Barcelona and Atletico Madrid combined XI ahead of LaLiga showdown

Right Back - Kieran Trippier

Granada CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga

Eyebrows were raised when former Spurs defender Kieran Trippier moved to Atletico Madrid as a ready-made replacement for Juanfran. However, the England international has clearly put those doubts to rests and has exceeded expectations with some great performances in his first season in Madrid.

With 2.5 tackles per game, which is the highest amongst his teammates, Trippier is on his way to becoming a fan favorite in Madrid. To add to that, he has also chipped in with an assist, cementing his place in one of the best right backs in world football.

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Central Midfielder - Arthur

FC Barcelona v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga

23 year old Arthur has become a mainstay in the Barcelona midfield. Since his move from Brazil, Arthur has produced consitent and composed performances in the heart of the Barcelona midfield, cementing his place in the squad.

Averaging a passing accuracy of 90% in seven appearances for the Blaugrana, Arthur has made record-breaking midfielder Andres Iniesta's Number 8 jersey his own. To add to that, he has also scored two goals and provided three assists in the league this season, a remarkable feat for any central midfielder.

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Central Midfielder - Saul

Club Atletico de Madrid v Villarreal CF - La Liga

Saul is one of those players who consistently churns out results for his side, while being perenially under the radar. This season also, the Spanish central midfielder has been pulling the strings with some majestic performances in the middle of the park.

Still just 25 years of age, Saul has been a mainstay in the Atletico midfield this season with 13 league appearances. Averaging 65 touches per match and a passing accuracy of 81%, Saul has once again been the prime provider for Atletico's forwards. To add to that, Saul has also scored a goal and made 1.4 interceptions per game for Atletico, proving his versatility on the field.