Ian Wright says only one Arsenal player is deserving of a place in a combined ‘Southern XI’, whilst picking nine from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
On Monday, Romelu Lukaku suggested the Premier League implement an all-star game, with the North facing up against the South. The NBA hold one annually across the Atlantic, and the Manchester United striker thinks football in England should follow suit.
Here’s an idea for you guys… the nba has all-star game! Don’t you guys think we should organise one in the @premierleague.. The north vs the south! And the fans vote… what do you guys think? @premierleague @FA 😏😉
— R.Lukaku Bolingoli9 (@RomeluLukaku9) February 26, 2018
Wright put together his southern team, using only players from clubs in the South of England. He found a spot for Mesut Özil, saying: “Özil in that team would be wonderful because he’s got brilliant players around him.”
The German was the only Arsenal player he selected though. Here is the full team:
1. Thibaut Courtois
Chelsea
2. Cedric Soares
Southampton
3. Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea
4. Toby Alderweireld
Spurs
5. Marcos Alonso
Chelsea
6. Mousa Dembele
Spurs
7. N’Golo Kante
Chelsea
8. Mesut Özil
Arsenal
9. Eden Hazard
Chelsea
10. Willian
Chelsea
11. Harry Kane
Spurs
In fairness, it’s hard to argue that the legend should include many other Arsenal players on current form. No one is really performing to their level.
At their best, you’d expect Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey to push for a spot. Potentially Laurent Koscielny and Hector Bellerin as well. We just haven’t seen their best for too long.
