This Premier League season has been regarded by many of our resident football fans here in the Transfer Tavern as having the most competitive title race in a long time, with all of the top four still in with a very realistic chance of clinching the title at the end of the season.
With each of the top four in action against one another this Sunday, as Manchester City host Spurs and Leicester travel to Arsenal, Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry has come up with his best starting line-up consisting of players from those four clubs.
There have been some raised voices over by the bar regarding some of the selections, so click on Henry below to reveal his top four XI.
Hit the image below to see Henry’s Premier League top four XI!
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Petr Cech
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has been plying his trade at the Blues’ rivals Arsenal this season and has made countless big saves.
The veteran goalkeeper was the only first team signing for the Gunners in the summer in a fee rumoured to be around 10 million, but his experience has proven priceless and he could help Arsene Wenger to his first Premier League in over 10 years.
Hector Bellerin
Another of Henry’s former club Arsenal’s defensive players who makes the cut is right-back Hector Bellerin.
The youngster has massively impressed this season, making the position on the right side of Arsenal’s defence his own.
The 21-year old Spaniard is capable both offensively and defensively, utilising his pace to full effect.
Laurent Koscielny
Yet another Arsenal defender is Laurent Koscielny, with the Frenchman having had a relatively impressive campaign.
The Frenchman has suffered from a couple of defensive errors this season, but his overall quality and leadership from the back could ultimately help Arsenal to the title.
His on the ball ability and threat from set pieces have been extremely useful in Wenger’s style.
Robert Huth
Perhaps a surprise inclusion at centre back, considering that Tottenham’s defence has been so disciplined and consistent this term, Huth has also enjoyed one of the best years of his career with Leicester.
The Foxes defender netted two important goals in their recent win over title rivals Manchester City, whilst providing a resilient force against Sergio Aguero, helping them to all three crucial points.
Christian Fuchs
Another of Claudio Ranieri’s men who makes it into Henry’s XI is left-back Christian Fuchs.
Leicester have done extremely well with their transfer business, and the Swiss international moved to the King Power Stadium last summer on a free transfer.
He has since made 19 league appearances in total for them, assisting 3 goals.
Riyad Mahrez
Another example of Leicester’s incredible recruitment is Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian ace is already being linked to a number of high profile clubs, having netted an impressive 14 goals and 10 claiming 10 assists in 24 league appearances this term, meaning that he averages a goal or an assist every game.
That would be a substantial achievement for any of the world’s top players and the winger’s very good technical ability, vision and goalscoring ability means that he deservedly earns a place in Henry’s XI.
N’Golo Kante
Another midfielder who has been excellent for Leiceste is Ngolo Kante and the 24-year old has featured in every single league fixture for the Foxes this season.
The Frenchman has been an instrumental anchor in his team’s line-ups, providing power in midfield and has been a mainstay in Ranieri’s plans.
Dele Alli
Dele Alli is a further example of a midfielder who has particularly shone this term under Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.
Our landlord would like to see him on the England plane to the Euros this summer as he is seemingly capable of playing at the top level, despite being just 19 years of age.
His passing and shooting ability is excellent and he could be a great player for years to come.
Mesut Ozil
Initially criticised for his seeming lack of influence on games following his big money arrival from Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil has removed all doubts this campaign.
The German playmaker has managed to accumulate 16 assists from 23 league starts, whilst also chipping in with 4 goals.
Should Arsenal win the title, Ozil will have been one of the most influential players.
Sergio Aguero
Despite being hampered with injuries again this season, the Argentine ace has the best minutes to goal ratio of any Premier League striker ever with over 50 goals, even topping Henry himself.
The 27-year old has also managed an impressive 14 goals and 2 assists from 18 league appearances.
He is widely regarded as being the best striker in the Premier League, if not the world, and, on his day, he can be lethal.
Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy has also been lethal this season, breaking Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s league record of the most consecutive games with a goal, whilst currently topping the Premier League goalscoring charts with 18 goals.
The 29-year old has been central to Leicester’s success this season and seems happy at Leicester with his teammates, providing 3 league assists for teammates and recently signing a new contract at the club.
