Liverpool host Bayern Munich tonight in one of the most anticipated Champions League ties of the round. Some of the top players in world football will be on show at Anfield tonight as the Reds attempt to recreate the stunning run they had in this competition last year, which led them all the way to the final. Below we have picked out the combined XI from both sides, based on this season.
GK - Alisson
This was a really tough decision. Manuel Neuer has suffered with poor form earlier this season but since the turn of the year he looks almost back to his best. A slight finger injury kept him out for a couple of weeks earlier this month but he should be in between the sticks at Anfield. Having said all that, Alisson has been nothing short of a revelation for Jurgen Klopp’s men this season. On current form, he just edges it.
RB - Joshua Kimmich
The best right-back in world football. There are not too many top-class full-backs knocking about at the minute but Kimmich is a player who is forever reliable and quality on the ball. Trent Alexander-Arnold has had an impressive season but he has a way to go to reach Kimmich’s level.
CB - Virgil Van Dijk
A contender for PFA Player of the Year, Virgil Van Dijk has been worth every penny of the £75m Liverpool spent on him. Composed, calm on the ball and strong in the air, Van Dijk is a must have in this team.
CB - Mats Hummels
The German international has been one of Europe’s top defenders for several years now. He has won almost everything in world football, including the World Cup and is still holding the Bayern back-line together, but in truth, there is little competition for this place. Jerome Boateng can’t get into the team whilst Dejan Lovren, despite what he thinks of himself, is not one of the better defenders in Europe.
LB - David Alaba
Another tough choice in the full-back position. Andy Robertson has been excellent for Liverpool over the past two seasons but David Alaba is top quality on the ball, even being used in central midfield at times by Bayern Munich. Both players have brilliant set-piece deliveries and there barely anything between them on current form, but we have given Alaba the nod here.
CDM - Fabinho
Sitting at the base of this midfield three would be an important job, to let the forward players flourish whilst keeping things tight at the back. Javi Martinez has played a big part for Bayern this season so far but when Fabinho has played that role for Liverpool he has looked a perfect fit. A top quality signing.
CM - Thiago
Thiago is one of the best passers in world football and is a simply classy player in the centre of the park. He has been pulling the strings in Bayern’s midfield but could benefit from playing a more attacking role. Molded at Barcelona’s academy and playing his best stuff at Bayern Munich, he would be an asset to any midfield in world football.
CM - Leon Goretzka
Another Bayern player takes his place in this team with Liverpool’s central midfield options far from flashy. Leon Goretzka has beaten his teammate James Rodriguez to this spot in the team due to his consistency this season. At just 24-years-old he still has time to improve and reach the highest level, but he makes his way into this side with ease.
RW - Mo Salah
Easy one this. Despite all of Bayern’s attacking prowess and the longevity and talent of Arjen Robben, Mo Salah has established himself as one of the finest attackers in world football and rightly takes his place in this team. 20 goals in all competitions this season, including thee in the Champions League, make him one of the first names on the team sheet.
ST - Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski is on fire once again this season and is certainly one of the top strikers in world football. Roberto Firmino has been impressive this season once again, but he is not quite at the level that Lewandowski operates at.
LW - Sadio Mane
Kingsley Coman and Franck Ribery just miss out here with Sadio Mane’s pace and power getting him into the team. He made a scintillating start to the season and although his rate of goals has slowed down slightly, he is still a vital cog in the Liverpool team.