Drawing inspiration from the famed NBA All-Star Game, where the finest athletes from the East and West converge, imagine if the Premier League were to introduce its own All-Star Game.
In crafting the perfect lineup for this spectacle, the Premier League would face a difficult task. Should they follow the NBA’s footsteps and divide teams based on geographical locations, or should they explore alternative methods of selection? Perhaps a selection process based on player performance metrics, fan votes, or manager nominations could be considered. In this version of the All-Star Game, we’ll draft players into two teams that resonate with the league’s rich heritage and fervent regional rivalries: North versus South.
So that the teams aren’t dominated by one team in particular, there would be a maximum quota of three players per club. The geographical division would be split by anything north of Luton counting for The North, so that it’s ten teams each.
The North:
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa
Since his move to Aston Villa, Martinez has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s premier shot-stoppers. His commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping abilities make him a crucial asset for any team.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
A product of Liverpool’s renowned youth academy, Alexander-Arnold has redefined the modern full-back role with his attacking prowess and precise deliveries. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a standout in the league. With his 58 assists, he’s provided the most assists all-time for a defender. He’s still only 25!
Centre-Back: Fabian Schär – Newcastle
Schär’s intelligence and composure on the ball make him such a reliable figure. His adeptness at reading the game and initiating attacks from the backline adds an invaluable dimension to his team’s play.
Centre-Back: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
Van Dijk has almost returned to the heights that he reached prior to his ACL injury. He makes an immense influence on the team’s defensive solidity and has only been dribbled past ONCE in the 2023/24 season. His combination of strength, composure, and leadership makes him one of the most formidable defenders in world football.
Left-Back: Luke Shaw – Manchester United
Luke Shaw, when fit, is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. Blessed with pace, defensive acumen, and an eye for a pass, Shaw is now in his tenth year at Manchester United and is continuing to go from strength to strength.
Centre-Midfielder: Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle
Guimarães’ combination of technical finesse, vision, and tenacity has made him a linchpin in Newcastle’s midfield, dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks with equal aplomb.
Centre-Midfielder: Rodri – Manchester City
Rodri’s intelligence and positional awareness make him a crucial cog in Manchester City’s midfield machine. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and provide defensive cover has been instrumental in City’s recent successes.
Attacking Midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City
There wouldn’t be a Premier League All-Star Game without KDB. De Bruyne’s vision, creativity, and ability to execute defence-splitting passes make him one of the most feared midfielders in world football. His knack for delivering decisive moments in crucial matches has cemented his status as a true Premier League icon.
Left-Winger: Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
Rashford’s electrifying pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat down the left flank. His link-up with Luke Shaw in this team would be sensational, transforming their United connection into the Northern All-Stars.
Striker: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Since Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City, he has sent shockwaves through the Premier League. Blessed with blistering pace, aerial prowess, and lethal finishing, Haaland is a nightmare for opposition defenders, capable of deciding matches in an instant. In his first season, he broke the record for the most goals scored in a single PL campaign, there was no doubt he would feature in this team.
Right-Winger: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Salah’s relentless goal-scoring exploits have propelled Liverpool to new heights in recent years. His combination of speed, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders and a constant threat in the final third.
The Gaffer: Jurgen Klopp
The Bench: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
The South:
Goalkeeper: Thomas Kaminski – Luton
Kaminski boasts a commanding presence and quality shot-stopping abilities. His agility and composure under pressure make him a reliable last line of defence. He has the second-highest expected goals prevented (4.37) this season and is a key reason for Luton’s survival hopes.
Right-Back: Reece James – Chelsea
James’ versatility, defensive solidity, and attacking flair make him a standout performer. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively down the right flank adds a dynamic dimension to his team’s play.
Centre-Back: Cristian Romero – Spurs
Romero’s physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game make him a formidable presence at the heart of the defence. He has become one of the best defenders in the league.
Centre-Back: William Saliba – Arsenal
Combining with Romero to make an all-North London centre-back partnership is William Saliba. The rock at the back has been excellent for Arsenal since coming into the first team in 2022 and he is one of the most feared centre-backs in the league.
Left-Back: Pervis Estupiñan – Brighton
Estupiñan’s pace, athleticism, and defensive tenacity make him a great option at left-back for Brighton. His ability to overlap and provide width in attack adds an extra dimension to his team’s play.
Centre-Midfielder: Declan Rice – Arsenal
Rice’s commanding presence and ability to break up opposition attacks make him a vital cog in any midfield. His leadership qualities and passing range make him a complete midfielder capable of influencing games in both defence and attack.
Centre-Midfielder: Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea
Fernandez’ technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball make him a valuable asset in Chelsea’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and provide creative spark make him a key player for his team
Attacking Midfielder: James Maddison – Spurs
Maddison’s flair, creativity, and eye for goal make him a potent attacking threat for Spurs. His ability to unlock defences with his passing and vision adds an extra dimension to his team’s attacking play. Just imagine the combination play with Sonny…
Left-Winger: Heung-min Son – Spurs
Son’s pace, trickery, and clinical finishing make him one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League. His telepathic understanding with his teammates and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a talismanic figure for Spurs.
Striker: Ivan Toney – Brentford
Toney’s goalscoring exploits have been instrumental in Brentford’s rise to the Premier League. His physicality, aerial prowess, and lethal finishing make him a constant threat in the opposition penalty area. He’s continued to shine since coming back from his ban.
Right-Winger: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Saka’s versatility, dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him a valuable asset for Arsenal. His ability to create chances and drive at opposition defences adds an extra dimension to his team’s attacking play.
The Gaffer: Mikel Arteta
The Bench: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), João Palhinha (Fulham), James Ward-Prowse (West Ham) , Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
These players, under the guidance of their respective managers, promise to deliver a spectacle filled with skill, passion, and excitement in the Premier League All-Star Game. Whilst some fans may argue that team rivalries are too great for a match like this, due to the international aspect and social media aspect of the game, these rivalries could well be put aside for an afternoon in the off-season.
The Verdict: Both North and South would be exceptionally strong, but the North would take it just due to the sheer star power of the squad. Salah, Haaland, De Bruyne Trent, Van Dijk and Rashford all on the same team with Bruno on the bench is a recipe for goals and flair.
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
