Former coaches Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello have named Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk in their ideal World Cup XIs.
The Italian duo were asked by Gazzetta Dello Sport to select their respective dream-teams ahead of the 2022 World Cup next month. Several Liverpool players are set to represent their countries in Qatar alongside the the best players from around the world.
Both agreed on selecting Alexander-Arnold at right-back, despite the 24-year-old's place in Gareth Southgate's squad being far from secure. The Reds star was left out of the matchday squad to face Germany in the Nations League in September, but long-term injuries to Kyle Walker and Reece James may have left the Three Lions boss with little choice.
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One Red who is pretty much guaranteed a ticket to Qatar is Netherlands captain van Dijk. The 31-year-old has endured a poor start to the season and is far from blameless for Liverpool's defensive woes, but both Sacchi and Capello look to have seen beyond the form and realise that the Dutch colossus is one of the best centre-backs in world football.
Interestingly, former AC Milan boss Sacchi backed a third Liverpool defender by picking Ibrahima Konate. The 23-year-old made his France debut as early as June of this year and only has two caps to his name, but a string of accomplished performances - he has arguably been Jurgen Klopp's most reliable defender this season when fit - have clearly impressed the legendary Italian boss.
Three Manchester City players were also backed between the two managers, with both opting for Kevin De Bruyne in midfield while Sacchi picked Joao Cancelo and former England manager Capello went for Phil Foden. This year's Ballon D'Or winner Karim Benzema was rightly a shoe-in for both, while Capello looked past Lionel Messi.
Sacchi’s XI (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Kimmich, Pedri; Messi; Mbappe, Benzema.
Capello’s XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Marquinhos, Van Dijk, Davies; De Bruyne, Casemiro, Modric; Mbappe, Benzema, Foden.
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