Liverpool vs Chelsea: Combined XI - Premier League 2020-21 

Defensive midfield: Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)

Everton vs Chelsea - Premier League

The Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic narrowly edges Fabinho out, primarily because the Liverpool lynchpin has spent most of his time in central defence owing to his club's injury crisis.

Fabinho is also currently injured, while Mateo Kovacic has continued to blossom at Stamford Bridge both under Frank Lampard and now Thomas Tuchel.

Mateo Kovacic completed all four of his take-ons in the first half against Newcastle. Timo Werner was the only other Chelsea player to complete at least one. pic.twitter.com/Kk9gTOc1YV

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2021

The former Real Madrid man has started fulfiling the promise he showed in his early career and has morphed into one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.

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Central Midfield: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Liverpool vs Everton - Premier League

Jordan Henderson has been a revelation for Liverpool in the centre of the park. Despite not getting as much reverence as some of his more illustrious teammates, proof of the England international's importance lies in the fact that he was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2020.

The last few weeks have seen Liverpool's 30-year-old spend most of his time marshalling the defence, but he has gone about his job with minimum fuss despite playing in an unfamiliar position.

85 - Jordan Henderson completed 85 passes for Liverpool in the first half, almost twice as many as West Brom managed as a team (46). Strolling. pic.twitter.com/eSpO9xv1Jq

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 27, 2020

Nevertheless, the Liverpool captain still has the edge over other Chelsea midfielders and will also act as the skipper of the hypothetical combined XI.

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Attacking Midfield: Mason Mount (Chelsea)

Southampton vs Chelsea - Premier League

Frank Lampard was often criticised for overplaying Mason Mount, with many seeing his preferential treatment to his former Derby County prodigy as untenable. However, those criticisms have turned out to be largely unfounded, as Mason Mount is undoubtedly one of the most important players at Chelsea.

The England international might be lacking in the usual flair and technique associated with players in his position. But he makes up for that with his tireless work rate and business-like conduct on the field.

Criticism of his lack of technique is also greatly exaggerated, as the 22-year-old has considerably improved his passing and crossing ability. That is evident in his seven goal-contributions he has registered this season.

There was widespread belief that the appointment of Tuchel would see Mount lose his 'untouchable' status at Chelsea. But after getting benched in his first game in charge, the German tactician has realized Mount's importance at Stamford Bridge.

25 - Mason Mount was the 25th different player to score a penalty for Chelsea in the Premier League, with the Blues now having more penalty scorers than any other team in the competition's history. Collection. pic.twitter.com/p8etg9tgBa

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 20, 2021

It says a lot about Mount's meteoric rise that he is able to keep out serial winner Thiago Alcantara as well as Chelsea's most expensive player Kai Havertz out of the starting lineup.