UEFA Champions League 2019-20 : Juventus vs Atletico Madrid Combined XI
Matchday 5 of the Champions League is here, and it brings to us some of the best matchups of the group stages. In Group D, Serie A champions Juventus will take on La Liga's Atletico Madrid in what promises to be an exciting game between two star-studded sides.
Juventus have already qualified for the next round of the Champions League and barring a loss in this match, they will end the group stages as the toppers from their group. Atletico Madrid will be looking to get at least a draw from this game, as a loss would leave them in a vulnerable position come the final matchday.
However, a win for the visitors would then threaten Juventus' top spot in the group, and as such, there is a lot at stake in this game.
Both the squads have some massive firepower in their ranks, and this match promises to be a great one. Here, we take a look at how the combined XI of these two teams will line up -
Note - The players are selected based only on this season's form. Injured/suspended players are not available for selection.
Goalkeeper - Jan Oblak
This one is a no-brainer - no disrespect to Wojciech Szczesny, but Jan Oblak is simply one of, if not the best goalkeepers in the world. The Atletico goalkeeper has been the most consistent at his position over the past three seasons, and his shot-stopping ability has helped Diego Simeone's defence to be one of the best in the world.
Blessed with elite reflexes and great positioning ability, Oblak is an easy inclusion in this list and he will a major role to play in this match.
Defence
Left-back - Alex Sandro
Alex Sandro has had a great season for the Serie A champions so far. A consistent presence at the back who can also provide at the offensive end, Sandro makes this list over his counterpart Renan Lodi.
The left-back averages 1.5 tackles, interceptions, and clearances per game while completing over 85% of his passes. Sandro is an underrated, yet vital part of a strong Juventus defence.
Centre-back - Leonardo Bonucci
Although his partner Georgio Chiellini might get more acclaim, there is no doubt that Leonardo Bonucci is a beast in his own right. The veteran has been part of the Juventus defence for some time now, and he a menace to deal with for any forward.
The 32-year-old averages almost 3 clearances per game in Italy's top division, and has been starting for the team consistently due to the absence of Chiellini. His place here is indisputable.
Centre-back - Mario Hermoso
To be fair, Mario Hermoso would not make this list if Matthias De Ligt and Chiellini were available for selection. However, both of Juventus' centre-backs are out for this game, and therefore Hermoso is included over Daniele Rugani.
This is not to say that the Spanish international is not a good defender - he averages 4 clearances and 1 tackle per game and has played a lot of minutes in La Liga this season. Hermoso is still only 24, and he has a bright future ahead of him under Diego Simeone.
Right-back - Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier's move to Atletico Madrid was strange, as it is rare that you see an English player moving abroad at his peak. However, the right-back has found his form in the Spanish capital and is a consistent name in the starting eleven for Diego Simeone now.
Trippier averages 2.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 1.6 clearances per game in La Liga. He is also a good crosser off the ball and averages a stunning 4 key passes per game in the Champions League this season. He makes this list over his counterpart Danilo without debate.