My Player of the Year blog turned out longer than I thought,
so I thought I would do a separate one on the PFA Team of the Year. Again,
another highly contentious subject, with fans from most clubs complaining about
someone having been omitted. I believe that the vast majority of the team
selected is correct, or at least justified, based on the performance of many
throughout the season. This certainly would have been one of the toughest
squads to call, as there has been little to choose between many players this
season, and many teams, and indeed individuals, have surprised us with their
performances over the past nine months.
I have
only one significant complaint regarding the team. In terms of both attack and
midfield, it is difficult to argue with the selections, as all have been
exceptional. In fact, there are a few more names that would not have looked out
of place: Marouane Fellaini, Santi Cazorla, Michu etc. It is in defence where
the PFA appear to have neglected to note the statistics, and instead opted for
the very tempting approach of ‘pro-champions’. If you look at statistics,
Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Manchester United, and have kept
more clean sheets. I am not saying they have done it deliberately, nor am I
saying this out of bitter City loyalty, having experienced it for City myself
last year. I am merely stating that it is easy to understand why, especially
with Manchester United so far ahead in the title race, players, that in another
team would have been omitted, have been included. I seem to remember at the
start of the season that United were being heavily criticised for their poor
defending, epitomised by the chaotic 4-3 victory over Reading in December.
Nevertheless,
I will run down each of the selected players, stating why I think they deserve
(or do not) their place, culminating in me putting forward my own Team of the
Year (maybe with a few substitutes...)
David De Gea (Manchester United) –
Unfortunately, we start with one of the members of the team that I believe should not be there. It
is often not particularly difficult to be a goalkeeper in a championship-winning side, but despite
this, De Gea has still made several high profile errors this season. Whilst he is much improved from last
season, and his shot-stopping ability is unquestionable, his collection from
crosses remains poor.
Leighton Baines (Everton) – A close
run thing with both Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole, either of which would have
deserved a place, but I find it difficult to argue with Baines. A consistent performer
and often the driving force behind many of Everton’s forward bursts this
season.
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) – Another certain inclusion for
me. The big Belgian has had a highly impressive first season in the Premier
League, even going on a recent scoring streak.
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) –
Whilst Rio has had a good season, especially when you consider his age, this is
a prime example of what I was discussing above. If he played for a mid-table
team, his performances this season would be generally forgotten. As he plays
for the champions, his performances are instantly upgraded.
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City) –
City’s only inclusion into this team, and a thoroughly deserving one. A rock at
the back, Zabaleta’s consistency this season has been superb. Whilst, at times,
his defensive colleagues have gone missing, he has been the one to ensure that City’s
defensive record remains the best in this season’s Premier League.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham) – As you
can probably tell from the previous blog, a truly deserving winner of the
Player of the Year, and therefore an obvious selection for this team. Having
scored two or three simply stunning goals (vs West Ham in 90th min
springs to mind), and been incredibly consistent all season, Bale has been the
catalyst for Spurs’s push towards the Champions League.
Juan Mata (Chelsea) – Another simple
inclusion. The diminutive Spaniard has had arguably his best season this term,
currently leading the creator’s charts. The headline of the ‘Holy Trinity’ currently
operating at Chelsea, his trickery and vision has been a joy to watch this
campaign.
Michael Carrick (Manchester
United) – Although, personally, a surprising nomination for the Player of the
Year, it cannot be denied that Carrick has had an exceptional season for United
and deserves his place in this team. Most fans would have conceded pre-season
that central midfield is the area United lacked. Carrick has most capably
filled that void with his performances this year.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea) – Another of
the successful signings this season. With a reputed £30+ million price-tag, the
stakes were always going to be set high for the former Lille man. In his first
season (if we ignore the kicking of a Welsh ball-boy) Hazard has become a catalyst
for much of what Chelsea has created going forward, forming a great partnership
with Mata and Oscar.
Robin van Persie (Manchester
United) – Top goalscorer for the last two seasons, it is hardly difficult to
see why van Persie has been selected. His ability to deal with the move from
North London to the North West has put many Premier League underperformers to
shame (especially the likes of Fernando Torres). His 25 goals this year have
arguably won United the title single-handedly. I disagree, but I can’t deny it
helps.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool) – The enigmatic
striker has certainly had his most successful goalscoring season since moving
to Merseyside. Whilst his unprofessional conduct all too often detracts from
his talent, the positive performances still deserve some form of recognition.
My Team of the Year
Jussi Jaaskelainen (WHU)
Leighton Baines(EVE) Ashley
Williams(SWA) Jan Vertonghen(TOT) Pablo Zabaleta(MNC)
Gareth Bale(TOT) Juan
Mata(CHE) Michael
Carrick(MNU) Eden
Hazard(CHE)
Robin
van Persie(MNU) Luis Suarez(LIV)
Substitutes:
David De Gea(MU)
Matija Nastasic(MC) Patrice
Evra(MU) Marouane Fellaini(EV) Santi
Cazorla(AR) Michu(SW) Christian Benteke(AV)
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