DFB Pokal Final 2022-23: RB Leipzig vs Eintracht Frankfurt Combined XI

RB Leipzig are looking to win back to back DFB Pokal titles

Things were blooming for Leipzig over the summer, Domenico Tedesco led them to a first major silverware after beating Freiburg in the DFB Cup Final, Nkunku signed a contract extension and Timo Werner returned to the club from Chelsea. They had quite a shaky start to the season, having only five points from the first five Bundesliga games this season, and this ended the spell of Tedesco's tenure at the club. Since then they have not looked back, they were beaten by Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the Champions League this season. All this did not stop them from reaching the DFB Pokal final this season as well as making it to the Champions League next season.

After winning the UEFA Europa League last May, Frankfurt qualified for the Champions League for the first time. But their season started with a disastrous 6-1 loss to the reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, this was a painful loss in front of their home fans. Losing their UEFA Super Tie against Real Madrid was a setback. Their early exit in the Champions League, finishing seventh in the points table means they will miss European football next season. Meanwhile, Kolo Muani, has been the signing of the season so far, the French striker took no time to adapt to the Bundesliga.

Both the clubs will look to end their season on a high note, now let's take a look at how these clubs would look if they were combined:

RB Leipzig vs Eintracht Frankfurt Combined XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Kevin Trapp (Frankfurt)

The choice of picking number 1 was not a tough one. Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp has appeared in 34 matches this season in Bundesliga, he conceded goals at an average of 1.45 goals for every 90 minutes that he played. The 32-year-old goalkeeper made it to the UEFA Nations League squad after his heroics last season, and with Manuel Neuer being at the end of his career, there is no doubt that Kevin Trapp would be Germany's number 1 goalkeeper.

Left-back: Philipp Max (Frankfurt)

The left-back from Germany, has played youth-team football for Bayern Munich, once outdid James Rodriguez for single-season assists. He was signed on loan from PSV Eindhoven until this summer, with a option to buy, and his performances since his arrival has cemented his position as a left-back for the club. His contribution can be helpful in fulfilling Frankfurt's dream of winning the DFB Pokal title.

Centre-back: Willi Orban (RB Leipzig)

In the current season, the player with the shirt number 4 has scored four goals and takes fifth place within his squad, he shares this rank with André Silva. The tall defender from Hungary was in the starting line-up in all the 34 games of the season.

His pass success rate amounts to 91.99 per cent. This result enables the 30-year-old to occupy sixth place in the league ranking for this category. His tackle success rate amounts to 64.17 per cent. In the league ranking for this category, he is fourth-best with this result, he has had 3,037 individual ball possessions this season, and is one of the best players in the current squad.

Centre-back: Evan NDicka (Frankfurt)

The 23-year-old French defender has been impressive at the back this season. His side has kept clean sheets, thanks to him and the German goalkeeper, he has the ability to intercept the ball and snatch it from opposition players, he was in top 10 in blocked shots this season, number 3 in total blocks in the Bundesliga this season. He has also scored a goal this season.

Right-back: Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig)

Lukas Klostermann isn't the first Bundesliga-based full-back with world-class potential, but he might be the only one of his kind to play for RB Leipzig and Germany, whilst studying for a degree in economics along the way. Klostermann's talents have translated seamlessly onto the international stage. He rose to prominence at U21 level, where he moonlighted as team captain on four occasions, and helped the side earn a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

A versatile full-back who put his defensive duties first, he is in the category of Philipp Lahm, he also uses his pace to overload opposition left-backs and pin down wide players when the chances come.

Centre defensive-midfield: Sebastian Rode (Frankfurt)

Sebastian Rode was born on 11 October 1990 in Seeheim-Jugenheim and plays for Eintracht Frankfurt. He played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2010-2014, FC Bayern München from 2014-2016, Borussia Dortmund from 2016-2018, Eintracht Frankfurt from 2018-2019, Borussia Dortmund from 2018-2019 and has played for Eintracht Frankfurt since 2019.

In this season, the player with the shirt number 17 has scored four goals and takes fourth place within his squad. He shares this rank with Djibril Sow. With one assist, the 32-year-old presently has the seventh-most in his team along with Mario Götze, Almamy Touré, Tuta, and Faride Alidou.

Centre defensive-midfield: Ibrahim Sow (Frankfurt)

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder has played well this season, he is one the best when it comes to Frankfurt's playing style. Frankfurt have been successful in conceding a little less because of his presence in the mid-field. He was ranked in top 10 when it comes to pass interceptions in opponents half and in shots conversion inside the box.

Centre attacking-midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig)

Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the best known Hungarian footballers, currently playing for Rb Leipzig. the 22-year-old ace has 9 goals and 13 assists in this season. This might be his last match for the club as his contract expires, Newcastle United have already made an enquiry about him and are the front runners to sign the Hungarian incase he decides to leave.

Left-wing: Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt)

The 24-year-old has seven caps for France, and scored in their World Cup semi-final win over Morocco in December. He scored 23 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Frankfurt this season, and a potential £100million valuation has been placed over the youngster’s head. His contact runs till 2027 but his impressive season has caught the eyes of Premier League giants- Manchester United, a club that is looking to restructure the squad.

Striker: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Chelsea offloaded Timo Werner to RB Leipzig this summer because of too many striker options, making it his second spell at the club. His pace has impressed everybody ever since his Leipzig days, before even joining Chelsea. Timo Werner has scored nine goals for his team and is therefore the second-best scorer of his squad. With three assists, he currently has the fifth-most in his team along with André Silva.

Right-wing: Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

The 25-year-old has scored 16 goals in the ongoing season. With this result, he led the scorer's chart of the Bundesliga together with Niclas Füllkrug (SV Werder Bremen). With four assists, Christopher Nkunku presently has the third-most in his team along with Emil Forsberg. In total, Christopher Nkunku has taken 73 shots at goal and therefore fought his way to eighth place in the league-wide statistics. Up to now, he has hit the post three times. with Pochettino's interest in Nkunku, he can join his teammate Timo Werner as the player to play for both Chelsea and RB Leipzig.