ESPN Two in a Million When greatness collides with greatness, something has to give. But on a recent evening in L.A., Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw weren't in a giving mood. by 12/11/14 STARTING XI It has been an odd season, one characterised by wild inconsistency and drama, but that didn't stop us from asking Iain Macintosh for his best XI of the campaign so far. It has been an odd season, one characterised by wild inconsistency and drama, but that didn't stop us from asking Iain Macintosh for his best XI of the campaign so far. Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper | Chelsea

Rarely has a foreign goalkeeper adjusted to the demands of the Premier League so swiftly. For this alone, he just edges out the superb David De Gea.

text Nathaniel Clyne | Right-Back | Southampton

He was always good going forward. This season, Clyne has improved going backward, enough to earn him a deserved place in the England team.

text John Terry | Centre-Back | Chelsea

With a manager (Jose Mourinho) who believes in him and a partner (Gary Cahill) with the legs to cover for him, Terry is enjoying one of his finest campaigns in recent years.

text Jose Fonte | Centre-Back | Southampton

One of the principal reasons for Southampton's excellent start, a recent wobble doesn't take away from form that finally earned him a Portugal cap.

text Aaron Cresswell | Left-Back | West Ham United

Premier League clubs tend not to buy second-flight players, but Cresswell's success should force a rethink. Calm, responsible and smart, he's stepped up brilliantly.

text Alexis Sanchez | Right Midfielder | Arsenal

One of the few consistently excellent (and fit) members of Arsenal's squad, the Chilean is always buzzing around. Nine goals and five assists in his maiden Prem season is a superb return.

text Nemanja Matic | Central Midfielder | Chelsea

It's not always easy to see what the Serbian does when he's playing. It becomes obvious only when he isn't. He's an impregnable defensive shield and can start an attack, too.

text Mile Jedinak | Central Midfielder | Crystal Palace

No one looks forward to an afternoon facing the Australian midfielder. Tenacious, ferocious and rarely lets Palace down.

text Eden Hazard | Left Midfielder | Chelsea

Hazard was always a gifted player, but a year under Jose Mourinho has made him a clever player, too. His movement and defensive work have improved immeasurably.

text Diego Costa | Striker | Chelsea

Costa is the nasty, driven, brilliant striker for whom Chelsea have been crying out. There are plenty of stars in that side, but he completes them. Twelve goals in 14 league games despite a dodgy hamstring.

text Sergio Aguero | Striker | Manchester City

Quite simply, the Argentine is one of the finest forwards in the world. Quick, clever, deadly and yet he never seems to cause problems off the pitch. A perfect player.