Arsenal face Wolfsburg in the final game of the Emirates Cup on Sunday, and this match looks to be the game of the tournament. Two huge European teams are meeting, are they are bring some of Europe's best players with them. An Arsenal and Wolfsburg combined XI would never happen, but could it win the Premier League or maybe even the Champions League?
GK- Petr Cech:
Arsenal's newest arrival would make it into most top teams in the world and this team is no exception. Cech made a name or himself as one of Europe's best goalkeeper at Chelsea, and his three Premier League Golden Gloves are testament to this. A Champions League winner, his decisive penalty save in Munich must surely be the highlight of his career. Only time will tell how he does at Arsenal, but his singing looks like it might turn the Gunners into genuine title contenders again.
RB - Hector Bellerin:
The Spanish right-back recently signed a new contract at Arsenal, rewarding him for his exceptional 2014-15 that saw him break into the first team. Bellerin was overwhelmingly voted into Arsenal VAVEL's Team of the Season last term, after many impressive performances after making his first start in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. He was a standout performer last season, and although he may not be the best right-back at both clubs, he's in this combined XI based on his amazing current form.
CB - Laurent Koscielny:
Like Petr Cech, Koscielny would walk into many of the world's best teams. Since a shaky start, Koscienly has matured into one of the Premier League's best defenders. Tough tackling with an eye for the odd goal, Koscielny's maturity and ability to read situations sets him apart. This was something he struggled with at the begin of his Arsenal career, but he has really improved and is well deserved of a place in this team.
CB - Per Mertesacker:
Like Koscielny, the giant German also has an eye for goal with his 6'6" frame giving him an ariel presence that few others can command. Mertesacker is good on the ground as well, making him arguably one of the most complete defenders in the Premier League. His partnership with Koscielny has only gone from strength to strength.
LB - Ricardo Rodriguez:
The first Wolfsburg player on this list comes at lef- back, with the Swiss Rodriguez. Linked to Real Madrid only this week, Rodriguez is one of the most sought after left backs in Europe. His attacking qualities, pinpoint crossing ability and great handling of dead ball situations to name a few, cause other defenders problems. He is also sound defensively, but his attacking qualities have given him a reputation as one of the Bundesliga's best defenders.
CM - Luiz Gustavo:
The ex-Arsenal target has only improved since leaving Bayern Munich for Wolfsburg. When Arsenal were linked with him he was heralded as the defensive midfielder the Gunners needed, but the rise of Francis Coquelin has stopped talk of bringing him in. Whether Gustavo would be an upgrade on Coquelin is up for discussion, but his European pedigree and his general experience put him in the team over the Frenchman.
CM - Santi Cazorla:
The little Spaniard is in undroppsble form at the moment. Since being pushed back positionally to partner Coquelin in holding midfield, Cazorla's performances have just got better and better. The man who once beat Lionel Messi to the La Liga Player of the Year could walk into most European teams with his current form, which he carried over into pre-season. Cazorla won Man of the Match in the Barclays Asia Trophy final, but gave his award to new signing Petr Cech.
RM - Kevin de Bruyne:
This may not be his natural position, but the Belgian has the ability to play across the forward line. Best known as an attacking midfielder, de Bruyne has won many plaudits since joining Wolfsburg from Chelsea 18 months ago. He was arguably Bundesliga Player of the Year last season, as he was the talisman that led Wolfsburg to a Champions League finish and a German Cup victory. Kevin de Bruyne now commands a British record price tag, something that Manchester City seem to be willing to pay. It shouldn't affect him playing at the Emirates Cup though.
CAM - Mesut Ozil:
Arsenal's record signing had a much improved second season at the club, after an inconsistent first season. Ozil has been branded lazy and a flop, but he has the ability to change games. Moments of Ozil brilliance were important last season, from his free-kick against Liverpool to his wonderful assist for Alexis Sanchez in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Reading. He's an important player in the Arsenal squad, and whatever opposing fans may think, his genius makes him deserved of a place in this team.
LM - Alexis Sanchez/Andre Schurrle:
You'll see that there are two names next to the left midfielder position, Sanchez and Schurrle; who plays in the team depends on how this XI is looked at. If it is a combined team of players at both clubs, then Alexis Sanchez is in the team. He had a great debut season at Arsenal last term, with all his goals and hard work culminating into what he really deserved, his beautiful goal in the FA Cup final.
On the other hand, if the team is made up of players who could be on the pitch when Arsenal and Wolfsburg meet on Sunday, then Schurrle is in the team. Sanchez won't be playing on Sunday, he's been given some time off after leading Chile to Copa America glory earlier this month. Schurrle was unlucky to leave Chelsea, he was a good player but time on the pitch was always going to be limited for him. He's undergone a sort of rejuvenation at Wolfsburg and he's back to himself of old.
ST - Bas Dost:
The choice was Giroud, Dost or maybe Walcott. Dost's late season form in the Bundesliga made him a statisticians favourite. There were periods where Dost's scoring form was amazing, nine goals in 10 games, eight goals in three games and 11 goals in six games were stats that spring to mind. Dost became the first man in 102 games to score twice against Bayern Munich when Wolfsburg won 4-1 against them last season. Giroud and Dost are similar players, but judging by his late season stats Dost makes the team. Despite this, Dost probably isn't an upgrade on Giroud though.