Murphy and Anderton - tough to separate.

By Reece Killworth, Sportinglife.com

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE

With 30 caps to his name, Anderton has had enough games to prove himself at international level - and he has certainly done so.

It was Anderton, of course, who kept a certain David Beckham on the sidelines for the early part of France 98 after making the wide-right position his own.

Unfortunately injuries blighted his England career as it reached his peak, but seven goals in 30 games shows Anderton has the pedigree at international level.

Murphy's England career has been limited to just 33 minutes so far - in the friendly against Sweden.

In that game, he impressed as a second-half substitute but with his international career still in its infancy, it is too early to go overboard about his prospects at that level.

MURPHY: 6/10. ANDERTON: 7/10.

FORM THIS SEASON

Anderton has finally returned to his best form for Spurs after years of problems with injuries.

'Sicknote' - as he was nicknamed during his injury problems - seems to be relishing his link-up with Glenn Hoddle again and is getting close to the form that made him an England regular in the mid-1990s.

Anderton's reward for his consistent performances for Spurs came when he made his return to the England squad against Sweden last November and impressed as a substitute.

While Anderton has performed consistently, Murphy's performances have been somewhat different.

An exceptional November - in which he was named Barclaycard Player of the Month - was followed by a somewhat leaner patch, culminating in him being jeered by sections of the Liverpool crowd as he was substituted against Southampton in January.

But a goal to cap a sound peformance against Manchester United showed Murphy is a force to be reckoned with when he is on top form.

It is Anderton's consistency, though, that seems him shade it.

MURPHY: 7/10. ANDERTON: 8/10.

PACE

When Anderton came to prominence, pace was probably the key feature of his game.

Bombing up and down the right wing at Portsmouth, the wiry Anderton resembled a whippet.

Unfortunately for Anderton, his injury problems have trimmed a couple of yards off that speed and have reduced his explosive pace to a slighty-above average turn of pace.

Murphy's pace is often underrated by both rivals and commentators.

With his shaved head and bustling style the stocky midfielder looks to possess just average pace, but his goal against Manchester United in January was a perfect example of his speed.

Murphy burst from the midfield into the penalty box ahead of all of United's defenders before netting coolly.

Had the two players been lining up in opposition five or six years ago Anderton would have shaded it, but his explosive pace has been dimmed and Murphy's speed is enough for him to earn a draw.

MURPHY: 7/10. ANDERTON: 7/10.

STRENGTH

At just 5ft 9in, Murphy is like a pocket battleship and is seldom knocked off the ball when in possession.

His powerful running style, allied to tremendous strength and a low centre of gravity make him the ideal build to stay on the ball.

He also exhibits strength when not in possession and is not afraid of crunching tackles.

Anderton, on the other hand, has always looked a bit lightweight - which is probably the biggest downside of his game.

He has the tendency to look a little frail and doesn't seem to relish the typical midfield combat as much as Murphy does.

MURPHY: 8/10. ANDERTON: 6/10.

SKILL LEVEL

Murphy's level of skill is undoubtedly the most underestimated part of his game.

His two goals against Manchester United exhibited in a nutshell just two parts of his overall ability.

His free-kick last year showed he has an eye for goal, fine control of the ball and is adept at striking a dead ball.

And his effort this season showed his cool head, his wonderful touch and his awareness of where opponents are.

While Steven Gerrard grabs the headlines in the centre of the Liverpool midfield, Murphy goes about his job with ruthless efficiency no matter where he is playing.

As Gerard Houllier once said: "Not many people notice Danny but I'm pleased with his contribution in many different ways and tactically, he's clever."

Anderton is also a skilful player with the ability to whip over dangerous crosses.

With the ball at his feet he is a dangerous weapon for any team and as Spurs' designated corner-taker he clearly has the ability to strike a dead ball as effectively as Murphy.

MURPHY: 8/10. ANDERTON: 8/10.

GOAL THREAT

Anderton's seven goals at international level show he has the ability to find the net for England, with at least a couple of his strikes right out of the top drawer.

His 25-yard drilled effort at Elland Road against Sweden and his World Cup strike against Colombia certainly stick in the memory as important goals scored at important times.

A career average of a goal every four games is sound for a midfielder and shows he is a genuine threat on the attack.

Murphy's overall record is almost exactly the same - and he too has developed the knack of scoring in big matches.

Murphy has already written his name into Anfield folklore with his two winning goals against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

And his four goals in as many weeks last November came against Leeds, Newcastle, Dinamo Kiev and Boavista.

With almost identical games-per-goal records it is impossible to separate the contenders.

MURPHY: 7/10. ANDERTON: 7/10.

TOTALS: MURPHY 43 ANDERTON 43.

SPORTINGLIFE.COM VERDICT:

This could well turn out to be the closest battle when Sven-Goran Eriksson chooses his World Cup squad and who goes will depend very much on what type of player the Swede wants.

Anderton's form this season has caught the eye and he finally seems to have shaken off the injury problems that have blighted his career.

In terms of skill, goal threat and pace it is practically impossible to separate the duo.

Anderton has the edge on Murphy in terms of international experience but if Eriksson is looking for more grit in midfield, he will surely opt for the Liverpool man.

The only downside to Murphy's game at present is the frustrating inconsistency which has blighted his season.

The more games he plays the more consistent he will become and he will certainly be a regular member of England squads in the future.

Whether this World Cup marks his conversion from fringe player to regular remains to be seen.

Sven, it's over to you.