Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Combined XI
Real Madrid and Barcelona once again go head-to-head in one of the most anticipated derbies of the season on Sunday.
While the sides have seen their fortunes this season differ, the rivalry remains undimmed and there is always plenty of intensity to games between the pair.
But who would make a combined XI from the two sides? 101 take a look.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
While the form of Marc Andre Ter-Stagen has been up and down this season, Courtois has been consistent for Los Blancos, and put up an impressive showing in the Champions League tie against Paris Saint Germain, which his side eventually went on to win.
Still only 29 years old and contracted to Real for another 4 years, the Belgian has saved his side almost 3 goals a season in since he joined the club, according to FB.Ref.
RB: Dani Carvajal
The full-back spots were the hardest to fill, with neither side boasting brilliant options and Carvajal himself is never guaranteed a start under Carlo Ancelotti. But, of the options, Dani Alves remains past his best despite his renaissance, while Lucas Vasquez is not a conventional right back.
When fit, Carvajal is one of the best full-backs in the world. But he can never seem to stay fit.
CB: Ronald Araujo
While off the pitch Araujo’s contract situation continues to dominate the headlines, on the pitch Araujo is becoming a key cornerstone of Barcelona’s rebuild.
The Uruguayan is still only 23 years old, but has been a rock in the Blaugrana’s defence, making 21 appearances for Barcelona in the League this season. Should Barca be able to keep hold of the youngster, he could save them a lot of money going forwards.
CB: Eder Militao
David Alaba has slotted seamlessly into the role of Sergio Ramos in Ancelotti’s defence, but it is Eder Militao who has caught the eye this season after struggling to live up to his price tag last campaign.
The Brazilian has risen to the occasion in the absence of Raphael Varane, who has struggled since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, and has missed just two games for the side from the Spanish capital.
LB: Jordi Alba
Another that only just edged out his opposite number, Jordi Alba has seemingly been around forever. Still only 32 years old, Alba has impressed in an underperforming Barcelona side, providing 7 La Liga assists as well as grabbing himself a goal too.
While it is unclear just how much longer he can continue at the very top level, for now he is still excelling for the Blaugrana.
DM: Casemiro
Sergio Busquets is still going strong in the centre of Barcelona’s midfield, but it is Casemiro who takes this position in our side as he continues to excel in an increasingly ageing midfield.
Shielding the Real Madrid defence, it is his hard work that allows the front five to focus on attacking, and his ability that perhaps compensates for some of the weaknesses when it comes to energy in Ancelotti’s midfield.
CM: Pedri
Pedri has quickly turned into a bargain since joining the club from Las Palmas, and at just 19 he has already racked up nearly 70 senior appearances for Barcelona.
Pedri is clear pic.twitter.com/Fi86pLI4Pp
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 19, 2022
A hamstring injury has reduced his game time to just 9 La Liga appearances so far this campaign, but now firmly back in the side, he has begun to showcase his prodigious talents once more.
CM: Luka Modric
Still pulling the strings for Real Madrid’s midfield, Luka Modric is not the player he once was but is still capable of leading his side to victory, as he did in the Champions League win over Paris Saint Germain.
Now 36 years old, he will surely be phased out of the Los Blancos side in the next couple of seasons. For now, however, he remains top class.
RW: Ferran Torres
Torres has already settled into the Barcelona side with ease since his big money January move from Manchester City, with three goals and 2 assists to his name in 7 La Liga outings.
Already a starter for Spain, at just 22 years old Torres has a bright future ahead of him should he continue to improve at his current rate. With the likes of Ansu Fati, Gavi and Nico also making names for themselves in claret and blue, it is an exciting young core Xavi has been blessed with.
ST: Karim Benzema
Even though he is set to miss this clash, there is no absence of Benzema from this side. The Frenchman has been in imperious form for Real Madrid season upon season, and has already netted 22 goals and provided 11 assists in just 25 La Liga outings.
Straight into the museum of #ElClasico!
@Benzema #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/TtV6eRiX9l
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) March 18, 2022
For all the talk of Kylian Mbappe potentially joining in the summer, it is Benzema that continues to impress in the Spanish capital.
LW: Vinicius Junior
Like his compatriot Militao, Vinicius had flattered to deceive following a big-money move to the Bernabeu ahead of this season. However, he has burst into life this season, and is beginning to fulfil the potential that persuaded Real Madrid to bring him to Spain from Brazil.
Striking up a brilliant relationship with Benzema, the 21-year-old has contributed to 23 goals (14 goals, 9 assists) in 26 La Liga games, which has propelled him into the spotlight as one of the most exciting talents in world football.
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