Sevilla vs Inter Milan: Combined XI of 2019/20 Europa League final
By Sachin Bhat
Five-time champions Sevilla take on an unstoppable Inter Milan to decide the 2019/20 Europa League in what’s set to be an absolutely rollicking finale in Cologne on Friday.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated kick-off, here’s how the teams would line-up in a combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)
Sevilla has a talented goalkeeper in its ranks in Yassine Buono, who starred in the 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester United, but Handanovic’s pedigree and wealth of experience see him walk straight into this XI. An Inter Milan veteran with 341 appearances under his belt, this is the Slovenian’s first-ever major final with the Nerazzurri. Athletic and agile with prolific shot-stopping ability, he’s kept three clean sheets in the Europa League in five games so far and would be crucial in denying the likes of Lucas Ocampos and Luuk De Jong.
Right-back: Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
Another footballing stalwart, Navas has had a fine campaign under Lopetegui, playing every minute of La Liga’s 2019/20 season and captaining his side to a top-four finish. With seven assists in the league, he opened his account in the Europa League by assisting Luuk De Jong for the late winner against Manchester United in the previous round. The 34-year old marauding full-back has added a new dimension to Sevilla’s attack while he’s aiming for a third European title with the club.
Centre-back: Stefan De Vrij (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan finished as the best team in Serie A last season, thanks in no small part to De Vrij, who was incredibly solid at the back and also forged a stoic defensive partnership with Diego Godin. He missed all but four games in the league and also excelled offensive-wise, contributing seven goals! An excellent passer of the ball with a great sense of positional awareness, De Vrij’s aerial prowess is second to none and emanates huge threat from set-pieces.
Centre-back: Diego Carlos (Sevilla)
One of La Liga’s signings of last season, Carlos brought tremendous silk and steel to Sevilla’s backline, which conceded just 34 times in the league, the fewest after only Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. He made the most headed clearances (105) in the division, a testament to his aerial strength, and also averaged five long balls per game, illustrating how crucial he is on the break. The Brazilian’s performances have already alerted Premier League giants such as Manchester United and Chelsea, who’re rumored to be interested in his services.
Left-back: Ashley Young (Inter Milan)
Sergio Reguilon has been one of Sevilla’s success stories this season, coming of age under Lopetegui’s tutelage, but Young’s impact since arriving in January has been remarkable. With five goals and six assists in all competitions, the ex-Manchester United outcast has already posted some of his career-best figures and has linked up well with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez. Conte’s 3-5-2 system has seen him operate from a more advanced position, unlocking his true potential, and lifting the Europa League would be sweet redemption for the 35-year old who was not even deemed good enough to play for United recently.