There was a surprise mention for a Southampton star after Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku opened a can of worms this week.
Southampton are in the thick of a battle against relegation.
The Saints are outside the bottom three on goal difference alone by virtue of Manolo Gabbiadini’s last minute equaliser against Burnley last time out.
But there was some light relief from the serious business of the Premier League when Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku took to Twitter on Tuesday to float the idea of an all-star Premier League match.
Lukaku suggested the Premier League should follow the NBA’s lead and introduce its own version of their star-studded showdown.
Formerly a clash of east vs west, the annual basketball game sees two captains – voted for by the public – choose the best players from the NBA to face-off in a unique spectacle.
And speaking on Twitter Lukaku said: “Here’s an idea for you guys… the NBA has all-star game! Don’t you guys think we should organise one in the Premier League. The north vs the south! And the fans vote… what do you guys think?”
The idea certainly caused a stir and plenty of debate over which players would make the respective sides… and indeed whether Lukaku would even make it in given the talent currently plying its trade up north.
Fans and pundits have been having their say and picking their own Northern and Southern XIs.
And Sky Sports pundit Ian Wright did just that when he appeared as a guest on The Debate.
His side was understandably dominated by players from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and his old club Arsenal.
But there was perhaps one surprise after he named Southampton defender and Euro 2016 winner Cedric Soares in the star studded line-up at right back.
“Cedric from Southampton because I think he’s brilliant,” Wright told The Debate.
“I’m surprised they can keep hold of him… He should be in there (the mix if the top clubs are looking for a new right back in the summer transfer window.”
The only people that probably won’t be surprised are Saints fans who, despite a torrid season know just how good the Portgual international is for them.
Ian Wright’s Southern All Stars XI:
Courtois, Cedric, Azpilicueta, Alderweireld, Alonso, Ozil, Dembele, Kante, Hazard, Willian, Kane.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
