North London Derby: What would an Arsenal-Spurs combined XI look like?

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CARDIFF, WALES – SEPTEMBER 02: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Arsenal FC at Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Defensive Midfield: Lucas Torreira – Arsenal

While he is yet to reach full-speed in the Premier League this season, Lucas Torreira very much belongs in this combined XI, although it is a relatively difficult choice with the excellent Matteo Guendouzi also in contention for this spot, and maybe even Granit Xhaka too. Torreira’s winning mentality and tenacity in the center of the park has been a breath of fresh air for Arsenal, although his form peaked around the holiday period of last season and never really picked up again.

With one season of English football under his belt however, the Gunners will be hoping that Torreira can maintain his quality throughout the season.

Central Midfield – Tanguy Ndombele – Spurs

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

While it’s harsh to leave out Guendouzi with the form that he’s in, there’s no doubt that the exceptional Tanguy Ndombele earns a spot in this combined XI. Spurs smashed their transfer record in the summer to bring the Frenchman in from Lyon, and it is still seen as a signing that is well above their weight, with Ndombele being linked with Juventus and Real Madrid throughout the summer. He scored on his Premier League debut, and he provides the all-round quality in midfield that Spurs have been missing for some time now.

Attacking Midfield: Christian Eriksen – Spurs

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

While a few years ago this spot may very well have been claimed by Mesut Ozil, the Germans slow and painful fade into irrelevancy has handed the reigns right to Christian Eriksen, who is as consistent a performer as you’ll find anywhere. The Dane’s vision, instincts, and sheer technical class in the middle of the park make him one of the easiest decisions in this XI, as he looks to get up to speed in the Premier League this season, having started just one match and providing no goals or assists for his team as of yet.

Eriksen was linked with a move to Real Madrid earlier in the window, and while there is still a sliver of a chance he could be on his way out as the window closes this week, it seems he will be suiting up for Spurs this Sunday.

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