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Chelsea – Liverpool combined XI

By David Cambridge

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Adam Lallana of Liverpool and Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Adam Lallana of Liverpool and Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Nemanja Matic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Nemanja Matic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Central midfield: Nemanja Matic

Cast your mind back just one year and Nemanja Matic, the midfield rock of Mourinho’s 2015 title-winning side, was probably one of the first players Chelsea fans would have happily shown the door. The remarkable upturn in his form since Conte’s arrival at Stamford Bridge is proof, if it were needed, that class really is permanent (and possibly that the troubles at Stamford Bridge last season owed more to Mourinho’s methods than the players themselves).

Matic is not so much a midfield dynamo as he is a classic Makelele-style anchorman, rarely crossing the halfway line or passing the ball more than a few yards at a time. He’s a stylish player, not without some touch and technique, but one who has the under-valued ability to recognise his own limitations and tailor his game accordingly. If no-one else, his managers at least know they can rely on the giant Serb to put in a steady performance every game.

In Emre Can, Liverpool have a player of similar profile – which is to say: physically imposing, a solid passer, strong in the tackle – albeit one that is probably at least a couple of seasons away from reaching the same level, his game occasionally hit by moments of indiscipline and rash decision-making. At 23-years-old, things like these are easily rectified, and compatriot Klopp is exactly the man to help him fulfill his obvious potential, but for now it’s Matic who gets the nod in our combined XI in that familiar spot in front of the back three.

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