Picking a Combined Barcelona-Real Madrid Clasico XI

It’s that time of year again when Spanish football captures the imagination of the world; the buildup to El Clasico, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, the top two in La Liga.

There’s a six-point gap between the sides heading into the Camp Nou battle on Saturday, and both Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane know they have to get their team selections spot on if they are to emerge victorious.

Both coaches have great players available to them, but who are the most impressive, in-form and best overall options in each position?

Here’s our combined Clasico XI, featuring only those players available for selection this weekend and taking into account form this season as well as their generally perceived level of talent.

GK: Keylor Navas, RMA

Real Madrid’s No. 1 gets the nod over Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been impressive but is still searching for top form after a couple of years being the cup/European goalkeeper for Barcelona.

Keylor Navas hasn’t quite hit the peaks of last season’s form after a summer-long injury, but the Costa Rica international is still an immense last line of defence for Los Blancos. His reflexes, handling and improbable reach are all massive factors in Real conceding less goals than they otherwise might do.

He isn’t always behind the most reliable or consistent back four, but he comes up big when Madrid need him most—and let’s face it, they might well do this weekend.

RB: Dani Carvajal, RMA

Sergi Roberto is an excellent right-back, but his game is still being refined in that area; he also has a tendency to lose possession in key areas. There’s a big possibility he will emerge as the most complete full-back in Spanish football over the next couple of years, but Dani Carvajal is still ahead for now.

Real’s right-back surges forward relentlessly, overlapping down the flank to provide cutbacks from the byline and crosses from deeper areas. He’s technically sound, aggressive with his defensive work and positionally reliable, which isn’t always something offensive-minded full-backs tend to worry about.

Carvajal is a regular for Spain for a reason, and he gets our approval in the team.

CB: Gerard Pique/Javier Mascherano, both FCB

At centre-back, Real take no such approval. That their most consistent central option is fourth-choice Nacho speaks volumes of their consistency and selection process. Barcelona do have a formidable pairing, though, with Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano among Europe’s best when at top …

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