What a season we have witnessed this year in the Premiership.
Carlo Ancelotti made history as his Chelsea side accomplished the double in his first season in England. Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney had his best season to date, yet he and his team could only bag the Carling cup for their efforts. Wenger’s young guns improved marginally, but still look more like pretenders than contenders.
Spurs finally entered the promise land by securing the illustrious fourth spot at the expense of big-spenders City who finished fifth. Liverpool fans and players endured the worst season to memory by finishing out of the top four and ending up seventh in the league. We saw the first ever Premiership side in history drop into administration, yet Portsmouth somehow still managed to take part in the F.A cup final at Wembley this past weekend.
So with the season closing its curtains for the summer, which Premiership stars have performed consistently to make my Premiership team of the year?
The team is in a conventional 4-4-2 formation, so several positions were easier to assign than others. After much time and deliberation, my team of the year was finalised and here it is:
Goalkeeper – Joe Hart (Manchester City)
It was a close call between him and his City Colleague Shay Given, but Hart just gets the nod for me. The City keeper spent the entire season on-loan to Birmingham City, where he impressed immensely. The 23-year-old was ever present for the blues, making a total of 41 appearances this season. He showed why he is such hot property this summer, and it’s unfortunate for him that he can’t get into Mancini’s plans at present (although next season he might).
Hart made such an impact on the premier league this season that Capello recently picked him for England’s 30-man provisional squad. Hart is arguably one of the best (if not the best) goalkeepers England have. Many will agree that he deserves a crack at the world cup this summer, and with the performances he’s dished out; there is no reason why he can’t claim the England no.1 shirt in South Africa.
Find out which 4 defenders made the grade this year…
Right-Back – Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Possibly the best right back in the premier league this season by far. No other right back has been able to shine this year, and having looked through all the right-backs in the Premiership, Ivanovic clearly stands out as the best in this position.
Although Ivanovic looks more of a centre-back, the Serbian certainly made the full-back position his own this year. The 26-year-old made a total of 39 appearances for the double champions and has been a consistent performer throughout the year. He is a strong, powerful player and yet possesses surprising speed for a player of his physique. Many will deny his place in my Premiership team of the year.
Centre-Back – Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
Dunne has been a rock in the villains defence this season. The Irishman was brought in to defend and did just that. The former City player made an incredible 45 appearances for the Birmingham based club and accumulated 6 goals in the league this season.
Dunne has been a great signing for O’Neill when he arrived from City in September, and without his defensive qualities, Villa could have easily finished further down the table. Dunne is a solid performer and his displays this season certainly deserve praise as he is a player that rarely gets it. Well ‘Dunne’ Richard.
Centre-Back – Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Since the Belgian’s arrival from Dutch side Ajax last summer, Vermaelen has been a revelation for the gunners and their defence in general. The strong centre-back was scouted by Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, who then informed Wenger. Vermaelen’s arrival pleased the Arsenal fans, yet he was a defender that didn’t have a massive reputation…but he certainly built one in a hurry.
The 24-year-old Belgian appeared 44 times in all competitions, whilst bagging an unprecedented 9 goals along the way (a lot of goals for a centre-back). The Arsenal no.5 is an old fashioned centre-back. He is quick, powerful, and best of all, a no-nonsense defender (what every Premiership side must have in their squad). Vermaelen made a massive impact in his first year in English football, and let’s hope this continues in the future. By far one of the best in his position this season.
Left-Back – Leighton Baines (Everton)
Many readers will be shocked with my decision to select Leighton Baines in the left back slot, but personally he has been a solid performer throughout the year and has earned his place in my team. Baines has a great level of professionalism that you’ve got to admire and is great to see. He has a great left foot, and has been ever present for the toffees this season. The England international racked up an outstanding 48 appearances for Everton and managed to score 2 goals throughout the year.
The 25-year-old has been so consistent this season that in March 2010 he made his first senior start for England against Egypt. Baines impressed at Wembley, and managed to play the entirety of the match against Egypt. The left-back was also selected in England’s 30-man provisional squad last week, and is more than likely heading to South Africa in June.
Who made the line-up in midfield? Continue to page 3 to find out…
Right Midfielder – Adam Johnson (Manchester City)
Another name that may surprise readers, but Adam Johnson only made his return to the top flight in February and impressed fans and pundits alike within a short period.
The 22-year-old winger was brought to the City of Manchester stadium from Middlesbrough, with many fans questioning whether he could perform for the big-spenders. Well he certainly claimed a place quickly in the City squad, leaving the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips on the bench.
Johnson made a total of 16 appearances (14 of which he started) and only managed to net 1 goal. Many will wonder why I have chosen him with statistics like these, it’s simple, he came from a lower league team and dived into a City side challenging for fourth spot and made a huge impact from the get go. Johnson has good pace and technique, and he can also play on both flanks which is great for any manager to have in their squad. The city winger will definitely be one to look out for next season.
Centre Midfield – Scott Parker (West Ham)
Although the West Ham skipper had a torrid season with the hammers this year, he has proven to be a quality player to have in any side.
He has a never die attitude and will fight to the bitter end, which every football fan must admire. The 29-year-old midfielder may not be blessed with pace, but he has the drive and determination which is great to see in a football player these days. Parker made 32 appearances for the East London club and managed to net 2 goals along the way. One of his goals proved vital for the hammers survival this season, and for that alone he deserves to be in this team. Many will also believe, along with me, that ‘Mr West Ham’ should be flying to South Africa this summer. Parker is a great, traditional British player who epitomizes the English game is about.
Centre Midfield – Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Every team has to have a maestro and they come none better than the Spaniard Cesc Fabregas.
The Arsenal Captain had a brilliant season before breaking his leg against Barcelona in the first leg of the champion’s league quarter final contest. Fabregas was Arsenal’s top goal scorer in the domestic league this season with 15 goals in 28 appearances. The midfielder also managed to bag 4 goals in 8 champion’s league games (not a bad ratio for a midfielder). The Arsenal talisman also produced the second highest assists in the Premiership, creating 15 goals for his team. Without Cesc’s input this season, Arsenal could have well been playing Europa football next season.
The 23-year-old magician is definitely one of the best in the business in today’s game. Fabregas is a great player, with bags of skills and a vision like no other, and for his age it’s sometimes to much to comprehend. He is destined for great things in the future.
Left Midfield – Florent Malouda (Chelsea)
The Chelsea winger has really come of age this season, and is undeniably one of the best at what he does.
The 29-year-old had a great year for the double winners, having made 48 appearances in all competitions, scoring 16 goals in the process. I never really rated him when he arrived at Chelsea in 2007, but over 3 years at the club he has certainly turned me into a fan of his.
Malouda has an eye for goal, but most importantly loves to run at full-backs when he gets the chance (something we don’t see a lot of anymore). The Frenchman is quick and very strong, it’s almost impossible to knock him off the ball at times. He has contributed greatly to Chelsea lifting the F.A cup and Premiership this season.
Finally, continue to page 4 to see which two strikers made it in my team of the year…
Forward – Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Arguably United’s best player of the season by a clear mile and a half. Rooney had an unbelievable year for the red devils. The striker undoubtedly had his best year at Old Trafford (if not his life) and will be happy with his individual achievements this season.
In 32 league appearances he managed to collect 26 goals, (3 short of Didier Drogba) which is a huge achievement for the 24-year-old striker. He has been in scintillating form and without his contribution United could have slipped out of the champions league spots (Fergie states this as well, not just me). Rooney is still young, yet he is regarded as one of the best in the world. To think that the striker can only get better is simply mind-blowing. Rooney had to be in my team of the year for the reasons sated above, and I’m sure many will agree with me decision to add him is a good one.
Forward – Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Top goals scorer in the league with 29 goals, buried Portsmouth in the F.A cup last Saturday, Drogba has to partner Wayne Rooney in my team of the year.
The Drog has been the best striker in the Premiership bar-none. His record of 29 goals in 32 appearances speaks for itself. The 32-year-old loves to bully defenders with his brute strength, and has a passion for banging the goals in.
The Ivory Coast international is a reliable front man, who can cause damage to the opponents at anytime. It’s a shame he likes to spend time on the floor rather than play football, but credit to him he is starting to erase this from his game which is good to see. Nonetheless, it’s been a great season for Drogba and Chelsea in whole.
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