Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Bruno Fernandes
If full-backs are the weakest combined position group, then midfield is comfortably the strongest.
Starting at CDM, I was close to selecting Casemiro, who’s enjoyed a remarkable resurgence for the Red Devils, scoring a near-unthinkable nine goals. However, Gravenberch still gets the nod as the more complete player—more capable of driving the ball forward and edging Casemiro in overall season rating (7.3 to 6.9).
Then we arrive at two players who rank among the very best in the world right now.
Despite cooling off slightly in recent weeks, Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s most consistent contributor this season, capable of scoring world-class goals while growing into a leadership role.
Fernandes’ body of work, meanwhile, speaks for itself—his 19 assists leave him just one shy of the Premier League single-season record.
It may sting from a Liverpool perspective, but even if Arsenal or City go on to win the league, none of their players have matched the individual output Fernandes has produced; he could very well win Player of the Season.
Wingers: Matheus Cunha and Mohamed Salah
Yes, Cody Gakpo has picked it up in recent weeks, but selecting him over Matheus Cunha in a combined XI between Liverpool and United would feel like blind loyalty.
Given how underwhelming the Dutchman has been for much of the season, Cunha comfortably gets the nod.
This is a case where the eye test matters: although Gakpo somehow edges him in goal contributions (11 to 10), his output doesn’t outweigh the predictable, often labored nature of his play compared to the flair and confidence Cunha consistently brings.
That said, I’ll contradict myself slightly when it comes to Mohamed Salah versus Bryan Mbeumo. Even in what has felt like his worst season at the club, the Egyptian King still edges the former Brentford man in goal contributions (13 to 12), all while being seven years older than a player who should be in his prime.
Striker: Hugo Ekitike
There isn’t much of a debate here in a position group defined by new signings on both sides.
Benjamin Šeško has found form down the stretch for the Red Devils, but Ekitiké has been nothing short of electrifying in his debut season for Liverpool, showcasing outstanding quality both as a passer and a clinical finisher.
Alexander Isak may boast the strongest overall body of work when fully fit, as he’s shown at Newcastle, but Ekitiké has adapted to the Premier League in a way few anticipated, scoring 11 goals—a figure that likely would have been even higher had he not recently suffered a devastating season-ending injury.
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