Jamie Carragher has picked three Tottenham players in his fantasy Premier League XI for 2017.
But Tottenham’s superstars Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have been dropped by the high-profile pundit from the team that he believes makes up the best of the English top flight over the last year.
Instead of the duo, Carragher has selected to his fantasy Premier League XI two Belgium centre-back duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in his side.
“Alderweireld last season was the outstanding centre-back,” Carragher explained in the Telegraph. “Alongside him, Belgium team-mate Vertonghen was not far behind.”
Tottenham top-scorer Harry Kane makes up the triumvirate of Mauricio Pochettio players in the Liverpool legend’s team following the England captain remarkable run of goalscoring this year.
“We are three or four years in now and I think we will be saying the same in 10 years about him being the main striker in the Premier League,” Carragher said.
Carragher’s Premier League XI for 2017: David de Gea (Manchester United); Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Alderweireld (Tottenham), Vertonghen (Tottenham, Marcos Alonso (Chelsea); N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool); Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Kane (Tottenham), Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
F/W’s view
Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have been integral to the Spurs brilliant results this year and can consider themselves somewhat unfortunate not to make Carragher’s XI. Eriksen ended last season in brilliant form and, if anything, has taken his game to a new level this season. Alli has been dogged by controversy over the last two months, but his record of crucial goals and assists speaks for itself. Any manager would love to have him in their team.