Mark Goldbridge: Liverpool and Man City stars outshine Arsenal in my title race XI

By premiernews On Apr 20, 2024

Arsenal's stars have impressed this season, but how many of them make it into Mark Goldbridge's combined XI in the title race?

With just six games remaining in what has been an exciting title race, Arsenal, Liverpool and city of manchester They must keep their nerve as the season comes to an end.

Arsenal have been widely rated as the best team in the Premier League this season.Credit: Getty

All three clubs were eliminated from European competition in midweek, leaving domestic tasks as one of their priorities at the end of the season.

Pep Guardiola's side lead the way, with the Gunners and Jurgen Klopp's men two points behind and ready to capitalize on any City mistake.

This season's three title contenders boast a wealth of talent and talkSPORT's Goldbridge was faced with the unenviable task of naming his team of the season made up solely of players from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.

City and Liverpool dominate the chosen eleven, despite the widespread claim that Mikel Arteta's Gunners have been the better team throughout the campaign.

Read more about Mark Goldbridge

That too despite Goldbridge makes very different selection for Premier League Team of the Year – but this was a different challenge, choosing the strongest XI regardless of current form or injuries.

Starting with the choice of goalkeeper and defense, manchester united The Goldbridge fan opted for a defensive line packed with Liverpool.

“He's been injured recently but he's the best of the three; for me it would be Liverpool's Alisson in goal,” Goldbridge explained. “He is the best goalkeeper in the world, he has that personality.

“As a right back, I want to congratulate Ben White. I would take care of him Kyle Walker. This season he has been incredible, underrated, consistent and much faster than people think.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk is back to his irresistible best this season.Credit: Getty

The same can be said for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joins his Liverpool team-mate in Goldbridge's XI.Credit: Getty

“But I would give it to Trent Alexander-Arnold Because I like a full-back who can advance and when he does, I don't think there is anyone who can match him in world football.

“The centre-backs have to be (William) Saliba and (Virgil) van Dijk. I think they are the two most outstanding centre-backs in European football, but certainly in the Premier League.

Mark Goldbridge snubs Manchester City by naming Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal stars in his Premier League Team of the Season

“The left back is difficult,” he added. “For me, Arsenal haven't solved that problem, Manchester City have a centre-back there and Andy Robertson has been out a lot this season.

“But I would still choose Robertson, he is the most suitable and most attacking left-back and when he is in it I still believe he is one of the best left-backs in world football.”

Goldbridge then turned his attention to midfield and admitted to choosing the best candidate for the starting job instead of his favorite stars.

“I think that he Player of the Year should really be between (Declan) Rice, Rodri and (Alexis) Mac Allister.“Goldbridge said.

“If you look at the roles they have played, they have scored great goals. They are the engine room, the conductor and (Mohamed) Salah, (Erling) Haaland and (Phil) Foden have had reasonable seasons. But I think it has been the season of the midfield maestro.

“I would have to choose Rodri instead of Rice and Mac Allister, which hurts me because I actually prefer Rice and Mac Allister. He is the best holding midfielder in the game.

Goldbridge claims that Rodri is the best midfielder in world footballCredit: Getty

Inevitably there was a place for Manchester City playmaker Kevin De BruyneCredit: Getty

“I would go with De Bruyne. He is clearly one of the best players in Europe and simply a magician.

“The third midfield is interesting because you could include Rice or Mac Allister, but I would like to have more control and, in fact, I would choose Bernard Silva.

“I've decided on three midfielders exclusively from Manchester City, which surprises me because they haven't had their best season, but I think the balance of those three works when they're at it.”

Goldbridge opted to move two of his three forwards away from their favorite positions to better accommodate them alongside the Premier League's most lethal marksman.

“I'll have to move someone to their unnatural position because of the top three I'd have to go with,” he explained.

Haaland's goal total has not equaled last season's, but the Norwegian earns a place in the XICredit: Getty

Salah has once again been fundamental for Liverpool this seasonCredit: Getty

Saka has once again demonstrated his importance to Arsenal's title ambitionsCredit: Getty

“I would go to Salah on the right and move (Bukayo) Saka to the left and Erling Haaland up, because Arsenal have done well, but do they really have a striker who can compete with Haaland? No.

“I like Darwin Núñez but, with the team I have formed, it has to be Haaland. He is the best striker in the world.”

So there it is. Liverpool make up the bulk of Goldbridge's squad in the season's title race with five players, Manchester City have four, while Arsenal have just two representatives.

Do you agree?

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