Based on 2022-23 form, GOAL has selected a combined XI ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona's crunch meeting on Sunday
Given Barcelona can all-but seal the Liga title on Sunday with a win over Real Madrid, it's not exactly the most nail-biting Clasico of recent times.
Even if Madrid do manage a victory, Barca will still likely have enough to get over the line.
Still, there are enticing battles all over the pitch.
Real Madrid's ever-changing midfield unit will have to contend with Barca's new quartet; Ronald Araujo and Vinicius Junior will once again go head-to-head; and Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema will try to outscore each other at either end.
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But what would a combined XI look like? How does one pick between Pedri or Toni Kroos? Marc-Andre Ter Stegen or Thibaut Courtois? Lewandowski or Benzema?
GOAL tries to assemble a perfect combined Clasico XI based on this season's form…
Getty ImagesGK Thibaut Courtois
Ter Stegen is a fantastic goalkeeper, and the presumptive German No.1 while Manuel Neuer recovers from a broken leg.
Courtois, however, has been one of – if not the – best in the world for the last 18 months. One only has to look at his magnificent showing in the 2022 Champions League final, miraculous saves and all, to see why he's considered one of the top shot-stoppers around.
And although FIFA handed its The Best goalkeeper award to Emi Martinez, it was Courtois who featured in the FIFPro Team of the Year – a clear indication of who is at the top.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Jules Kounde
He's not even a natural right-back, but it's hard to identify a better defensive presence on the right side of defence among the two teams.
Kounde is reliable in one-on-one situations and has an excellent reading of the game. Notably, he's also improved going forward. The France international has become a solid passer of the ball, and is a fine operator in the final third when supporting the electric Ousmane Dembele.
He will shift to centre-back someday. But for now, he's a more than serviceable right-back. And with Dani Carvajal ageing, Kounde is the best option here.
Getty ImagesCB Ronald Araujo
Araujo endured a difficult start to the season before sustaining a muscle injury that kept him out for almost three months.
But he's been magnificent since his return, and is arguably the best centre-back in Europe at the moment. Near untouchable in the air, quick and ever-improving with his feet, Araujo is starting to make good on all of the promise heaped on him during his early Barca days.
He can still make the odd mistake, but at 24, he has a long time to mature. Right now, he's leading the best defensive unit in Europe. And he will only get better.
Getty ImagesCB: Eder Militao
Speaking of young central defenders…
Militao is, rather conveniently, the perfect partner for Araujo, despite being relatively similar players. Although Militao is shorter than his Barca compatriot, he's equally good in the air, and arguably a better passer.
There are, indeed, other options at this position. Andreas Christensen has been excellent for Barca this season, while Antonio Rudiger has settled in well at Madrid. But Militao is more consistent and, on form, better than both ex-Chelsea men.
