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London United XI: A Premier League Dream Team from the City's Clubs

Updated on March 23, 2016

By tonmoy54, Contributor for Soccerjury

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London boasts a fabulous football culture and is home to fourteen professional clubs. Indeed the city is represented by Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Watford and West Ham in the 15/16 Premier League.

London has been called home by some of the greatest talents in world football, and has showcased some of the fiercest derbies in the game. But what if for a single match these rivalries were set aside and players represented a combined London team?

An attempt has been made to choose a London United XI from the Premier League era.

London's Greatest XI during the Premier League era?

GK: Petr Cech (Czech Republic) Country: 78.08%

All-time rank: 280

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Cech spent eleven years at the Stamford Bridge and made 486 appearances for Chelsea. His goalkeeping heroics led Chelsea to four Premier League titles and a Champions League success. The three time Golden Glove winner joined rivals Arsenal in 2015, therefore prolonging his successful career in Premier League.

Handed the number 1 shirt narrowly ahead of David Seaman and Edwin van der Saar.

Honorable mention: David Seaman (Arsenal), Edwin van der Sar (Fulham)


DL: Ashley Cole (England) Country: 79.33%

All-time rank: 232

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Cole is often regarded as the one of the greatest left-backs of his generation. Quick and strong in the tackle, Cole made great wingers look ordinary. He played six seasons for Arsenal before sealing an infamous move to Chelsea in 2006 reportedly to earn a higher salary. Although opposition fans remembered Cole for being a footballing mercenary, his talent was never questioned.

Honorable mentions: Nigel Winterburn (Arsenal), Graeme Le Saux (Chelsea)


DC: John Terry (England) Country: 78.99%

All-time rank: 240

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Since his Blues debut in 1998, John Terry has been an intrinsic part of Chelsea's defence. His leadership skills have made him the most successful captain in Chelsea's history, and a Stamford Bridge legend. Despite his lack of pace and controversial off-the-field behaviour, at his peak Terry was considered to be one of the greatest centre backs in the game.

Although fans of West Ham will cry out for Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender misses out as he made his name outside of London.

Honorable mentions: Rio Ferdinand (West Ham/QPR), William Gallas (Chelsea), Ledley King (Tottenham)


DC: Sol Campbell (England) Country: 82.33%

All-time rank: 136

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The former Tottenham and Arsenal defender just edges out Arsenal legend Tony Adams. Although Adams was arguably the better defender, Sol Campbell had a more rounded game. His additional pace would have made him more suited to partnering Terry in central defence. If Terry was not selected "Mr Arsenal" would have taken this berth.

Spurs fans will have mixed feelings seeing their former youth trainee make this team.

Honorable mention: Tony Adams (Arsenal), Marcel Desailly (Chelsea)


DR: Lee Dixon (England) Country: 79.51%

All-time rank: 225

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Lee Dixon was a member of Arsenal's fabled ''famous four'' alongside Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Tony Adams. Besides denying opponent strikers, he also had a reputation for his goal scoring abilities. Dixon served Arsenal across three different decades, winning eight trophies along the way.

Honorable mention: Dan Petrescu (Chelsea), Lauren (Arsenal)


ML: Gareth Bale (Wales) Country: 84.63%

All-time rank: 53

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Critics may argue Bale only had one stand-out season in the Premier League. But during the 12/13 season the Welshman was unplayabale scoring 21 times in just 33 league appearances, winning both the FWA and PFA Player's Player of the Year awards. An explosive runner and excellent at the set-piece.

The world's most expensive player is selected despite extremely strong competition for the left-wing berth.

Honorable mentions: Robert Pires (Arsenal), Marc Overmars (Arsenal), Eden Hazard (Chelsea)


MC: Frank Lampard (England) Country: 79.06%

All-time rank: 238

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Runner-up in the 2005 Ballon d'Or award. Regarded as one of the finest central midfielders of his generation, known particularly for his footballing intelligence and goal-scoring ability. Chelsea's record goalscorer, and second on the all-time list for Premier League assists. Even though he is recognised as a Chelsea legend, Lampard was also a former West Ham trainee.

Honorable mentions: Emmanuel Petit (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal/Chelsea), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Scott Parker (Charlton/West Ham/Chelsea/Tottenham/Fulham)


DM: Patrick Vieira (France) Country: 84.34%

All-time rank: 60

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Patrick Vieira won three Premier League titles for Arsenal, and captained the historic 'invincibles' campaign in 2003/04. The Frenchman was a strong distributor of the ball and the best defensive midfielder of his time. Despite leaving Arsenal more than then years ago, the Gunners have not even come close to finding a replacement of his calibre - a testament to his worth.

Captains this dream-team for his on-field presence and standing in the game.

Honorable mentions: Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (West Ham/Tottenham)


MR: Alexis Sanchez (Chile) Country: 82.70%

All-time rank: 112

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Despite the Arsenal winger only completing one full season at the Emirates, the hugely talented Chilean is already the talisman of the current Gunners team. Pace, trickery and a strong work ethic marks Sanchez as the stand-out candidate in a position surprisingly devoid of real depth.

Honourable mentions: Frederik Ljunberg (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Trevor Sinclair (QPR/West Ham)


FW: Didier Drogba (Cote d'Ivoire) Country: 77.41%

All-time rank: 297

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A Chelsea great who scored 164 goals in 381 appearances in two different spells at the club. The Ivorian's goals and "never-say-die" made him an integral part of the Chelsea team. It's little coincidence that Didier Drogba's arrival at the Stamford Bridge was followed by back-to-back league titles in 2005 and 2006. A banner that reads "Always in our Hearts" is unfurled by Chelsea fans as a tribute to their former marksman.

Some fans will rightly argue the case for Bergkamp. But Drogba was the one of the complete strikers in the game - powerful, good with both feet, and exceptional in the air.

Honorable mention: Denis Bergkamp (Arsenal), Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham), Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)


FW: Thierry Henry (France) Country: 84.29%

All-time rank: 61

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The Frenchman is a true legend in the red-half of North London, and Arsenal's record goal scorer (226 goals in 369 appearances). Although originally a winger, Henry could lay claim to being the most feared striker in Europe in the mid-2000's. He terrified opposition defences with his blistering pace and dribbling. A player who has won every major award for club and country. Ballon d'Or runner-up in 2003, and three times winner of the FWA Footballer of the Year.

The easiest selection in this dream-team.

Honorable mentions: Ian Wright (Arsenal/Crystal Palace), Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea), Jurgen Klinsmann (Tottenham)


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