Arsenal face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday in a game that promises huge excitement and action.
Our landlord has been asking around the Transfer Tavern today to see what a combined XI of the two teams would look like, and in particular which Arsenal players would be able to break into the Barcelona lineup.
Barcelona have enjoyed their best start to a calendar year in their history over the past couple of months which have seen them go unbeaten, accumulating 13 wins and 2 draws, netting 46 goals and only conceding nine, with six clean sheets.
It will be a difficult task for any Arsenal player to break into such a team. But our landlord has scribbled down our resident punters’ most preferred lineup onto a napkin and there are several Gunners stars who feature.
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Click on the image below to reveal our combined Arsenal and Barcelona XI!
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Petr Cech
Goalkeeper Petr Cech was the Gunners’ only signing last summer and his £10 million transfer from rivals Chelsea could turn out to be priceless.
The 33-year-old’s experience and quality has saved Arsenal on many occasions this season, earning them vital points as they look to win the Premier League title.
The Czech’s shot-stopping and distribution makes him one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, if not the world.
Dani Alves
Known for his completeness in both attack and defence, Dani Alves is one of the most renowned fullbacks in world football.
The Brazil international has made 19 La Liga appearances for the Nou Camp outfit this term, claiming three assists in the process.
He is a resolute presence on the touchline and can contain even the best of the world’s wingers.
Laurent Koscielny
Although subject to a handful of errors this term, French centre back Laurent Koscielny remains to be one of the best defenders in England.
He is comfortable on the ball and has an intelligent footballing mind, making him capable of reading the opposition well, as well as good positional awareness and leadership ability.
The 30-year old has been a mainstay in Wenger’s side, starting 23 league games this season, and he is capable of scoring goals as he has netted 3 league goals as well.
Gerard Pique
Spain international defender Gerard Pique has deservedly earned the status of being one of the top centre backs in world football.
With a World Cup and a European Championship to his name, as well five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues, the 29-year old is known for his strong physical presence and strong defensive style.
Nacho Monreal
Arsenal left back Nacho Monreal has made the position his own this campaign, making 26 league appearances in the process.
The Spaniard has provided three assists in all competitions this term, but it is his defensive capability that has made him such an attractive option for Wenger.
The 29-year old overlaps well, but also tracks back when necessary to defend against opposition attackers.
Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets has been central to Barcelona’s recent form and successes, providing defensive solidarity in midfield that the Catalan side can build on.
He is comfortable moving on the ball, but it his defensive work off the ball that has won him plaudits from across the globe.
The Spanish midfielder’s defensive duties are reflected in his lack of goals this season, but his contribution in sitting in front of his side’s back four has been invaluable for coach Luis Enrique.
Mesut Ozil
Formerly of Barca’s huge La Liga rivals Real Madrid, playmaker Mesut Ozil is finally replicating his form from his Spanish days with Los Blancos, but instead it is now at the Emirates.
The German playmaker has been incredible this season as he looks to break the total assists record for the Premier League, as he currently stands on 17 assists.
However, he has also proven his own goalscoring credentials when given the opportunity, netting 6 goals in all competitions this term.
Andres Iniesta
Although now aged 31, Spanish playmaker Andres Iniesta is still one of the best in his position, with his incredible technical ability, vision and passing.
The veteran midfielder has been instrumental since his breakthrough into Barcelona’s first team, winning 7 La Liga titles and 4 Champions Leagues, as well as countless other club, international and personal accolades.
Although the stats don’t suggest it, with 1 goal and 1 assist in the league this term, he has still remained as vital to the Barcelona squad as ever, featuring in 17 league matches.
Neymar
There was a unanimous choice for the front three and it is pretty obvious who the trio are going to be.
Brazilian poster boy Neymar has adapted well to La Liga since his big money move from his native country.
His flair and skill often leaves defenders in his wake, and he creates goals. He has assisted 9 league goals this term.
However, he can also be clinical in front of goal, having netted an impressive 18 goals in 22 league appearances for the Nou Camp side.
Luis Suarez
Another of Barcelona’s stars who has taken well to life in Spain since his arrival is former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Now playing as a number 9, the Uruguay international has accumulated a staggering 25 league goals from 24 games.
However, he also has 10 assists in La Liga, demonstrating his desire to create chances for others, as well as net his own.
Lionel Messi
Last but certainly not least is Argentine star Lionel Messi. Widely regarded as being the best player in world football, some believe him to be the greatest player ever.
The diminutive forward recently claimed his 5th Ballon d’Or award – a feat achieved by no other player.
Nobody can argue that he doesn’t deserve to have achieved such an accomplishment, as he has scored 15 and assisted 7 in 18 La Liga starts this campaign.
