The London eleven includes players from Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker and Tottenham’s Dele Alli in action
As Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both finished in the top three last season behind surprise champions Leicester City and West Ham United clinched European qualification, it was a pretty good time for football in London.
Not for everyone though, with Chelsea finishing in tenth after lifting the title the season before, and Crystal Palace surviving a scare down at the bottom.
This campaign, the London clubs cannot afford to let the big two in Manchester run away with it, with Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola now at the helms of Old Trafford and the Etihad respectively.
Who makes the best XI featuring only players from clubs in the Premier League’s capital?
Hugo Lloris — Spurs stake a strong claim for the top keeper in London, marginally pipping Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea to the No 1 spot. The Frenchman has been a standout player at White Hart Lane in the past few seasons, with his incredible shot stopping playing a huge part in strengthening the Spurs defence.
Hector Bellerin — The Spaniard enjoyed a superb season in 2015-16, missing just two league matches and making 44 appearances in all competitions. Nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in reward, Bellerin will undoubtedly continue to develop into star at the Emirates.
Laurent Koscielny — An unknown defender upon his arrival from Lorient six years ago, the French defender is now a firm favourite of the Arsenal supporters. A great illustration of a modern centre half, the quick and composed Koscielny has become a player upon whom so much rests for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Toby Alderweireld — Spurs’ best defender and arguably the finest out of all the defenders in the capital. There is no doubt the Belgian has improved his side’s defence since arriving in 2015. Powerful and resilient, Alderweireld is as good at snuffing out an attack as he is at setting up the perfect counter.
Cesar Azpilicueta — The left-back has adapted superbly to switching sides in the back line. His excellent displays for Chelsea often go under the radar, but he performs a crucial role for the Blues. The 24-year-old will only get better this campaign under Antonio Conte, a manager who places a lot of emphasis on defence in his side.
Dele Alli — The youngster from MK Dons relished in his breakthrough year in the Premier League. No one expected him to hit the headlines as quick as he did, but scoring ten goals and providing nine assists in 33 appearances for Spurs provided Alli with a deserved starting berth in England’s eleven at the Euros.
Mesut Ozil — The German World Cup winner’s style can often mean he goes unnoticed through games, though he still loved by his club’s supporters thanks to his occasional moments of brilliance. The former Real Madrid playmaker can light up a match with a pass or a piece of magic at any moment. Ozil would have to drop deeper in this ultra attacking London XI, yet, he’d still be able to produce and shine.
Dimitri Payet — The only player outside the ranks of Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs in this exhilarating eleven, West Ham are very lucky to have this talisman in theirs. The Hammers’ box of tricks is great to watch, with his set-pieces second to none. One of the best players in England’s top tier last campaign, Payet carried his superb form into the Euros, continuing to excel and helping his country reach the final.
Alexis Sanchez — The Chilean winger has to step up this year after moments of anonymity in 2015-16. If he can find the form from his first season at Arsenal then his spot in this team will be unquestionable. A revelation then, the quick, creative and tireless attacker with an eye for goal will use his energy and skill to find another level in the new Premier League campaign.
Eden Hazard — Winning the PFA Player of the Year award at the end of Chelsea’s title winning campaign in 2014-15 proved little drive to reach the next level in his game after the Belgian performed poorly throughout the following season. Hazard not firing and his side finishing tenth is no coincidence. But encouraging signs at the Euros and an excellent start under Conte has shown he’s still a superstar in the making.
Harry Kane — Spurs’ most outstanding performer in the last two seasons, the 23-year-old’s goals have impelled his teammates to drive on in the league. Comfortable at either tapping home or producing a worldie from long range, the striker represents a remarkable option up front for Spurs, who lacked a true goalscorer for some years before Kane. He has not hit the heights of his Golden Boot year so far this campaign, though look back at the start of 2015-16 when it took the Englishman six league games to score his first goal, and in no time, this similarly barren run will soon be at an end.
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