Another fascinating season comes to an end and it's about time that we choose our best 11 of the year.
Here are who I think deserve to be a part of the team of the year.
GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON
DAVID JAMES (PORTSMOUTH): I guess he was the reason for Portsmouth's success this season.
Even though they have been excellent in front of goal, David James has earned them many a win this season, kept brilliantly against big teams and was instrumental in Manchester United's exit from the FA Cup.
Has showed brilliant form at the age of 37.
RIGHT-BACK OF THE SEASON
JULIANO BELLETTI (CHELSEA): A Barca reject in truth, he has proved himself at Stamford Bridge and has also been handy in attack. Who can forget his long range efforts??
One of Jose Mourinho's best buys... has kept Paulo Ferreira out of the squad and been Avram Grant's first choice left back in many games.
RIGHT-CENTRE BACK OF THE SEASON
RIO FERDINAND (MANCHESTER UNITED): An obvious choice considering that Manchester United have conceded only 18 goals this season.
Has marshalled the defence in great fashion in the absence of Nemanja Vidic and has single handedly stopped many-a-striker.
His good showing for United should see him captain England for the first time.
LEFT-CENTRE BACK OF THE SEASON
NEMANJA VIDIC (MANCHESTER UNITED): Along with Rio Ferdinand he has formed the best defensive partnership in England and possibly Europe for the past two seasons.
Being a no-nonsense defender, he compliments Ferdinand to the fullest. He also doubles as a great headerer of the ball and uses his heading skills to full effect in scoring as well as defending.
The big Serb is already a fan favourite at Old Trafford after just two seasons.
LEFT-BACK OF THE SEASON
GAEL CLICHY (ARSENAL): A complete rookie at the start of the season, his gameplay has made him look like a seasoned defender.
Solid at the back and swift in attack, Clichy is every manager's dream as a left back. Although some might argue that Patrice Evra has been better this season, I felt that Clichy has been a wee-bit better.
If not for the horror of "squeaky-bum time" for Arsenal, he would have won more... or something.
RIGHT-WINGER OF THE SEASON
CRISTIANO RONALDO (MANCHESTER UNITED): After the drama of last season and the comparisons with Kaka, he has proved himself to be better this season and in what a way!!
With a goal scoring record that a Van Nistelrooy or Henry would be proud of, he has certainly been the best this year and by a mile.
No doubt about his spot. He is Mr Manchester United.
RIGHT-CENTER MIDFIELDER OF THE SEASON
STEVEN GERRARD (LIVERPOOL): His heroics with the club have cemented his spot as one of their best, and once again he has justified his tag as Liverpool's Mr Dependable.
Liverpool's season in the Premier League has been substandard this season and they can thank Gerrard for half of the points they have got. Without him, Liverpool look distinctly bad,not knowing what to do.
He tirelessly orchestrates almost every Liverpool win. Hats off to you Stevie!! (Remember that I'm a Manc.)
LEFT-CENTRE MIDFIELDER OF THE SEASON
FRANCESC FABREGAS (ARSENAL): What could have been a great season for the midfielder has turned out to be a nightmare.
Nevertheless, he has been great overall and has shown true signs of being a future captain. With a good eye for goal and quick legs, he makes up for what he lacks in physicality with class and elegance.
His graceful passing and quick feet make him a deadly player.
Alas!! If only Arsenal could do better...
LEFT-WINGER OF THE SEASON
ALEXANDER HLEB (ARSENAL): Speed. Ball control. Ingenuity. Great Foresight. He has got all that it takes to be a superstar like the likes of Zidane or Beckham.
The Belarusian has had a great season and has been the standout player for Arsenal. He almost single handedly took on the entire Liverpool defence to create a goal for Cesc Fabregas earlier this season at Anfield. That goal probably sums up his game.
No wonder the likes of Barcelona are ready to bring him on as a replacement for Ronaldinho.
RIGHT-FORWARD OF THE SEASON
FERNANDO TORRES (LIVERPOOL): He rejected Manchester United to sign for Liverpool, his transfer was nothing more than a fairy tale for Liverpudlians and how he has delivered!!
With a goal scored whenever one is required, he has been fluent in scoring and also been creative.
Most of his goals have been spectacles to watch. A favourite to break Van Nistelrooy's record for most number of goals scored by a debutant, his career graph seems to be heading up.
LEFT-FORWARD OF THE SEASON
WAYNE ROONEY (MANCHESTER UNITED): If there is a player at Manchester United who has an impact on the game that is greater than Ronaldo, it is Wayne Rooney.
Although he does not lead the scoring charts, his sheer presence on the pitch keeps many defenders on their toes. That is why I have chosen him over Adebayor.
The stats say it all, without Rooney, Manchester United lose most of their matches, however with him, they are a juggernaut. Alongside Carlos Tevez he has been one of the best players this season.
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MANAGER OF THE SEASON:
SIR ALEX FERGUSON (MANCHESTER UNITED): After a dreadful start to the season United have come back in style.
And all this is due to the fiery Scot. His tactics have been nothing short of a masterclass. All his high profile signings have stood up to their billing and his team is favourites to win a double.
He has been there and seen it all, but his hunger for trophies is insatiable to say the least. 22 years at the helm and still as good as new.
I salute you Fergie!!
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SUBSTITUTES:
EDWIN VAN DER SAAR (MANCHESTER UNITED): Would have been number one if not for the heroics of David James.
SOL CAMPBELL (PORTSMOUTH): The former Gunner has shown that he isn't done yet. A solid season with Pompey might just get him an England recall.
ANDERSON (MANCHESTER UNITED): If not for the efforts of Torres he would have been newcomer of the season, filled in Scholes boots so well that we almost forgot Scholes. Great first season.
ASHLEY YOUNG (ASTON VILLA): Aston Villa's version of Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't got as many goals but has certainly got the talent and potential. Instrumental in Villa's scoring this season.
CARLOS TEVEZ (MANCHESTER UNITED): When "El Apache" moved to Old Trafford amidst controversy, people expected him to have a nervous season under heavy expectation.
Not many expected him to play well with Wayne Rooney citing that they were too similar. But the Argentine has lived up to his billing and been a super sub of sorts scoring important goals coming off the bench.
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2 months ago
Decent effort Kiran..
This is where I disagree..Belletti at RB? Well,there are other options.
Anelka,Berbatov,Drogba and Adebayor not in the 16?
Joe Cole certainly ahead of Hleb for the left wing..
Clichy..Evra,well Clichy has matured,I'll give it to him.
Upfront Rooney is a great player,this season I think he would get a sub place at best..Berbatov or Anelka would partner Torres upfront and perhaps Carvalho,Lescott and a few others could push Ferdinand..Vidic would certainly stay..
Hey Kiran have a look at this.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/14653-Difference-Makers-The-Best-of-the-Premier-League-250308
2 months ago
i dont think its me, but Belleti as best right back!!!!!!! Sagna of Arsenal and Corluka were miles ahead of that Barca reject!!!!!
2 months ago
Still shocked by the presence of Rooney. Is it cos he plays for a big club? He should have scored 20 plus goals, so in place of him its only natural to give that spot to Roque SantaCruz!!!!!
2 months ago
I agree Belletti has had an indifferent season but he's been good overall.
Salaar was spot on - Joe Cole is definetely ahead of Hleb. Rooney for me, wouldn't be a substitue, he wouldnt even make the squad this season. Berbatov has to partner Torres.
And as much as Clichy has matured, Evra takes it for this year...
2 months ago
the inclusion of beletti is only because the likes of sagna havent been good at defending even though they have been great going forward,and as for the inclusion of wayne i think he has had a great season considering he fractured his foot in the first match and injured himself again in mid season.....17 goals with that ....i would consider it a great season for him........also he has been the driving force behind man utd this season
from 2 months ago
Well if Rooney has been United's driving force what has Ronaldo done?
from 2 months ago
even though ronaldo has scored the goals ,utd have looked helpless in the abscence of rooney......stats say it all....
2 months ago
Rooney Torres Forward would be devastating. Combination of skills, footballing brain, lethal finishing (Torres) and sheer power and determination. They would also compiment each other so well since they play direct football. The team put out there would win any tournament. However, I think Sagna, Glen Johnson have been better than Belleti. However, he is the only chelsea player in starting eleven of the team of the season, so chelsea deserves a mention. I would also have Essein in the team since this guy (everyone admit it) is the best midfielder in the world. He has more drive that Steve G and Fabregas. However, Chelsea play him out of position, and he is always forced to play very defensive game. To me, he reminds me of a Disciplined Roy Keane.
Subs, I would have Adebayor over Tevez, since Tevez has squandered so many chances this season ( so is Rooney) but Rooney has been the Engine of United. Whenever Rooney is on the pitch, it is like a switch is put on to signal Ronaldo to start firing.
2 months ago
Not bad... but I think Gareth Barry should be there somewhere. He's been outstanding for Aston Villa this season. He should be on the subs list instead of his teammate Ashley Young in my opinion.
2 months ago
well its a great team, but what is rooney doin there, am a man utd fan thru and thru, but rooney has been annoying and lackadisical this season. he has really frustrated utd, and people ar still going on that he is the driving force of utd. in terms of importance for utd, it has been ronaldo, ferdinad, vidic,and then tevez for the no of winners he's scored this season. p'ple shd stop praising rooney, coz of his drive, thats not what he;s paid to do, we need goals. thats hw strikers ar judged.castigate him for not scoring and see if he wont improve.
from 2 months ago
Rooneys goal scoring has been criticised this season but there are a few things I can think of that may excuse this.
1. Its his first season beside a striker(Tevez) who uses up a lot of the same space that Rooney plays in.
2. He was on fire before he suffered the ankle injury(he had 9 in 9) and after that he kind of lost the momentum he had built up.
3. I think its unfair to call him 'lackadisical', Rooney plays his heart out and stats prove without him United lose!!!
Its true that a striker is paid to score goals, but Rooney chips in all over the pitch. If it wasnt for him then maybe the midfield would find themselves under more pressure. Important goals may not have been scored but for his assists. I think Rooney does deserve to be in team of the season alongside Torres.
Im just baffled at how Anderson is not included in the starting 11. 19years of age, first season, physical league and he kept Mr.Dependable quiet in his first derby game at a very intimidating Anfield. And hes done that 90% of the time he has played.
2 months ago
Agreed, Anderson should be there too. He's been absolutely brilliant for United in his debut season. The lad has a very bright future ahead of him.
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