It’s been a difficult season for both Liverpool and Everton. While we were missing out on a place in the Champions League and falling short in two cup semi-finals, our neighbours were facing struggles of their own.
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Roberto Martinez’s side simply couldn’t handle with the added responsibility of playing in the Europa League, and managed to finish just eleventh in the top flight, well short of their fifth place spot from the previous year.
And now, as part of the Liverpool Echo‘s end of season review, journalist Ian Doyle has attempted to put together a combined Merseyside XI based on the two team’s performances over the last year.
Needless to say, we don’t agree with all of his choices…
GK) Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
Both Mignolet and his Everton counterpart Tim Howard struggled during the early part of the season. The Belgian was eventually dropped in favour of Brad Jones, while Howard was injured and replaced by Joel Robles. Both have improved during the second-half of the season but it’s the Liverpool man who’s deservedly won the Echo’s vote.
RB) John Stones (Everton)
We’ve had a lot of problems on the right hand side of defence this season, so it’s no wonder that we’re currently chasing Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne (via BBC). However, Emre Can has done a fine job for the most part, especially considering his lack of experience and the fact he’s playing out of position. We’d have gone with him.
CB) Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
The Slovakian has been the pick of the defenders again this season. He played 48 times for us this season and actually helped improve a back four that let us down on a number of occasions last season. The difference this time around unfortunately, was the lack of goals at the other end of the field.
CB) Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz have both been poor for Everton, although Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho haven’t been much better in terms of consistency. When you consider the season as a whole, Jagielka probably does deserve to sneak in as the second centre-back. No doubt you remember his goal at Anfield in September…
LB) Leighton Baines (Everton)
Baines has had a very average season by his usually high standards and we think that the Echo has been a touch harsh on young Spaniard Alberto Moreno. He’s made the odd mistake, including a couple of unfortunately high-profile ones against the likes of Manchester City, but he’s shown enough promise for us to keep faith in him.
CM) James McCarthy (Everton)
The Toffees sorely missed McCarthy when he was not a part of their team and with that in mind the Echo can probably feel justified in including him in their team. Lucas Leiva had a very good run in our side during the early part of 2015 but he finished the season poorly after missing several weeks through injury. He’s on their bench.
CM) Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s captain in waiting had a very good season both on and off the field – impressing on a regular basis with his performances and putting pen to paper on a new contract. He’s an easy choice for this position. He’s made an impressive 54 appearances for us over the last year, scoring seven goals as well.
CM) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Everton have been really poor in midfield this year and our departing captain is rightly included in this line-up for the final time. Despite him having his fair share of off-days, he ended the season as our top scorer. His influence, experience and quality are going to be impossible to replace next year and we’re all going to miss him hugely.
RW) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
He might not be the most popular man on Merseyside at the moment – as the Echo explains – but he has shown enough to earn his inclusion in this side. Aiden McGeady has been poor for Everton, while Aaron Lennon only came in on a short-term deal, so they’re both out in terms of selection. Sterling reached double figures for goals and impressed at times.
LW) Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s star man this season and the first name on this team-sheet. There’s no way we’re taking Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman, Bryan Oviedo, Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith or anyone Everton can come up with. Honestly, we wouldn’t take all of them put together over our Brazilian magician, who has been sensational!
ST) Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
We can probably begrudge the Echo this choice. Lukaku has outscored our four strikers put together, despite his own inconsistencies. He’s scored 20 goals in all competitions and deservedly leads the line – although we’d be quick to point out that a fully-fit Daniel Sturridge would easily command his place in the side.
