Who makes it into the ultimate Premier League combined XI?

It's a tough and ever-evolving question. England's top-flight has seen vast amounts of trail blazing talent over the past 30 years and with the quality of football arguably at an all time high, we need to start considering where the league's modern representatives rank amongst the pantheon of the greats.

A player like Trent Alexander-Arnold, whilst young, has revolutionised his position and is putting up numbers that even the best midfielders can't compete with.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne pose similar questions within their own roles. Have they, or will they soon, surpass the likes of Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard?

It's a tough riddle. One that every football fan and his dog will have a robust opinion upon, but regardless, we've decided to stick our neck on the line and tackle the problem head on.

Check out who we believe make the top XI...

Our all time Premier League team

GK: Petr Cech (Chelsea & Arsenal)

It was a toss up between Cech and Schmeichel, and, whilst many would opt for the Man Utd legend because he was simply incredible at times, we're giving Cech the nod for his longevity and consistency.

Let's be real, there wasn't much in it in terms of ability anyway. Not to mention that Cech holds the record for the most clean sheets out of any keeper in the competition's history. That's got to count for something here.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Right, hear us out. We are fully aware that we just gave Cech the edge over Schmeichel based off his longevity and Alexander-Arnold is still only 23.

But do you honestly think Gary Neville is a better player? Because that's who would be occupying this slot otherwise.

Truth be told, right-back is the one position the Premier League can't boast about having had any world class players in at any point. Except, of course, Trent.

Age is pointless, longevity irrelevant, if you are that much better than your nearest rivals for the role.

Trent Alexander-Arnold features in the Premier League's highest-paid XI
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool reacts following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on May 07, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

CB: John Terry (Chelsea)

The epitome of the ultimate defender, a leader of men, and an absolute banker for this team, Terry's Premier League career is something else.

After being made Chelsea captain in 2004, Terry would spend a further 13 years leading the club.

By the time he called time on his Stamford Bridge career, he was the most successful captain in the club's history and a five time Premier League champion.

CB: Virgil van Dijk (Southampton & Liverpool)

Another modern day representative from Liverpool, although one that you would probably find slightly less opposition to - based on purely performance, Van Dijk is the finest we've seen in the role.

Sure, Nemanja Vidic was brilliant, so was Rio Ferdinand and Tony Adams, but the towering Dutchman makes everything look so easy.

His impact at Liverpool has been unmatched and he's a worthy inclusion.

LB: Ashley Cole (Arsenal & Chelsea)

You won't find many putting up an argument here - Cristiano Ronaldo certainly wouldn't - because any of his previous opponents will tell you how sensational Cole was.

An invincible, winner of two Premier League titles and unarguably the best left-back in the world in his pomp.

Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole

RM: Mohamed Salah (Chelsea & Liverpool)

Oh yeah, we're going there...

The Egyptian is another that's revolutionised his role. His goals-per-game ratio is bettered only by three of the deadliest strikers in the competition's history in Thierry Henry, Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane.

And after signing a three year extension with the Reds only recently, one can only imagine how many records this man could go on to break by the time he's done.

CM: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, Keane, Vieira... everyone will have their own opinion on the matter of who's superior...

But all we can think about is where the heck have all the central midfielders of their ilk disappeared to?

We've opted for Gerrard just because the guy could do everything. Pass, tackle, shoot, head, run - anything you needed, Gerrard was the guy.

And he was the ultimate big game player, too.

Steven Gerrard Liverpool

Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes during Liverpool vs Man United

CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

Partnering the Liverpool legend in the middle of the park will be Man City hero De Bruyne.

The Belgian creator is a simply divine footballer and has arguably been the best player in the world over the past half a decade.

He's got four Premier League winners medals already, however if he chooses to see out his career with City, it wouldn't be surprising to see him waltz off into the sunset with as many as double that figure.

Gerrard v Lampard v Scholes quiz:

LM: Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)

It's very surprising, given the dominance of United in England for large periods, that Ronaldo is the club's first representative on the list.

It could easily have been so many more, but the modern day quality of players from their two biggest rivals has prevented the selections of Neville, Ferdinand and potentially one of the iconic midfield pairing in Keane and Scholes.

Nonetheless, Ronaldo cannot be denied. Despite seeing his best days at Real Madrid, the Portuguese set the goalscoring record for a 38 game season on route to securing the 2008 Ballon d'Or whilst at Old Trafford, that in itself, is pretty magnificent.

ST: Wayne Rooney (Everton, Man Utd)

Don't fear though United fans, for you do appear again thanks to the magnificence of one that goes by Rooney.

Imagine finishing your career with 208 goals to your name and as both United and England's top goalscorer...

But unlike many strikers, for example Sergio Aguero who lived and breathed goals, Rooney brought so much more to a football game.

Ronaldo and Rooney

ST: Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Nobody, I shall repeat, NOBODY, will argue with this pick.

He is the undisputed king of the Premier League after all. A record four Golden Boots in the competition and his role in the legendary Arsenal invincible season is most likely enough to secure Henry's place in this team for, well, just about all of eternity.

Kounde DONE DEAL🔜 Kane to Bayern Munich🚨 Bowen to Arsenal👀 De Jong TOLD TO LEAVE! Tuchel Pressure (The Football Terrace)