as we pick our team.
Goalkeeper — Alisson
Our line-up will be in safe hands with either Alisson or Thibaut Courtois between the sticks but it is the Liverpool stopper who edges it.
The Brazilian shared the Premier League’s Golden Glove award this term after racking up 20 clean sheets, with a further seven coming in Europe and cup competitions.
Right-back — Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold will provide plenty of creativity from the right-back position.
The Liverpudlian has notched an incredible 18 assists over the course of another fine season, creating 2.74 chances per game.
Centre-back — Virgil van Dijk
There can be no disputing the third pick from the Reds as Virgil van Dijk is given the task of marshalling our defence.
The Netherlands international, 30, has been at his brilliant best after missing almost the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign and it is no surprise to see Liverpool resume their dominance with their No4 back in the side.
Centre-back — Eder Militao
Partnering Van Dijk is Real’s rock at the back Eder Militao, who has been instrumental in a successful season under Ancelotti.
Having been unfancied under previous management, the 24-year-old Brazilian started 34 of 38 games as Los Blancos strolled to their 35th LaLiga title.
Left-back — Andy Robertson
The legs in our back four come from tireless Scot Andy Robertson, who has been simply sensational since arriving at Liverpool in 2017.
Equally as effective on the left as Alexander-Arnold is on the opposite flank, Robertson is crucial to Jurgen Klopp’s approach and will be an exciting addition to our XI.
Defensive midfield — Casemiro
Fabinho has been near faultless for Liverpool this season but Casemiro’s performances to help Real Madrid reach the final are enough for him to get the nod as our midfield anchor.
The Brazilian dominated in games against Chelsea and Manchester City and if Real are able to pull off another memorable result on Saturday, the four-time Champions League winner is sure to play a big part.
Central midfield — Thiago Alcantara
The remaining pair in the centre of the park are two of Europe’s maestros of the position, starting first with Thiago Alcantara.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man’s technical ability and class have been there all to see this season, orchestrating the Reds in their trophy-laden campaign.
Central midfield — Luka Modric
Thiago is joined by another master craftsman in Luka Modric, who still seems to be getting better and better at 36.
The Croatian remains as pivotal to Real’s success as ever at the Bernabeu and has claimed an impressive 12 assists this term, including a simply delightful one against Chelsea in the quarter-final second leg.
Right wing — Mohamed Salah
Goals are a necessity in this team and Liverpool’s Egyptian King Mohamed Salah is the perfect player to start with.
The dazzling right-sided forward has hit an incredible 31 strikes in all competitions this season, including eight in the Champions League so far.
Striker — Karim Benzema
Continuing with goalscorers who are hitting sensational numbers this season, there have not been many better than superstar striker Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman is having one of his best campaigns at the age of 34, scoring a ridiculous 44 goals in 45 games — his 15 in 11 Champions League outings making him the competition’s leading scorer this term.
Left wing — Vinicius Junior
Adding skill and trickery to our front three is Benzema’s partner in crime Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian had somewhat flattered to deceive since joining Real in 2018 but with 21 goals and 16 assists in the current campaign, the 21-year-old is the present and future of Los Blancos.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
