Premier League 2015: My Awards

I sometimes wonder who picks the best teams of the year in football. After FIFA's farcical inclusion of David Luiz (making the recent nutmegs by Luis Suarez all the more sweet) and Angel di Maria (remember him?) in its Team of the Year in December, the PFA have shown they are not to be outdone, with some rather odd decisions for its Team of the Year just last week.

However, before we get onto that, I'll cover the bases on the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year. Despite my protests regarding the team (and there are a few), I actually agree with both the decisions. Eden Hazard has had an exceptional year, scoring 18 goals in all competitions this season, and laying on an additional 10. More than that, he has been consistent ever since arrived in England. Last season, he scored 16 and assisted seven, while scoring 10 and assisting 14 in his first season in the Premier League. In fact, the largest surprise for me is that this is the Belgian's first individual award, but in those two years he came up against individuals having the seasons of their lives in Bale and Suarez. Nevertheless, it is a deserved success for the Chelsea man, and it's unlikely that this will be the last.

Similarly, Harry Kane is certainly one to watch out for, and his Young Player of the Year award is richly merited. I would note that we should avoid doing what we do so often with young players after an impressive first season (especially those of English descent) and not over-hype. Whilst he has the element of surprise against defenders uncertain of how to deal with him, he will naturally get more chances and goals. However, it will be how he reacts to a goal drought, which every striker inevitably goes through. The best come out stronger, and it will be interesting to see how Kane performs next season. However, it has certainly been a dream season for the Spurs man, being the first Tottenham player to score 30 goals in a season since Gary Lineker (and he went on to be ok!).

Now for the more contentious point: the PFA Team of the Year. I'll start by saying that I agree with the majority - David de Gea has been the league's best goalkeeper, Ryan Bertrand at left back, John Terry as one of the centre backs, a four in midfield of Hazard, Coutinho, Matic and Sanchez, with Kane up front. However, I have a couple of serious issues. Firstly, it's all well and good to favour the champions, but until recently, I don't remember anyone discussing Chelsea's defensive ability. At the start of the season, it was entirely about the performance of Southampton's back four, meaning that the South Coast club are neck and neck with the league leaders when it comes to defensive record. To only have one player in the team is therefore extremely harsh. In my opinion, I would have at least a two-two split, and perhaps even a three-one in favour of the Saints. Nathaniel Clyne and Jose Fonte would both be deserving of inclusion, giving the back four a slightly more red and white look.

Finally, I'm astounded that a side does not include the two joint top scorers in the Premier League. Regardless of whether this is Diego Costa's first season in English football, he hasn't scored as many as Sergio Aguero - that alone should be enough to get the Argentine a place. Also, I'm sure that was a stamping incident earlier in the season that should count against him?

So this is how my team would look:

David de Gea (Manchester United), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), John Terry (Chelsea), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Phillippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Nemanja Matic (Chelsea), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

There are just a couple of smaller issues to tie off following the end of my (remarkably short) rant regarding the team. Firstly, the Manager of the Year. I'm very much of the opinion that, short of some extraordinary circumstances, the Manager of the Year should normally be the manager of the champions. So it should come as little surprise that my manager of the year is Jose Mourinho. The master tactician has once again proven his ability to win pretty or ugly, and has deservedly led his side to an inevitable title win.

However, I will give a top three, taking into account the successes of managers lower down the table. In second place would be Alan Pardew, after proving himself both at Newcastle and Crystal Palace. Despite hostility from the Geordie fans, Pardew dragged the Magpies into the top 10 of the Premier League, before leaving to take Crystal Palace away from a relegation battle. In fact, such has been the failure of Newcastle since, that Crystal Palace have overtaken the Geordies, and are now almost mathematically guaranteed to finish above them. In third, Ronald Koeman. Few were expecting Southampton, given the astronomical changes made to the club in the summer, to finish in the top half, never mind challenge for Europe. However, the Saints briefly flirted with the idea of Champions League football, before a late lack of form has seemingly denied them. Nevertheless, it's a magnificent achievement for the Dutchman, and a great base to build on next year.

Finally, time for my Goal of the Season. Assuming Eden Hazard doesn't score a 45 yard overhead kick between now and the end of May, I think this is likely to be my top three:

1. Charlie Adam - Chelsea vs Stoke City
There aren't many footballers who would even think about scoring from 60 yards, and even fewer that would have the capabilities to pull it off. Adam does, and he proved it live on TV at Stamford Bridge, lobbing one of the most impressive and talented goalkeepers in the world in the meantime.

2. Phil Jagielka - Everton vs Liverpool
The context of the goal must also be taken into account. In the 91st minute of the season's first Merseyside derby is probably about the best time of all to come up with a wonder goal. I can honestly say I have never seen a better strike of a football from a defender, thumping a half volley into the roof of the net from fully 35 yards.

3. Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal
Like Jagielka's goal, this was also critically important. However, Harry Kane's winning goal in the North London derby was picked for its impressive technique more than its context. As most strikers will tell you, accurately angling a header back where it comes from is incredibly difficult, but Kane made it seem easy, looping his effort well away from the reach of David Ospina. Probably his favourite effort of the season too!

PFA Team of the Year 2013

             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 90^th 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) 

PFA Player of the Year Award 2013

              Last night marked the prestigious PFA Awards for the 2012/2013 Premier League season. Firstly, congratulations must go to Gareth Bale for winning both the PFA Player of the Year, and the PFA Young Player of the Year. Secondly, I was unsettled by the booing that greeted Luis Suarez’s name at the ceremony last night. As the audience was made up of his peers, it shocks me a little that they lacked the necessary class to simply ignore the situation. Furthermore, it reinforces the implicit argument, by the FA’s punishment, that biting someone is worse than racism. No players booed Suarez after the Evra affair, but now he has bitten someone (again), he deserves booing? I think not. This lack of professional courtesy, along with the recent controversy over Reginald D. Hunter’s jokes, has slightly detracted from what I believe is a deserving winner.

 

                Nevertheless, there appears to be significant debate over whether Bale did deserve this award. Having spent the morning trawling through BBC Sport’s comment section on the article (I know I’m sad!) many comments have been raised that suggest that either Robin van Persie or Luis Suarez would have been more deserving recipients. I am aware that much of what is written on these comment sections is entirely biased, and often offensive (until moderators remove it), and fans will naturally support the player for their own team. However, a few interesting points were raised, which I believe merit some discussion and examination. Firstly, one of the most overused phrases when describing Gareth Bale in this comment section was ‘a model professional’, something which was simultaneously used to castigate Luis Suarez’s chances. This prompted numerous responses from angry (and I suspect Liverpool) fans, stating that the idea of Bale as a ‘model professional’ is laughable due to his habit for diving. To me, they are arguing from a rather indefensible position. Whilst, personally, I believe that diving is one of the greatest sins of the modern game, it can be stamped out by tougher officiating. It is also simply an example of one professional attempting to gain an unfair advantage. However, both Bale and Suarez have been found guilty of this offence. Racism, and what can only be described as ABH, on the other hand, cannot be so easily eliminated. Neither are they simply an occupational hazard of having 22 highly competitive players in one place. Whilst I take the point about Bale not being a ‘model professional’, I would go a step further. I would eradicate that phrase from the dictionary when attempting to describe the actions and personality of a footballer. However, in my opinion, Bale’s misdemeanours are far slighter than those of Luis Suarez. As this award is voted for by their peers, clearly the players thought so too. I agree that personality should not be the sole determining factor, but it should definitely contribute. The winner of the award supposedly represents the best of football. Therefore, players will vote based partially on their abilities, and partially on their personalities.

 

                Secondly, arguments have been raised regarding Gareth Bale’s statistics. As he happens not to be either the Premier League’s top goalscorer, or top creator (I refuse to use the word assist on the grounds that it is an Americanism), he is apparently unworthy to win the award. Once again, these arguments completely miss the point. Firstly, you can spin statistics to say whatever you want. Gareth Bale happens to be the joint top scorer on goals scored away from home, if that really matters. Secondly, his position should be taken into account. As both Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie are centre forwards (i.e. it is their primary job to score goals, and lots of them), one should expect them to be towards the business end of the goal charts. Bale, as a winger/attacking midfielder, should not be judged to the same standard. The fact that he, at time of publishing, is only 6 goals behind van Persie and 4 behind Suarez, is impressive. The only statistic that I believe Bale lacks on is as a creator, as he remains several behind both van Persie (8) and Suarez (5), despite being in a seemingly beneficial position on the pitch. Those arguing for Suarez on the basis of statistics clearly have either not read them properly, or have spun them to their own advantage, as he trails in almost every one. As for Robin van Persie, in terms of statistics he is difficult to argue with. However, this brings me nicely to my third point. I believe consistency and moments of genius are key in determining the victor. Robin van Persie, whilst he undoubtedly has had moments of brilliance this season, went missing from the turn of the year until a few weeks ago. That is not the sign of a player destined for an award. Gareth Bale, on the other hand, began writing headlines from November onwards, and I believe has been the most consistent player this season. Timing, unfortunately, is an element in this process, and Bale appears to have picked his moment to come good to perfection.

 

                Finally, the most childish argument of them all, of ‘British-bias’ towards Bale. I was unsure whether to even include this, but I thought it so easy to shoot down I couldn’t resist. The fact that 4 of the 6 candidates to win the award this year were non-British, and that this is not untypical of most years, implies that there is no such thing. There are several British names that could have been included, if such a thing existed. Leighton Baines, Rio Ferdinand, both of whom were put into the PFA’s Team of the Year, but omitted from the nominees. The idea of a ‘British-bias’ is ridiculous, especially when you consider it is voted for by the players, most of whom, as it is regularly commented upon, are not British! This argument appears nothing more than the whining of the sore loser.

 

                So well done to Gareth Bale, overall a deserving winner. Fortunate in some respects, and I do wish he would stop diving, but a genuinely great footballer. With these awards, he joins a very exclusive list of multiple winners, and of players to have won both awards in the same season. If he progresses the same way as the last one, a Mr Ronaldo, then the rest of the Premier League will have serious problems.