Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal – Champions League Combined XI
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal – Champions League Combined XI Atletico Madrid and Arsenal meet in the Champions League semi-finals this evening, with both teams dreaming of becoming European champions for the first time. Ahead of their semi-final showdown in the Spanish capital, we’ve put together our Combined XI from the two squads. Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal Spain are blessed with some serious goalkeeping depth right now, with one of the best in the business returning to his home country tonight.
Raya’s reflexes and excellent distribution have seen him before irreplaceable to Arsenal. Right-back: Nahuel Molina – Atlético Madrid With Jurrien Timber unfit to feature, Nahuel Molina earns the nod at right-back. The World Cup winner is a tenacious presence and ranks in the top 12% of full-backs in Europe for possessions and percentage of defensive duels won.
Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal Arsenal’s greatest strength is their defence, with the centre-back axis of William Saliba and Gabriel arguably the best in Europe. The Frenchman’s excellence can appear effortless at times and he will be a cool head in the hostile Metropolitano. Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal If Saliba is the good cop, Gabriel is his more intimidating accomplice.
The big Brazilian is a magnet to balls into both boxes and not afraid to ruffle the feathers of forward opposition. Left-back: Piero Hincapie – Arsenal Perhaps the most impressive of Arsenal’s summer signings, Piero Hincapie has slotted into this Arsenal side with ease. The Colombian defends with a warrior-like intensity that is sure to have earned him admiration from Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.
Midfield: Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal Another Spaniard situated in North London, Zubimendi left La Liga for the Premier League last summer. The 27-year-old has had a decent first season with Arsenal, though tonight’s tie will be a real test of his influence. Arsenal need him to get on the ball and control tempo against an Atletico Madrid side roared on by their home support.