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Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Combined XI

By Scott Stewart

Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane (18) celebrates after scoring against the MLS All Stars during the first half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick
Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane (18) celebrates after scoring against the MLS All Stars during the first half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick /
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Manchester City’s Serbian defender Aleksandar Kolarov (R) vies with Liverpool’s Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on December 31, 2016. / AFP / Paul ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester City’s Serbian defender Aleksandar Kolarov (R) vies with Liverpool’s Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on December 31, 2016. / AFP / Paul ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) /

LB: Danny Rose vs. Aleksander Kolarov

Another truly tight selection, pitting Danny Rose against Aleksander Kolarov is more about what you’re looking for in a left-back than one being far and wide better than the other.

Like Kyle Walker, Danny Rose has shown that he is a pretty great left-back both in defense and marauding forward, and he has the stats to prove it. The Englishman is better at getting into the opposition final third than defending his own, but the preference has its advantages. For example, Rose has created 25 chances for his side compared to just eight by Kolarov for Manchester City. To go along with that, Rose has made 23 “key passes” compared to just seven by Kolarov.

However, Kolarov dominates when the focus shifts to the defensive side of the ball. In total, the Serbian national has completed a higher percentage of his passes, won a higher percentage of his duels, has more interceptions and blocks than Rose, and has fewer defensive errors.

Again, it’s clear that between Rose and Kolarov it’s more a preference of getting forward vs. defensive solidarity. I am not saying Rose detracts from Tottenham’s ability to defend because he doesn’t. I’m also not saying that Kolarov cannot get forward well because he very clearly can. In this instance, though, Kolarov is the choice.

Selection: Aleksander Kolarov

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