We have put together a Champions League Final combined XI of the best Man City and Inter Milan players ahead of Saturday's big game.
Formation - 3-5-2Irish English international had a slow start to life at Man City after joining from Aston Villa in 2021. He drew a lot of criticism for his performances after being signed for €100m+ but his play this season has quietened the doubters.Grealish is a constant threat on the left wing with his dribbling abilities on the ball giving defenders nightmares in one-on-one situations.
Champions League Final XI - Man City/Inter Milan
Formation - 3-5-2Defence
Goalkeeper - André Onana (Inter Milan)
This is a tough pick here between two brilliant goalkeepers in Man City's Ederson and Inter Milan's Andre Onana. Both 'keepers are among the best in the world with the ball at their feet and turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.In the end I went with Onana to start in this combined XI as he has been critical to Inter Milan in their run to this year's Champions League Final. In contrast, Man City have been so much better than all their opponents that Ederson hasn't been called upon as much.Centre Back - Kyle Walker (Man City)
Easy pick here. Kyle Walker has been one of the best defenders in the world for the best part of the last decade now and it's hard to find too many flaws in his game.Walker is versatile with his ability to play both at full back and centre back allowing him to seamlessly slot into any style of defensive system. The England defender's trump card has always been his speed which is crucial in defending counter attacks.Centre Back - Rúben Dias (Man City)
The Portuguese international has quickly become one of the best centre backs in Europe since he arrived from Benfica in 2020. City have won the Premier League in each season since Dias has joined. That is no coincidence either as he has been the anchor of this defence.Not only is Dias incredible in performing his defensive duties but he is more than comfortable with the ball at his feet.Centre Back - Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
This was a close call but in the end I've opted for Alessandro Bastoni to fill the final defensive spot on this team. Man City's Manuel Akanji would have been deserving of this spot too after the great season he had.The reason I've opted for Bastoni over Akanji is because both players have played at a very similar level whlie Bastoni has had a lot more defensive work to do. Akanji, due to Man City's high possession style of play, has not had as much stress put on him defensively.Midfield
Midfielder - Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
Nicolò Barella is one of the best midfielders in Europe and is a no-brainer pick here. The Italian runs the midfield for Inter with his ability to pick out passes and play incisive passes into the strikers.Barella is not only brilliant on the ball, but also has a high defensive workrate and can often be seen winning the ball back in midfield. Interestingly, the 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Man City this summer.Midfielder - İlkay Gündoğan (Man City)
The FA Cup match winner for Man City after his two outside the box goals. The German has been a pivotal player to Guardiola's midfield since arriving from Dortmund in the summer of 2016.Gundogan is a great all-round midfielder who can not only control the midfield but as we have seen is more than capable of popping up with goals in big games.Right Wing - Bernardo Silva (Man City)
Pretty straightforward pick here. Silva is one of the best dribblers in the world and possesses the ability to unlock a defence at any moment.Centre Attacking Midfielder - Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
Another obvious pick. De Bruyne might be the form player in world football right now and undoubtedly the best passer of a football.The Belgian playmaker has bounced back from a terrible tournament at the 2022 World Cup to lead his club from a slow start to the Premier League to the brink of an historic treble.Left Wing - Jack Grealish (Man City)
TheAttack
Striker - Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
The Argentine earns a spot in this XI thanks to his tremendous form for Inter this season. Martinez might have had a poor World Cup, despite Argentina lifting the trophy, but don't let that fool you - he is one of the best strikers in Europe when at his best.The 25-year-old has scored 21 goals to go along with 6 assists in this season's Serie A.Striker - Erling Haaland (Man City)
Never a doubt with this pick. Erling Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving last summer. In 2022/23, Haaland's rookie season in the Premier League, he broke the record for most goals scored by a player in one season with 36.The Norwegian hasn't been too bad in the Champions League either with 12 goals to his name in 10 appearances this season.So that's my Champions League Final combined XI of Man City and Inter Milan players. In the end I've opted for 7 Man City players and 4 Inter Milan players in the XI.For a full preview of Man City v Inter Milan check out our Champions League Final Prediction post where we look at the odds, matchups and form for both teams ahead of the world’s biggest club football game.Click Below For All Our Champions League Final Odds*Prices subject to fluctuation
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