Joint starting XI for Liverpool against Real Madrid ahead of the UEFA Champions League duel

Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield later today for their Mathday 5 Champions League clash. Los Blancos need a result to keep their hopes of a top eight place in the competition alive, while the home side can return to the top with a win.

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Both teams have some incredible players and it’s difficult to pick a starting XI that combines both squads, but this is what the best combined team of Real Madrid and Liverpool could look like.

TW: Thibaut Courtois – Both Thibaut Courtois and Alisson Becker, but the Real Madrid centre-back is in first place thanks to some of his performances for Los Blancos.

RB: Dani Carvajal – Dani Carvajal surpasses Trent Alexander-Arnold as an all-round balanced player, although the Liverpool man is arguably the better attacking striker.

CB: Virgil Van Dijk – Since I usually play as a center back on the right side, I had to move one of the two chosen ones to make sure they fit together. VVD was my choice as he is one of the best CBs in the world.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger – What a centre-back partnership Antonio Rüdiger would have with Van Dijk. The calm of VVD and the chaos of Rüdiger.

LB: Andrew Robertson –Although his form has waned in recent seasons, Andrew Robertson still offers a good attacking option on the left.

CM: Luka Modric –At 39 years old, Luka Modric is still going strong. When he plays, he is still a solid and influential figure in midfield and has more experience than anyone on the biggest stage.

CM: Ryan Gravenberch –This may be a controversial decision, but Ryan Gravenberch, who is only 22 years old, has excelled as a defensive midfielder for Liverpool this season.

CM: Jude Bellingham –No doubt that Jude Bellingham would be in the starting lineup, who can outclass any opponent on his day.

LW: Mohamed Salah –The first three players are the easiest to pick, with Mo Salah playing down the left. He is pound for pound and one of the best players in Premier League history.

ST: Kylian Mbappe –Mbappe may have been out of form in recent games, but when he’s hot, he’s still one of the best strikers in the world.

HR: Vinicius Junior –According to Ballon d’Or voters, Vincius Jr. is the second best player in the world. However, he will be missing today due to an injury.

How did we do? Is this the best combined starting XI of Liverpool and Real Madrid stars? Or would you make changes?

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