Ronaldo & Messi lead the line in the Real Madrid-Barcelona combined XI

Alba or Marcelo? Busquets or Casemiro? And is there any place for Bale? Find out who makes the Clasico's best combined starting line-up

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  Marc Andre ter Stegen

  There is little argument possible on the Clasico's best shot-stopper. Ter Stegen has undergone an astonishing transformation over the last 12 months, stepping out of Claudio Bravo's shadow to become one of the most proficient goalkeepers in world football. If the German continues in the same vein Manuel Neuer may have a fight on his hands to keep the No. 1 jersey for the World Cup.

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  Dani Carvajal

  While Barcelona have struggled to find Dani Alves' replacement at right-back, there is no doubt over who controls that flank at the Bernabeu. Carvajal is now one of the first names on the Madrid team-sheet, and his absence has been sorely felt whenever he has been unable to play.

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  Gerard Pique

  A player that only seems to get better with age. Pique may still make the headlines for his flamboyant off-pitch behaviour, but on it he is a consummate professional and the inspiration behind a Barcelona defence that has yielded just seven goals in 16 Liga outings this season. He makes the XI comfortably ahead of Raphael Varane, who is struggling to build on early promise at the Bernabeu.

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  Sergio Ramos

  One of the toughest choices to make in this combined line-up. Samuel Umtiti has taken to life at Barca like a duck to water, forming a formidable partnership with Pique. But it is instead the centre-back's Spain partner who makes the cut, a recognition of his standing as Madrid captain and ability both in defence and as a set-piece weapon.