A selection of the best players from tonight’s quarter-final clash.
As France and Germany prepare to meet in one of the stand-out ties from the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals, fanatix takes a look at the selection of great players on show in tonight’s game, and where they would fit into a combined XI.
The meeting of these two European giants will see a whole host of big names taking part and vying for a place in the semi-finals of this illustrious competition, some of whom are already well known to fans of English football as they play regularly for the big sides in the Premier League; some of whom could also be joining their international colleagues with big-money moves across Europe in this summer’s transfer window.
With Germany perhaps slight favourites in this tight contest, do more of Joachim Low’s players make it into the combined lineup? And which Premier League stars and transfer targets are among the best from these two sides. Read on to find out.
Goalkeeper and defence:
Manuel Neuer (Germany) – The Bayern Munich goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of the best in the world in his position at the moment, and would probably get into most sides. Hugo Lloris of France and Tottenham Hotspur is a credible competitor, but narrowly misses out to a world class performer here.
Mathieu Debuchy (France) – The Newcastle United man being linked with Arsenal seems a fair choice here after his superb recent performances. With another France star in Bacary Sagna being his most likely competitor, he gets into this lineup after working his way ahead of the new Manchester City man in Didier Deschamps’ team.
Patrice Evra (France) – Still one of the finest left-backs in the game, Manchester United and France veteran is the first choice in this XI, with some assured displays so far in France’s impressive World Cup campaign.
Per Mertesacker (Germany) – One of the most solid centre-backs in the Premier League this season, Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker is a key performer for his country as well, and pips his Gunners team-mate Laurent Koscielny to a spot here.
Mats Hummels (Germany) – Partnering Mertesacker is Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels, who has become widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe in recent years, earning rumoured interest from the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona. His good partnership with Mertesacker sees him start in this lineup ahead of some quality options in the French defence.
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