Lyon vs Bayern Munich: Picking a Combined XI of Champions League Semi-Finalists

Before you get too carried away, no, this will not be 11 Bayern Munich players. There are no promises that it won't be heavily one-sided, but don't write Lyon off. They are in the Champions League semi-finals, after all.

Does that have any bearing on Die Roten's approach and subsequent chances of winning? You'd struggle to argue a case for them not being outstanding favourites on Wednesday night, truth be told.

So let's look at this from another angle. What combined team could we make from both sets of players that could potentially beat the 'normal' Bayern? Yeah, that works to some degree.

Whatever way you choose to look at it, here is a glorious combined XI from the only remaining men's European semi-final of the 2019/20 season.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Manuel Neuer (GK) - It would have been a bit of stretch to stick Anthony Lopes in ahead of the German, but for all his excellence this term, he just isn't at the Bayern legend's level. Neuer fits the stereotype of 'German efficiency', rarely ever putting a foot (or hand) wrong. Not in the same calibre as he was three years ago, sure, but he's still among the world's best.

Joshua Kimmich (RB) - Having played in the centre of the park for the majority of the season, we were kindly reminded - not that we needed it - that Kimmich is the most complete footballer on planet earth with his display against Barcelona. Right-back, central midfield, it really doesn't matter.

Jason Denayer (CB) - There is probably a joke nestled in there about the Belgian being a 'denier of goals', but even without the cringe puns, he's still gets the nod in this team. Much quicker than Jerome Boateng for starters, his effortless integration into the Lyon starting lineup comes off the back of sheer hard graft. No Denayering that. Sorry.

David Alaba (CB) - Hans-Dieter Flick's masterstroke move to put Alaba into central defence is one of the unsung alterations that have aided Bayern's surge in the second half of the season. Along with Kimmich, he's up there for being the most complete player in Europe. Adds even more creativity into the side from his new role.

Alphonso Davies (LB) - It does come across as if Bayern have a left-winger playing at left-back. All the standout moments Davies produces tend to come in the final third, where he is utterly devastating. Yet on the rare occasion they need to defend, he's so blasted quick that even when he's dribbled past, in the blink of an eye he's back in position.

Midfielders

Thiago Alcântara (CM) - Is there a more aesthetically pleasing footballer anywhere in the world? Before you ponder for too long, no, no there is not. It is a crime to not enjoy watching the Spaniard play. If you don't, please hand yourself in to the authorities. Now.

Houssem Aouar (CM) - As you'll have noticed, there isn't much defensive output from this midfield partnership. Don't worry, we know. But on current form, it's impossible not to leave Aouar out of the lineup. He's nimble and technically sound, meaning there would be no chance you'd get the ball off either him or Thiago. Thus, no need to actually defend, right?

Thomas Müller (AM) - Lewandowski has been Bayern's (and probably the world's) best player this season. Next down the line? There is no debating that Müller doesn't take that spot. The man feeds on space like some kind of footballing Dracula, and when there is none available, he goes hunting for it.

Forwards

Serge Gnabry (RW) - Gnabry clearly loves cooking, but his favourite kitchen to stir things up this season has been the Champions League. Müller is his knife, Kimmich is his oven, Thiago is his serving plate and Lewandowski is his garnish. It all just works.

Robert Lewandowski (ST) - It's got to the point where everyone has the Polish striker's goal figures memorised off by heart. Hint: it's a lot. Will he add more before the season ends? It's hardly sticking your neck out to say yes, reason being he's scored more goals than games he's played. Absurd numbers.

Memphis Depay (LW) - Here's your wildcard, of sorts. Die Roten have Perisic, Coutinho and Coman, but we're giving Depay the slot since he's done stupidly well in the small sample of games he's played this term. Six in seven Champions League games? Oh aye. Nine in 13 Ligue 1 games? Yes please, we'll have some of that.

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