Premier League 2019/20: A combined XI of players representing London Clubs

Defence

Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Manchester City v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Who else was it going to be for the right-back slot in this team but Cesar Azpilicueta? Ever since arriving on English shores in 2012, the Chelsea skipper has proven to be one of the most reliable and dependable players in the league for the Blues, and for his national team, Spain.

Always considered a defensively-minded player, contrary to the modern use of full-backs as attacking threats, 'Dave' is equally comfortable at centre-back and left-back as well. Although not the most physically gifted, his tenacity and work rate enables him to consistently make things difficult for opposition attackers.

Always a model professional, who leads a quiet life away from the pitch, Azpilicueta is entering his prime as a defender and continues to churn out excellent performances week in week out.

Centre Back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

Everton FC v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

Over the last 20 years or so, football has seen a dramatic shift in many aspects of the game; not least concerning the role of the centre-back. In days bygone, they were expected to simply clear the ball out of danger, but with the emphasis on passing football nowadays, they are expected to be confident in possession and calm under pressure. One player who exemplifies these traits is Tottenham Hotspur and Belgium centre back Toby Alderweireld.

Across his career, Alderweireld averages 2.6 ball recoveries and 5.3 clearances per game, as well as winning 1.5 aerial duels at a 52% success rate. He also makes 56.6 passes per game, at a completion rate of 83.6%, showcasing his value when his team has the ball. Alderweireld is out of contract in the summer, and may not be at Tottenham next season, but wherever he ends up, he is sure to be a valuable asset.

Centre Back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford FC - Premier League

They say that the key to constructing a solid defence is to have a strong partnership at the back. For the last five years, one of the most effective defensive partnerships in England, or even Europe, has been the one between Toby Alderweireld and his compatriot and club teammate, Jan Vertonghen.

Like Alderweireld, Vertonghen is, in a nutshell, the epitome of the modern, ball-playing defender. His left-footedness has enabled him to forge a balanced partnership with his fellow countryman, and also ensures that he can create different passing angles. Vertonghen is probably the better out-and-out defender of the two, as his 3.9 ball recoveries and 5.6 clearances per game show. His distribution is also excellent, as he completes 56 passes per game at an 86.7% completion rate.

In terms of a defensive partnership, Vertonghen and Alderweireld are as close as one can come to perfection.

Left Back: Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace)

Arsenal FC v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Given that Patrick van Aanholt is not an 'elite' full-back, it may, at first glance, seem surprising that he has been included in this team. But, given our self-imposed restrictions, it is easier to see that he certainly deserves his place in our squad.

van Aanholt has always been an extremely capable two-way full-back, contributing heavily to both attacking and defensive phases of play with equal effectiveness. Across his career, he averages 3.6 ball recoveries and 2.3 clearances per game, and, in his career at Palace has scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists so far, a very good return for a defender.

van Aanholt has also played 9 times for the Dutch national team and will be hoping to make manager Ronald Koeman's squad for the 2020 European Championships.