The 2025/26 EFL Cup is almost at a close. Only three games remains – the second legs of the semi finals and the final itself.
We’ll take a look at the best players from the first legs of the semi finals in this piece – with big wins for Manchester City and Arsenal, expect them to be all over this XI. Who will make it through to Wembley?
GK: Gianluigi Donnrumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma makes it into this XI more or less by default – out of all four goalkeepers who played in the first legs of the EFL Cup semi finals, he was the only one to keep a clean sheet.
With that being said, Donnarumma certainly didn’t have a bad game – he dealt with everything that Newcastle United could hurl at him.
RB: Ben White
Ben White has been largely usurped by Jurrien Timber this season, but this was a strong outing for the former Brighton defender.
He took advantage of an error from Robert Sanchez to open the scoring for the Gunners – he also completed four tackles over the course of the game.
CB: Max Alleyne
Max Alleyne is yet another top prospect from Manchester City – Pep Guardiola does not get enough credit for developing home-grown youngsters.
He kept Newcastle’s attacking ranks firmly at bay – alongside the similarly-inexperienced Abdukodir Khusanov, they each played a vital role in keeping a clean sheet.
CB: William Saliba
While Arsenal conceded two goals in their 3-2 win over Chelsea, William Saliba couldn’t be blamed for either of the Blues’ strikes.
The French international barely put a foot wrong as he won all of his aerial duels and put in a few meaty tackles to boot.