Tottenham face Manchester United in the Europa League final on 21st May, with both teams in desperate need of a trophy, but who makes their combined XI?
The Europa League final is right around the corner, with a place in next season’s Champions League awaiting the winner, although this year’s final is very different to most.
17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur face 16th-placed Manchester United, with both managers in desperate need of a trophy, as Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou face severe scrutiny.
They will need their most experienced individuals to lead and their star players to shine, but which ones get into the Tottenham and Manchester United combined XI?
GK – Guglielmo Vicario
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 61
- Clean Sheets: 11
A rather easy choice between the sticks given Man United’s continued problems in this area, Guglielmo Vicario kicks us off.
Despite missing part of the season with an ankle injury, the Italian has come back strong and has proven to be a relatively safe pair of hands.
Even captaining the club on occasion, Vicario’s leadership and shot-stopping ability certainly gives him the edge over Andre Onana, who has been heavily criticised for mistakes this season
RB – Pedro Porro
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 82
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 16
- Clean Sheets: 11
A typical modern-day full-back, it is no surprise that Pedro Porro is linked with a move away after another impressive season in a sub-par side.
The final third is where he really flourishes and the bulk of his skills lie, with this being a huge asset for Spurs ahead of the final as they look to exploit Man United’s defensive frailties.
The 25-year-old is reaching the peak of his powers and this final in his home country could be the basis to propel his career further forward.
CB – Micky van de Ven
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 39
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 2
- Clean Sheets: 6
Competition for the centre-back spots was tight, but Micky van de Ven has proven time and time again why the biggest clubs are keeping a close eye on him.
As one of the fastest players in the league, and one of the strongest, he’s seriously hard to get past and is a nightmare for any oncoming attacker.
Alongside the next player on this list, he could be a hugely important player in the final.
CB – Cristian Romero
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 100
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 1
- Clean Sheets: 20
Cristian Romero is on Real Madrid’s radar and, although a bit of a hot-head, is a top-level centre-back on his day.
His aggressive style of play means he wins most of his ground and aerial duels, as well as being a threat from set-pieces.
Whoever is up front for Man United on the day will certainly have a tough time playing against these two.
LB – Destiny Udogie
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 52
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 4
- Clean Sheets: 2
Another modern-day full-back who likes to get forward, Destiny Udogie, completes the backline.
Luke Shaw would have been a strong contender if it was not for his injury record, but Udogie pips him to this spot, particularly due to his stellar debut campaign last season.
His crossing ability is something Man United will need to look out for, especially with the Italian’s target man, the dangerous Dominic Solanke.
CDM – Casemiro
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 75
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 5
Perhaps lucky to make it into this list over the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Casemiro’s recent form and experience in cup finals just about earns him his spot.
The 33-year-old scored in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Club and was solid defensively, a much bigger improvement since being told to ‘leave the football’ by Jamie Carragher.
If one man knows how to help win his team a trophy, it is the Brazilian, and Manchester United are going to need him in Bilbao if they stand a chance.
CM – Yves Bissouma
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 189
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 2
Yves Bissouma has often been praised by teammates and is said to be a player many look up to, with Spurs hoping he can lead by example in Bilbao.
He is a dominant figure in the middle of the park, breaking up possession and kick-starting attacks, a vitally important skill in any game, let alone a final.
If Bissouma gets control of the ball and the midfield, Spurs will likely control the game, meaning he goes into this list without hesitation.
CM – Bruno Fernandes
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 193
- Goals: 62
- Assists: 50
Although one of the few Man United players making it into the combined XI, Bruno Fernandes is, arguably, the best of the bunch.
Carrying the squad at times, Fernandes’ goals and assists record speaks for itself, and it would be no surprise to see him produce a big moment when his side needs it most.
RW – Brennan Johnson
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 104
- Goals: 24
- Assists: 16
Brennan Johnson has silenced critics this season and had his best Premier League goalscoring season to date, netting 11 times.
His pace and trickery are huge problems for defenders, only worsened now by his improved end product, and he could just be the difference-maker in this final.
ST – Dominic Solanke
Premier League Record
- Appearances: 159
- Goals: 37
- Assists: 16
Spurs replaced one English striker with another, but unlike Harry Kane, Solanke could pick up some silverware.
Strong, powerful and with a good eye for goal, Tottenham spent good money on the former Bournemouth man to help them win games like this, and he very well could be the person to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
LW – Son Heung-min
Premier League Record
As Dejan Kulusevski may miss this game through injury, Son Heung-min may get the chance to start and lead the team he has been with for 10 years to a trophy.
Although a poor season by his standards, writing Son off would be unwise and he still comfortably makes it into the combined XI.
Could it be written in the stars for Son to win Spurs their long-awaited trophy?
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