London XI

When compiling a dream team of London based players it is tempting to simply put out the Chelsea team with a couple of Arsenal and Tottenham players thrown in for good measure. For this reason a limit of 4 players per team has been set to discipline myself and my fellow bloggers (their respective teams will be posted in the next couple of weeks). This is what I have come up with in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

1. Petr Cech (Chelsea) – The Czech stopper is now back to his excellent best after some patchy form following his life-threatening injury. Probably the best goalkeeper in the league and one of the best in the World.

2. Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) – Only really rivalled for the right-back spot by Branislav Ivanovic but Sagna’s ability to get forward and cause problems in the opposition half gives him the nod.

3. Ashley Cole (Chelsea) – Widely regarded as the best left-back in the world, there is simply no alternative for the number 3 shirt.

4. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) – The first of the 2 central midfield berths goes to the Spanish playmaker who will add some creativity to the line-up.

5. Brede Hangeland (Fulham) – The sole representative from Fulham is the big Norwegian who has won rave reviews having been brought to England by Roy Hodgson. Adds brawn to the back line and a threat from set-pieces.

6. John Terry (Chelsea) – Who else? The captain of this team as he is of every team he graces with his presence. The only man who could keep David Luiz out of my defence.

7. Scott Parker (West Ham) – Adding the defensive cover for Fabregas in midfield is possibly the most consistent player in the Premiership this season. At times single-handedly earned points for his Hammers side and exactly the type of lionheart any team needs.

8. Samir Nasri (Arsenal) – One of the most improved players this season, the Frenchman is being talked about for Player of the Year with good reason. He will be cutting in off the right wing.

9. Fernando Torres (Chelsea) – A toss-up between ‘El Nino’ and Didier Drogba for the role of lone striker, Torres takes his place on account of his superior pace, movement and finishing ability. Will inevitably start to show his true class in Chelsea colours.

10. Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham) – Playing just off Torres is the Dutchman who is a typical number 10. Has impressed many, when fit, in his debut season in England.

11. Gareth Bale (Tottenham) – Bale will supply the width on the left wing to balance Nasri cutting inside. Unplayable on his day, the Welshman will give my team energy along with his other, more obvious, attributes.

Substitutes

12. Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)

13. Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

14. Michael Dawson (Tottenham)

15. Luka Modric (Tottenham)

16. Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

17. Demba Ba (West Ham)

18. Adel Taarabt (Q.P.R.)