Everton legend Howard Kendall this week rather mischievously stated that only two or three of the current Liverpool team could get into Everton’s first team.
It’s the typical sort of thing that people throughout Merseyside discuss in the week leading up to a derby.
It did get me thinking though. When I was younger my best friend was a Liverpool fan and I was an Everton fan, typical of the city of Liverpool really.
Even at ten or eleven we used to argue about who would be in a team made up of players from the Liverpool and Everton squads.
Kendall’s comments took me back to my childhood and I thought I would have a go at choosing from the current Liverpool and Everton squads. This is just my opinion but for what it’s worth here it is.
Formation 4-4-1-1
Goalkeeper
Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
This was a close call because Reina and Everton’s Tim Howard are of a similar quality. However the Spanish stopper just gets in ahead of the USA international. He has won numerous golden glove awards in recent years and is one of the most consistent keepers in Europe.
Left Back
Leighton Baines (Everton)
I don’t think many people could argue that the England international doesn’t deserve to get the left-back spot. He has become a vital cog in the Everton machine and has become a complete player in recent years. His only real competition would be former-Fulham full-back Paul Konchesky but I think a lot of Liverpool fans would take Baines over their own full-back.
Centre-Backs
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Phil Jagielka has become one of the most complete centre-backs in the country in recent years. Unfortunately for him he has picked up a few injuries in recent months but he bounced back superbly from a knee injury last year to become a regular England international.
Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
The veteran defender may be aging but he gives his heart and soul for the cause. He grew up as an Evertonian but since joining Liverpool in his teens has been red through and through. He is also a leader on the pitch.
Right Back
Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
This would be a problem position for the combined team as there are a few options but none are an obvious choice. Everton’s Tony Hibbert is a really strong tackler and good defensively but is really poor at going forward.
England international Johnson however can attack but his defensive qualities are questionable. He does offer pace and offer another attacking dimension going forward. So he would get the nod from me ahead of Hibbert.
Right Midfield
Mikel Arteta (Everton)
Although it isn’t Arteta’s favourite position he can drift inside and have a say in the game. He offers a flair and creativity that every team needs. He is capable of producing breathtaking skill and can also score goals.
Central Midfielders
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gerrard is Liverpool’s inspirational captain. He has the drive and positive attitude to take the team forward. The number of times he has saved Liverpool from defeat in his career is incredible. When on form he is one of the best midfielders in the world.
Jack Rodwell (Everton)
Rodwell may be a surprise choice at the moment due to his age but this lad is going to be star. He has already captained England at under-21 level and is touted as a future Everton captain. After starting out as a centre-back he’s impressed in recent months with his ability to drive forward and create and score goals.
Left midfield
Joe Cole (Liverpool)
I am a big admirer of the England international. Just like Arteta he has the ability to produce the unexpected and is a bit of a maverick in midfield. He would definitely have competition for a place in the team from Everton’s Steven Pienaar.
Attacking Midfielder
Tim Cahill (Everton)
Tim Cahill is without doubt one of the best bargains in the history of the Premier League. He cost Everton just £2million from Millwall in 2004. He has since gone on to make over 200 appearances for Everton and scored just under half a century of goals for the Blues.
He is a master at arriving late in the box from a deep position and scoring vital goals. Although he has played most of his career as a midfielder he has also played as a make-shift striker successfully. He is another player who gives everything for the team.
Striker
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Without doubt the Spanish star is one of the deadliest strikers on the planet when on form. He is currently going through a rough patch but he is by far the most talented striker on Merseyside. He has become a Liverpool hero in a very short amount of time.
Substitutes
Tim Howard (Everton)
Unlucky not to get into the team but he is one of the most consistent keepers in the English top flight.
Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
The Danish defender is a stylish player and would be a good backup for Carragher and Jagielka, possibly the most talented defender with the ball.
John Heitinga (Everton)
The Dutch international has the versatility to play centre-back or in the anchorman role in midfield, always solid and competitive.
Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
The giant Belgian international divides opinion in football but he is a big threat in the air. He also has good technical ability which will only improve.
Steven Pienaar (Everton)
The South African midfielder has superb technical ability and would be unlucky to miss out on the first eleven. He also works tremendously hard for the team.
Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)
The Dutchman is heavily criticised by a minority of Liverpool fans but he never stops running and has scored a lot of big goals for the club.
Louis Saha/Yakubu (Everton)
Both strikers when fit and on form are classy Premier League strikers. The problem is getting them fully-fit and firing.
What would be your combined Everton-Liverpool team?
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