Frankly, I am torn between Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic. Indeed, Vidic deserve as much of a mention for his defensive intensity as Ronaldo does for his attacking prowess. However, Ronaldo’s 31 goals (42 in all competition), seven assists, dazzling stopovers and monstrous pace made him the most feared winger in the world. A favorite to win the Ballon d’Or.
Notable Mention: Nemanja Vidic
Middlesbrough
Pivotal Player: Stewart Downing
One of the best, if not the best left winger in England, Stewart Downing is my definite starter on the left of midfield. His excellent dribbling, and delivery from the left made him the scourge of many Premiership right-backs.
Notable Mention: Afonso Alves
Newcastle
Pivotal Player: Shay Given
On his day, Shay Given is impossible to beat—just ask Manchester United! The Irish international possesses all the qualities of great keepers—he is a good shot-stopper and confident at claiming crosses. His best quality must be his incredible reflexes, he has the ability to make seemingly impossible saves. For the past few years, he has been my choice for the PFA Team of the Season.
Notable Mention: Michael Owen
Portsmouth
Pivotal Player: David James
Portsmouth ended last season in 8th place. That deserves attention because the club hovered above the relegation zone just one season ago. Portsmouth’s remarkable turnaround has a lot to do with the form of David James. In 2007/2008, James finally showed the form that made him England No.1 in the early part of 2000.
Notable Mention: Nwankwo Kanu
Sunderland
Pivotal Player: Kenwyne Jones
Many wondered why Roy Keane would pay £6M for the Trinidad and Tobago striker. Southampton manager George Burley stated that “Kenwyne is another Didier Drogba in the making, as far as physical attributes, his strength and power in the air are second to none.” His height made him a excellent decoy for his strike partners. Jones’ seven goals, 10 assists last season were proof of his worth.
Notable Mention: Kieran Richardson
Tottenham
Pivotal Player: Jermaine Jenas
My first choice was Dimitar Berbatov, who has since signed for Manchester United striker on the last day of the transfer season. He is so influential that Juande Ramos made him the scapegoat for Tottenham’s stuttering start to the new season!
My next choice is Jermaine Jenas. Jenas statistics are not impressive but his strength is the little things he does. He is inventive and tenacious, running from box to box to defend and to attack. He also can pop the occasional goals from distance.
Notable Mention: Aaron Lennon
West Ham
Pivotal Player: Dean Ashton
Despite a season shortened by injuries, Dean Ashton still racked up 10 goals in 20 games. That’s a goal every two games! When he is fully fit, Ashton is one the best strikers in the league. His strength in the air makes him a difficult task for any defender. He also packs a powerful shot from either foot. Three games into the new season, and he has already scored two goals. It would be interesting to see how West Ham's season would progress when Ashton is healthy.
Notable Mention: Mark Noble
Wigan
Pivotal Player: Chris Kirkland
In the 2000/2001 season, Chris Kirkland rose to prominence as one of the most promising young English 'keepers in the country, while with Coventry City. However since moving to Liverpool, he has been plagued by injuries. In the 2007/2008 season, Kirkland managed to stay relatively injury free, and proved to be critical to Wigan’s relegation battle.
Notable Mention: Emile Heskey
That is a mouthful from me, now let me hear from you!
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