The ‘Not-So-Friendly’ Derby as it is now more popularly known, sees the two halves of Merseyside cash for supremacy. We take a look at the two sides’ combined XIs, featuring just Talent Radar youngsters.
Everton and Liverpool have always held a deep hatred for each both on and off the pitch. A fierce rivalry, that has a long history dating back to the late 19th century. There have been plenty of derby heroes, and legends who understood the rivalry like no other. But now, both clubs are faced with a transitional phase, with key faces lost and next generation of youngsters coming in to take the shoes of their predecessors.
Often, tactics and philosophies go out the window in derbies, and a pure feel of passion fuels the entire 90 minutes. While we disagree with that statement on many levels, we do tend to agree that understanding the occasion is crucial for any game of a similar setting as this one.
Note that the following XI has been created keeping in mind first team opportunities and appearances already made, while the formation has been positionally adjusted. Outfield players eligible are those 21 and under as of June 1st 2015, while goalkeepers 22 and under as of the same date were eligible to make the team. To know more about Talent Radar, head this way.
Defence: The goalkeeping position posed a nuisance for us as neither of the two choices of keepers stood out spectacularly. In the end, Liverpool Ryan Fulton got the nod ahead of Everton’s Connor Hunt (despite his rabonna skills). There’s an Evertonian domination in the rest of defence, and rightly so. Only Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have conceded lesser goals than Everton, as the likes of John Stones and Brendan Galloway impress in their first-team roles. Young Tyias Browning started the last two games in the Premier League as Seamus Coleman fights an injury, and the 21-year-old takes the right back slot. Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is the only one who breaks an Everton clean sweep of the defence with the ex-Charlton man slotting in at centre-back.
Midfield: Holding midfield as a Liverpool partnership with now full German international Emre Can, partnered by Liverpool’s second youngest all-time scorer, Jordan Rossiter. Fellow Liverpool team-mate, Jordon Ibe, seen as many as a potential replacement for Raheem Sterling is on the left wing. Over on the other end, new signing Gerard Deulofeu slots in. But it’s the man occupying the hole in the above line-up that really takes the cake. Ross Barkley has had an impressive season thus far, after injuries in the previous season stagnated his progress momentarily. The Englishman is now carrying the weight of expectations, and delivering thus far.
Attack: The lone striker role is occupied by Divock Origi, Liverpool’s summer signing who is yet to showcase his ability in the Premier League, despite a decent showing in Europe recently. If you’re wondering how Everton’s Romelu Lukaku doesn’t get the nod – the Belgian (sadly) is not eligible for Talent Radar anymore given the age criteria.
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