We thought it would be a good idea to turn our attention to the rest of the Premier League – who would make up the best Prem starting XI if the ‘big 6’ leave?
Following the European Super League announcement, the ‘big 6’ of the Premier League may be making their way out of domestic competitions.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea & Tottenham Hotspur are the six Premier League clubs that are part of the newly proposed European Super League teams.
Joining the European Super League alongside Spain’s Barcelona, Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid, as well as Italy’s Juventus, AC Milan & Inter Milan – all 12 clubs could soon be separated from every other football competition in the world. How strange would that be?!
European Super League Announcement
As all of the details and reports are still unfolding, there’s a lot to keep an eye on regarding the proposed European Super League. Headed by Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez, the Super League would involve the 12 teams mentioned earlier, as well as eight others – five coming from European domestic competitions, and three who are ‘yet to be announced’ as part of the Super League.
However, both UEFA and FIFA have already released statements, emphasising their opposing stance on the league. If this new Super League goes ahead, UEFA will not allow any of the teams to compete in the Champions League & Europa League – the European Super League teams would have a big decision to make.
If The FA followed suit, it would mean that the ‘big 6’ would not be able to compete in the Premier League, or any of the domestic cup competitions in England. As for the Spanish & Italian governing bodies, their statement has also not yet been published.
Meanwhile, Perez & Co. want the Super League to run alongside domestic league and competitions, so there’s still a lot of negotiation and decisions to be made.
Our Best Premier League XI Without the ‘Big 6’
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
The English international has been a solid goalkeeper for Burnley and England in recent times, and was so close to winning last season’s Golden Glove, but was just pipped at the post (pun intended) by City’s Ederson.
Right-back: Seamus Coleman
Now considered a veteran Premier League defender, Coleman has been with the Toffees since 2009. Nonetheless, this season Coleman has produced some impressive performances despite a mid-season injury.
Centre-back: Wesley Fofana
Vital to Leicester City’s defence, Fofana is still only 20 years old, so there’s no saying just how good he will be in his prime years. A great centre-half that with a very bright future ahead of him.
Centre-back: Ezri Konsa
An arguable word to describe Konsa would be ‘underappreciated’. As part of Aston Villa’s incredible run of form at the beginning of the season, a lot of credit went to centre-back partner Tyrone Mings. However, Konsa is a great centre-back that is unfortunately overlooked.
Left-back: Lucas Digne
There’s no denying that Digne has been consistently good as Everton’s full-back. Despite one or two injuries, on his day, Digne is considered one of the best in the league, ‘big 6’ included or not.
Defensive Midfielder: Declan Rice
Rice is now a stonewall starter in the West Ham side, and arguably the England setup, too. He can control the midfield, and has played a major part in West Ham’s current form - who now find themselves pushing for a top four finish.
Central Midfielder: Jesse Lingard
It’s a debatable choice, but with a fresh start in West Ham colours, Jesse Lingard has shown the Premier League what he can do given the opportunity. With nine goals in 10 games as a loanee, it’s hard to ignore the England international.
Central Midfielder: James Rodriguez
Everton’s signing of James Rodriguez came as a surprise to many, with his obvious talent joining Ancelotti’s men in the summer before the current season. However, everyone knows he has the technical ability (2014 World Cup, anyone?) and on his day, he definitely has to make this lineup.
Right-winger: Raphinha
As a stand-out performer for Leeds United this season, their summer signing has played a major part in the newly promoted side’s success this season. Aiming for a possible top-half finish in their first season back in the Premier League, there’s no doubt that Raphinha has been Leeds’ best player.
Striker: Jamie Vardy
Even though he’s now 34 years old, Jamie Vardy is still one of the best strikers in the Premier League. If he has slowed down with old age, we certainly haven’t noticed. Vardy is a great striker to lead the line for this starting 11.
Left-winger: Jack Grealish
Even though Grealish has had an unfortunate injury in recent months, he is still a great talent that can be seen by everyone. If you don’t rate Jack Grealish, there’s something wrong. He is versatile and dangerous, and we have seen teams struggle to play against him.
Who Makes Your Premier League Starting XI?
Of course, our opinion is always the right one...but who have we missed out? Let us know who you think should be there, via our Twitter - @Betting_couk!
