Juventus vs Tottenham: Star-studded combined XI featuring 6 Spurs and 5 Bianconeri
One of the key matches from the upcoming rounds of the Champions League has to be Juventus hosting Tottenham. While the Serie A champions have been trailing Napoli for most of the season, they seem to have hit the right gear and have won their last five league fixtures.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have been on an impressive run and have even defeated the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal recently.
While the odds might favour Juventus, given our pedigree in the competition, there is no doubt that we can spring a surprise given that we defeated Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the group stages.
Both sides feature a lot of quality players and picking a combined XI from both teams will be difficult but here is our attempt at picking the best players from these teams.
Combined XI
Formation 4-4-2
Wojciech Szczesny – GK
This was probably the toughest decision to make, and as much as it hurts us to put in a former Arsenal man, Szczesny is the man for the future. Hugo Lloris and Gianluigi Buffon have had their issues in being consistent or injury free and the Polish star just about sneaks into this XI.
Kieran Trippier – RB
The right-back from Tottenham has been one of the plus points for the side this season and even though Juventus has a better defence, our right-back has been an attacking outlet this season thanks to his 6 assists. He deserves to be in this side.
Giorgio Chiellini – CB
The Italian is a rock at the back and has to be in any side in the world given his consistent performances and ability to command the defence.
Jan Vertonghen – CB
Jan Vertonghen makes the cut here simply because of his exceptional form of late. In Toby Alderweireld’s absence, Vertonghen has been brilliant for us and deserves his place in this XI.
Alex Sandro – LB
Another easy pick, even though we have Ben Davies and Danny Rose from Spurs. Sandro is the main man for Juventus down the left and it should come as no surprise that Antonio Conte has been looking to sign the Brazilian from his former club.
Miralem Pjanic – CM
Pjanic is the one who keeps his team ticking in the midfield. The former AS Roma man also has 11 goals to his name from the heart of the park, which makes him an automatic selection for this combined XI.
Mousa Dembele – CM
Dembele on his day can be one of the best in the world. We saw him boss the midfield against Arsenal in the previous game and should he perform at the same level, Juventus might find it tough to control the game.
Christian Eriksen – RM
The Dane is having the time of his life for Tottenham. After helping his national side make it to the World Cup, Eriksen has 7 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League, not bad for someone who is known for his passing ability, though many would suggest he should score more goals.
Son Heung-min – LM
Another player having a fantastic season is the South Korean. Son might not be as big a name as the injured Juan Cuadrado but his performances and energy in the park certainly give him a bit of an edge compared to the other players in the list.
Gonzalo Higuain – CF
The Argentine has scored 18 goals in 33 appearances and remains a threat up front. He certainly deserves a place in this combined XI.
Harry Kane – CF
Can there be anyone else to partner the Argentine in this combined XI? Once again, Kane has shown that he is great as a striker, irrespective of the competition. His 32 goals this season have kept us going this season and he’s easily one of the very best in the world.
