Premier League All-star game: Possible north XI for proposed match

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly sparked debate on Tuesday, when he suggested that the Premier League should have an ‘all stars’ match, pitting players from teams in the north of England against their southern counterparts. 

Speaking at a conference in New York, Boehly questioned why the UK hasn’t followed in the footsteps of the US, where these types of games are commonplace in many sports.

“Ultimately I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports, and really starts to figure out, why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four sports teams, why isn’t there an All-Star game?” he said, as reported by The Guardian.

He also revealed that he has hinted the idea to other owners in England, and suggested that the funds raised could be used to support the lower leagues.

“People are talking about more money for the pyramid; in the MLB All-Star game this year we made $200m from a Monday and a Tuesday,” he continued.

“So we’re thinking we could do a north versus south All-Star game for the Premier League, for whatever the pyramid needed quite easily.”

Boehly’s comments have sparked debate, but if it were to happen, what would the two teams look like?

Here, we take a look at the players that would be available to the northern side.

North

The Premier League trophy has gone to teams in the north-west of England in each of the last five years, so whoever was in charge wouldn’t struggle to pick a strong team.

Brazilian Alisson has kept 68 clean sheets in 142 Premier League games for Liverpool, and could be selected ahead of international teammate Ederson of Manchester City. Other options could be Newcastle United’s Nick Pope and Manchester United’s David de Gea.

Whoever was in charge would also be spoilt for choice in defence, with both Liverpool and Manchester City boasting incredible defensive records over the past few seasons.

Alexander-Arnold is seen by many as the world’s best right-back

The Reds’ Trent Alexander-Arnold would possibly be the most likely candidate to occupy the right-back spot, ahead of the likes of Kyle Walker and his England teammate Kieran Trippier.

At centre-back, City’s Ruben Dias would likely be involved, having established himself as one of the world’s best central defenders in recent seasons. He could be partnered by Virgil van Dijk, who has also secured his place among the world’s best in his position. Other contenders to be involved would be Dias’ City teammate John Stones and Manchester United duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

On the left, fellow Citizen Joao Cancelo would fancy his chances of being chosen. The Portuguese would face stiff competition from Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, but Cancelo has been in superb form over the past 12 months, whereas the Scot’s form has dipped and he was recently dropped. Luke Shaw of Manchester United and even Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas could also be other options.

Manchester City and Liverpool players would likely dominate the starting 11

Fabinho and Rodri would be battling for the starting spot at the base of midfield, but the Brazilian could come out on top. Both players have been outstanding since arriving in the Premier League, and there is little to separate them. Casemiro, who recently joined Manchester United, would also be an option.

Kevin de Bruyne would have to be included, having reiterated his position as one of the best midfielders in the world during his time in Manchester. The Belgian has 87 goals and 126 assists for City, and is regarded by many as one of the best Premier League midfielders of all time.

Alongside him, City teammate Phil Foden could fill in, ahead of the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Thiago. The England international is still only 22-years-old, but already has more than 175 appearances to his name, as well as four Premier League titles.

Between them, Manchester City and Liverpool scored 193 league goals last term, so it is clear that there is no shortage of attacking talent on offer in the north.

Erling Haaland, whose tally of ten goals in his first six games in the Premier League is a record, would undoubtedly lead the line. The Norwegian has 12 goals in his last seven games, and is well on course to break plenty more records over the coming months and years.

The likes of Alexander Isak and Cristiano Ronaldo would also be pushing to be included.

Haaland has made a sensational start to his Man City career

On the right, three-time golden boot winner Mohamed Salah would most likely be selected. The Egyptian currently holds the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season (32), although Haaland will have his sights firmly set on that feat.

Marcus Rashford could also be included, having started the current season in fine form. The Englishman’s brace gave United victory over Arsenal in their last league match, and the forward already has more than 300 appearances for his boyhood club. His teammate Jadon Sancho would be another one to consider.

Possible XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Dias, Van Dijk, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Fabinho, Foden; Salah, Haaland, Rashford