LAFC vs Philadelphia Union: MLS Cup combined XI
By Chris Smith
Saturday's MLS Cup Playoffs Final clash between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union may just be the most evenly matched in league history.
In one corner, we have LAFC, who lifted the Supporters' Shield for the second time in four years, have home advantage, and are spearheaded by attacking talents such as Carlos Vela and Cristian Arango.
And in the other corner, the Philadelphia Union matched the Black and Gold for points and enjoyed the best offensive and defensive records during the regular season, only losing the Shield on games won - Major League Soccer's primary tie-breaker.
It's the perfect end to another incredible season and a match that is almost impossible to predict.
To demonstrate just how closely matched these two teams are, here's our LAFC vs Philadelphia Union combined XI:
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
GK: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union) - Maxime Crepeau is a very solid goalkeeper, but Andre Blake is the very best in MLS. Big saves at big moments. No debate required.
RB: Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC) - Hollingshead isn't your typical full-back, standing at almost 6ft 2". Indeed, his best qualities are defensive ones. However, he still pops up with important moments at the other end and is extremely versatile.
CB: Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union) - Just like Blake, Glesnes is the best in MLS in his position. Powerful in the air, composed on the floor, and prone to scoring important and spectacular goals, the Norwegian is everything you'd want from a center-back.
CB: Jack Elliott (Philadelphia Union) - Elliott was among a clutch of center-backs unlucky to miss out on the Defender of the Year award thanks to Glesnes' form. However, the two complement each other perfectly with very similar qualities.
LB: Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) - The best left-back in MLS debate ultimately boils down to Kai Wagner vs Diego Palacios. The Union man wins out here thanks to his elite creativity, with 82 chances created and eight primary assists during the regular season. There's a reason Leeds United are after him.
2. Midfielders
CM: Jose Cifuentes (LAFC) - Cifuentes is another who looks on the verge of moving to Europe. The Ecuador international hit seven goals and six primary assists during the regular season while displaying excellent ball-carrying and defensive skills. The Premier League does not look beyond his grasp.
CM: Jose Martinez (Philadelphia Union) - Even with someone like Cifuentes around, there are very few in MLS who can live with Jose Martinez. The Venezuelan is an all-action midfield machine, capable of tearing through the middle, passing you to death, or snuffing out every single attack you throw at him. Even Jim Curtin cannot control Martinez.
CAM: Daniel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union) - With 22 goals during the regular season, just one short of winner Hany Mukhtar, it's criminal that Gazdag didn't figure higher in the MVP race. However, LAFC will be well aware of the threat posed by the Hungary international, who is a devil in the box and excellent between the lines. Another player who'll be back in Europe soon enough.
3. Forwards
RW: Carlos Vela (LAFC) - He's no longer the all-conquering 2019 version, but Vela is still capable of single-handedly winning any game for LAFC and remains among the most feared forwards in the league. Four goals and four assists in his last nine games should serve as proof of that.
ST: Cristian Arango (LAFC) - At every single turn, there have been those trying to take Cristian Arango out of the LAFC side to make way for Gareth Bale. And yet, he remains one of the most feared marksmen in MLS, adding to his 17 regular season goals with two in the Playoffs so far.
LW: Denis Bouanga (LAFC) - With the Union playing a diamond, LAFC were always going to dominate this XI on the wings. Even so, Denis Bouanga probably would have made it regardless. The Gabon international has barely put a foot wrong since joining LAFC from St-Etienne and popped up with two goals in their El Trafico win over the LA Galaxy in the Western Conference Final. Olivier Mbiazo is in for a tough night on Saturday.
Watch the story of Charlotte FC's journey to MLS in 90min's The Making of Charlotte FC, presented by DoorDash, on 90min channels now. Subscribe to our new US YouTube channel.