One side has had greater success during the Premier League era, but the other has boasted some of the finest players the division has ever seen.
Ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Arsenal on Saturday night, trawling through the last 28 years of top flight history to remember the two clubs’ best players brought with it a topic of discussion: who would make a full-time combined XI of two sides from that era?
Does any of the current crop make the cut? Given Red’s dominance in the league right now, you will not be surprised to hear that they do.
So without further ado, here’s the best lineup of players from Liverpool and Arsenal that adorn the Premier League.
A current couple does it on the side. | Alex Pantling / Getty Images
David Seaman (GK) – Not only was Seaman the proud owner of the biggest ponytail in Premier League history, he also happened to be an outstanding goalkeeper. No side of his game was wrong and he was fundamental in the Gunners’ title-winning campaigns on both sides of the century.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – For someone who is so young to be held so high is proof of TAA’s ridiculous ability. Lauren will feel hard done, but the Scouse hill has a roof that cannot be measured.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – Was the key component in Liverpool to lift their only Premier League title. Completely changed his complexion and released the rest of the squad to attack without hesitation. Best in the industry.
Sol Campbell (CB) – Made one of the most controversial transfers in English history, but justified it. Was a solid object in front of the back four and part of the Arsenal backbone that won the league undefeated.
Ashley Cole (LB) – At his peak, Cole was the best left-back in the world. Even when he was not in his career, he was still an exceptional defender whose attacking qualities were as deadly as his defense was resolute.
Vieira and Gerrard had some big fights. | Odd Andersen / Getty Images
Mohamed Salah (RM) – Normally the chance is given to play further ahead, in this system Salah gets the freedom to do just that. Breaking the record for most goals scored in a single season and continuing to maintain that level means he earns a spot on this side.
Steven Gerrard (CM) – Generally regarded as Liverpool’s greatest player ever, he was part of some fantastic sides while carrying some less than inspiring through the ant. A legend in every sense of the word.
Patrick Vieira (CM) – Who would get the captain’s bracelet? Vieira would really make his claim. The warlike brilliance of the French mountain saw him lift three Premier League titles and three FA Cups over a nine-year period in north London.
Robert Pires (LM) – He joined the Gunners at the beginning of the century and scored double goals for goals in each of his six seasons with the club, including 14 in the league during Arsenal’s “Invincibles” match.
There can be no other duo. | Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
Dennis Bergkamp (SS) – Some players make football look easy. They are the ones who make the game a joy to watch. If you compiled a list of such stars, Bergkamp does. Each. Only. Time.
Thierry Henry (ST) – No player is the greatest ever to play in the division and has characterized English football that falls under “unplayable” in the same way as Henry. Scored no less than 174 Premier League goals and has won the Golden Boot on four occasions, more than any other player.
