​With the semi-finals almost upon us, it is time to have some fun and look at what a combined XI of the teams involved would look like. First up is France vs Spain, two sides who boast some of the best talent in the world at each position. Making a lineup like this is not easy, and naturally involves some compromise. Here is what we’ve got.Note: The goal of making this XI is to have a plausible lineup that could actually work. So you won’t see six attacking players and zero midfielders included just to see more talent on the pitch. Even so, changes have been made and some liberties taken to get certain players on the pitch at the same time. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStriker: Ousmane Dembélé (France)As a versatile forward that can play on any part of the pitch, Dembélé often started as a striker for Paris Saint-Germain, so he gets the nod at this position. This frees up the RW spot for a certain someone, but we’re getting to that.A fast and dynamic dribbler with a sense for goal, Dembélé would make the combined XI of almost any team, not just this one. His ability to drift out wide adds versatility and opens up the possibility of interplay with his teammates, as well as new 2v1 opportunities on the wing. An absolute nightmare scenario for defenders.Left wing: Kylian Mbappé (France)Hold on, there is a logic to this. Even if his position says it’s on the left, Mbappé always drifts centrally regardless. He is not, however, an Erling Haaland, and does not function as a pure #9. In fact he has more in common with a winger.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith an offense-oriented left-back (no spoilers) and Dembélé to drift wide and make room, Mbappé should be just as effective as a left-sided forward as he is in the striker role.Right wing: Lamine Yamal (Spain)If not for him, the offense would just consist of Frenchmen. In fact, the need to include Yamal is why Dembélé and Mbappé were shifted one position to the left. You really can’t have a combined French-Spanish XI without him.Yamal is perhaps the most lethal dribbler in world football right now. The 19-year-old has struggled so far in this World Cup, owing to the lingering effects of a hamstring injury suffered near the end of the club season. He currently lacks the pure explosiveness he is known for. Despite this, most teams choose to double (or even triple) team him at every opportunity. He is the most dangerous player in the Spanish XI.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn a starting lineup surrounded by attackers just as good or better than him, Yamal would enjoy more space and time than he is used to. He could reach a level of performance he simply cannot show with Spain or FC Barcelona.Attacking midfield: Michael Olise (France)While he plays right wing for Bayern Munich and it’s probably his best position, Michael Olise is still one of the best players in the world as an attacking midfielder. Blessed with unrivaled vision and exquisite technical