A repeat of last season’s thrilling 11-goal Champions League semi-final sees the champions of England and Spain pitted against each other once more, in a tie of epic proportions. As both teams ready themselves for the second-leg this evening after an evenly poised match-up in Spain last week, we have been busy compiling a Real Madrid vs Manchester City combined XI, solely based on the current market value of players.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Combined XI
All player values courtesy of Transfermarkt
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois (€60m)
Between the sticks we have Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who comes in at a full €15m more than Ederson’s current value.
The Belgian was integral to Los Blancos improbable run to last year’s final, which culminated in a mesmerising clean sheet against Liverpool where he made nine stops.
He also led the charts for saves (59), save percentage (80.6%) and goals prevented according to expected goals on target data (4.7) throughout the campaign.
Right-Back – Eder Militao (€70m)
Although not necessarily recognised as such, Eder Militao has often been deployed at right-back and his versatility, pace and defensive IQ make him one of the most expensive players in the world.
At 25, he has quickly become a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s serial winning side, and his reliability as a ball-playing defender (88% average completion rate) means he can slot into a wide position, or even into midfield, with relative ease.
Centre-Back – David Alaba (€50m)
Swapping Bayern Munich for Real Madrid after an 11-year stint always carried an element of risk for David Alaba, who was integral to the Germans’ unprecedented period of success.
However, his decision to make the switch to Spain has more than paid dividends having already lifted six trophies in two years, and his market value remains surprisingly high as he nears his 31st birthday.
Left-Back – Nathan Ake (€35m)
Again, much like Militao, Nathan Ake is perhaps better known for his role as a centre-back, but in typical Pep Guardiola style, he has fashioned the Dutchman into a very capable left-back this term.
He has been a vital part of City’s structural shake-up, which now sees him regularly part of a defensive three, but he has demonstrated his astuteness in both defence and attack this season.
Defensive Midfield – Rodri (€80m)
Is there a more effective defensive midfielder in world football than Rodri at this moment in time?
The 25-year-old is near-flawless in everything he does, whether it be disrupting the opposition, dictating the rhythm of City’s passing, or breaking through the lines to kick-start an attack; he has it all.
Centre Midfield – Federico Valverde (€100m)
You’d be hard pushed to find a more well-rounded operator in the middle of the park than Fede Valverde, whose performances have increased his stock leaps and bounds this season.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti made a tongue-in-cheek bet with the Uruguayan before the season began, saying he would ‘tear up his coaching license’ if he failed to reach double figures for goals.
10th career trophy for Fede Valverde 🏆🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/zfXW7qtaFb
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 8, 2023
Luckily for Carlo, the 24-year-old has done just that having tallied 12 goals this term, while also adding six assists. His new found role as Madrid’s orchestrator in the transition makes him deadly in this typically gung-ho side.
Centre Midfield – Aurelien Tchouameni (€90m)
France’s midfield gem Aurelien Tchouameni played a starring role in their journey to the World Cup final back in December, and at 23, is widely regarded as one of the emerging stars of the next generation.
Alongside compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, and perhaps Jude Bellingham if Madrid’s pursuit is successful in the summer, he can usher in a new era of success at the Bernabeu – his duality as a ball-winning, forward-thinking ‘6’ makes him a priceless asset.
Winger – Phil Foden (€110m)
Although Guardiola’s insistence on rotating the squad, coupled with several weeks on the sideline, has meant limited game time since the World Cup for Phil Foden, it is easy to forget just how dangerous he was earlier in the season.
14 goals and seven assists is a more than commendable return for the 22-year-old this term, who will be hoping to lend a hand in City’s pursuit of a treble. He registered his first full 90 in over two months against Leeds a few weeks back, which may indicate more minutes at the tail end of the year.
Winger – Vinicius Jr (€120m)
For many observers, there simply isn’t a better wide player in world football than Vinicius Jr, who continues to dazzle and dance in the face of racial adversity in Spain.
Another Champions League triumph would undoubtedly make him a worthy candidate for the Ballon D’or this year, having registered 44 goal involvements in 52 games thus far.
The Brazilian completes a successful dribble every 15 minutes and 32 seconds, and has created 65 chances this season.
Striker – Erling Haaland (€170m)
The world’s most potent player inevitably makes it into the combines XI, with the highest market value of any player on the planet.
After breaking the single-season goalscoring record in the Premier League, the Norwegian will have his eyes set on several European milestones starting this evening.
He needs five goals in (potentially) two games in this season’s Champions League to move level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s single-season record of 17, while he needs five more to surpass Karim Benzema and Ronaldo’s shared knockout phase record of 11.
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