Comparing Manchester United’s and Liverpool’s greatest XIs of 2000-2017

Midfield

Liverpool – Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso in action for Liverpool

Right until his retirement, Xabi Alonso was widely regarded as one of the best deep-lying playmakers of the last decade. His gameplay was all about intelligence. Alonso was so calm on the ball that his teammates didn’t have to worry about opponents robbing him of the ball in his half.

And his long-range passing (possibly the best in the Premier League era) meant Liverpool quickly transitioned from defence to attack, indicating Alonso helped Liverpool launch rapid counterattacks. His trademark shot-cum-pass out-wide to the wingers was a sight to behold and also meant Liverpool wingers had to have the best ball control in the league.

He assisted Liverpool in their quest to conquer Europe in 2005 and scored the equaliser to make it 3-3 against Milan in Istanbul.

Rating = 8.2

Special mention: Vladimir Smicer

Liverpool – Javier Mascherano

Mascherano (left) with Rafa Benitez

Provided the perfect foil for Alonso, Mascherano was never afraid to do the dirty work. He was tenacious, versatile, and uncompromising. Under Rafa Benitez, Mascherano was the first name on the team sheet.

There was nothing glorious about his style – his playing position has never been a glamorous one – but Mascherano was utterly efficient and undeniably combative. In short, he was a warrior for the Reds.

Rating = 8.1

Dietmar Hamann

Liverpool – Philipe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool midfield wizard

Inter didn’t know they had a gem on their hands, so, they could not wait to get Philippe Coutinho out of the San Siro door. However, Coutinho has since grown from being a one-dimensional Internazionale youngster to become the one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in the last three years.

He has also become the highest scoring Brazilian in the Premier League. Even now, he is a favourite of the Fantasy Premier League participants.

Rating = 8

Special mention: Boudewijn Zenden

Liverpool – Steven Gerard

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard

As a neutral, you just have to love Gerard. From that cracking right foot shot to treating football fans to vintage attacking performances, Gerard was the best-attacking midfielder in England and the second best in Europe in the last decade - Kaka takes that gong.

What also made Gerard so special was his passion, his precise short and long passing, his loyalty to the Liverpool jersey, his leadership qualities, and his unrivalled winning mentality.

Rating = 9.2

Special mention: Luis Garcia