The Premier League Team of the Season: Who Makes the Cut?

With the international break upon us, there are no Premier League matches to watch this weekend. Instead I have decided to compose a list of the best XI of the 2010-11 season, with 8-9 games left (depending on which team you follow).  This list contains the players I think have been the best at their relative position throughout the course of this season, and this season only. I know that these lists often generate heated debate, so I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave me your ideas. I am relatively new to this (my third article), so any feedback would be great.

I have used a standard 4-4-2 formation to group the players.

Happy Reading!

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart, Manchester City

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Joe Hart of Manchester City shouts instructions during the FA Cup sponsored by E.On 4th Round replay match between Manchester City and Notts County at City of Manchester Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Manchester, Engla

Despite not having reached the same lofty standards he maintained while he was on Birmingham City last season, Hart has nonetheless been the most consistent goalkeeper in the league. Thirteen clean sheets in 30 games put him on level with Chelsea’s Petr Cech, and one ahead of Manchester United’s Edwin Van Der Saar. Hart’s vocal presence has been important for City’s race for a Champions League spot. The 27 goals City have conceded are good for second in the league, and with the England No. 1, only 23 years old, it is scary to imagine how Hart’s potential as he enters his prime.

Left Back: Leighton Baines, Everton

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Leighton Baines of Everton crosses the ball during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 4th round replay match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on February 19, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty

Baines has been the best attacking fullback this season, with his sensational offensive performances surpassing those of fellow Englishman Ashley Cole. While his defense leaves much to be desired, his 11 assists (tied with Wayne Rooney for second in the league) are hugely impressive, especially for a defender. The way he has played down Everton’s left flank this season will make it very difficult for the Tofees to hold on to the 26 year old this summer, especially with rivals Liverpool rumored to be interested.

Center Back: Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United walks off after being shown the red card by referee Martin Atkinson during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 1, 2011 in Londo

My choice for the Premier League Player of the Season, as the best player on the best team, Vidic has been an absolute rock at the back at Old Trafford this season. His defense and tenacity are of the highest order, and he has been an important leadership figure for United this season. With Rio Ferdinand out for long periods of time, Vidic has often been paired with the inexperienced Chris Smalling or Johnny Evans, yet time after time again he has shined for the Red Devils. If United do win the league this season, and captain Vidic does lift the trophy, much of it will be due to his spectacular performance.

Center Back: Vincent Kompany, Manchester City

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on March 20, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

The blue half of Manchester has also been blessed with some great defense in the middle of the park, coming from the Belgian Vincent Komapny. Even with the spectacular season Kompany has put together at the Eastlands, he has still not received the attention and the glamour that he deserves. Despite being only 24 years old, Kompany has been a vocal presence in the City back four, and has often outshone partner Kolo Toure, with his athleticism and mature reading of the game. With a young defensive core of Hart and Kompany, City looks to remain a defensive presence in the Premier League for many years to come.

Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 16: Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea is seen during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen second leg match between Chelsea and FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge on March 16, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/G

If you’re good enough to keep Jose Boswinga on the bench, I think that’s a good indication of a pretty good season. While Boswinga’s past couple of seasons have been marred with injury, Ivanovic has made his presence unnecessary.  In addition to his defensive potency, he is a threat from free kicks and corner kicks, set pieces which Chelsea are notorious for effectively using.  In addition, he has provided three assists, a solid number for a defenseman, keeping him level with fullbacks like Ashley Cole and Aleksandar Kolarov.

Right Mid: Luis Nani, Manchester United

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Nani of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester United and Marseille at Old Trafford on March 15, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Ge

The league leader in assists by quite a margin with 16 helpers so far this season, Luis Nani has helped Manchester United forget another Portuguese winger. He has finally lived up to the lofty expectations that surrounded his arrival as the heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo, and has added 9 spectacular goals this season. His speed down the flanks constantly creates threats for opposing teams. More importantly, he makes his teammates better, often giving players like Berbatov, Rooney, or Chicharito opportunities to score easy goals. It is no surprise that Berbatov has excelled this season with the fantastic service Nani has provided. Still young, and with a bright future ahead of him, Nani looks to remain a constant with United, as they begin to let go of older players like Van Der Saar, Giggs, and Scholes.

Center Mid: Charlie Adam, Blackpool

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BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Charlie Adam of Blackpool celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool at Ewood Park on March 19, 2011 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Michael Reg

Blackpool has exceeded expectations this season, as they look to steer clear of relegation. Much of that must be credited to the Scottish Adam who has been the offensive fulcrum for Blackpool. With an impressive 9 goals and 6 assists this season, Adam has also been the heart and soul of Ian Holloway’s side. A leader on the pitch, his never say die attitude has been critical for a team which starts most of its game as the ungerdog, heavily favored to lose. His trademark free kicks have been another asset, making him one of the most dangerous players from set pieces this year. If Blackpool does avoid relegation, much of it will be thanks to the scrappy Adam.

Center Mid: Scott Parker, West Ham United

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 05: Scott Parker of West Ham United is seen during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground on March 5, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Another man whose absence would mean certain relegation for his club. West Ham has been absolutely pathetic at some points this season, but Parker has been the lone bright spot for the team. While his 5 goals and 2 assists will not jump out at you, if you actually watch Parker, you will understand how much he means to his team. Only a couple weeks back, West Ham were down 3-0 at half time to fellow relegation contenders West Brom, only to come back in the second half to draw the game 3-3. It has come out that a fire was lit by Parker who gave an inspiring speech at the half. He backed up his words with his selfless and tireless work ethic. With a potent offensive striker like Demba Ba (added in the January transfer window), look for Parker and West Ham to get even better.

Left Mid: Joey Barton, Newcastle United

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STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Joey Barton argues with referee Lee Mason during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Newcastle United at Britannia Stadium on March 19, 2011 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty

Love him or hate him, Barton has been an absolute revelation for the Magpies this season. While many point to his issues off the pitch, on the field Barton has been a true leader and fighter for an overachieving Newcastle side. Even with the departure of star striker Andy Carrol to Liverpool, Barton ,along with club captain Kevin Nolan, has worked to lead Newcastle towards a mid-table finish (yet with 7 points separating the bottom 14 sides, you never know). His 4 goals and 6 assists are not the greatest of statistics, but his passion and determination are not a quantifiable category.

Forward: Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Carlos Tevez of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City and Dynamo Kiev at City of Manchester Stadium on March 17, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo b

While the goals have dried up lately for the Argentinean, his overall performance throughout the season merits him a spot on this list. He has put up hugely impressive numbers, with 18 goals and 6 assists out of City’s 45 total this term. With the failure of forwards Mario Ballotelli, Edin Dzeko, and Emmanuel Adebayor (now at loan at Real Madrid) to score consistently, as well as David Silva’s below average scoring rate for City, Tevez has been forced to shoulder most of the offensive production, and he has responded well, even with discontent between him and club officials.

Forward: Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United

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MARSEILLE, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 23: Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United is challenged by Souleymane Diawara of Marseille during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Marseille and Manchester United at the Stade Velodrome on Februa

Berbatov was often the brunt of many jokes by Manchester and non Manchester United fans alike for his inability to score despite his galactic price tag. He has responded to the critics this season with 20 goals in the league putting him at first in the scorer’s table. He has eclipsed strike partner Wayne Rooney, without taking a single penalty, and has found a knack for scoring important goals (the hat trick against Liverpool, and last week’s late winner against Bolton come to mind). Even though criticisms have been directed on him again for scoring in bunches against weak teams, as well as being the product of a great offensive system, I could not have this list without the frontrunner for the Premier League Golden Boot.

The Bench

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CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 25: Gareth Bale looks on as he sits out due to injury during the Wales training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against England on March 25, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Gareth Bale-Tottenham- Bale shined in the early stages of the season, pushing many to exaggerate and compare him to the best players in the world. While he has had a fine season, he has not done enough to displace any of the other starters. His best performances of the season also came in the Champions League, not the Premier League. Nevertheless, Bale has been an important player for Tottenham as they make their push for a Champions League qualifying position.

Clint Dempsey-Fulham- Clint Dempsey has been spectacular for the Cottagers this season, registering 10 goals, putting him on level terms with Drogba, Chicharito, and Van Der Vaart. He has been the focal point of the Fulham offense, and it is likely that without him, relegation would have been a certainty at Craven Cottage by now.

Robin Van Persie- Arsenal- Had Van Persie not been injured in the beginning of the season, he would have likely earned a spot among the starting 11. Since his return, however, Van Persie has been on fire registering 11 goals in the Premier League, and through his efforts, giving the Emirates hope for the end of the trophy drought.

Samir Nasri- Arsenal- An early season contender of Player of the Season, Nasri's form has dwindled with the return of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie, as well as the emergence of Jack Wilshere. He has begun, however, to show glimpses of a return to form, something Arsenal fans will desperately want to see in the final stretches of a tight Premier League battle.

Jack Wilshere- Arsenal- When you watch Wilshere, it is difficult to remember that he is only 19 years old. He has shown a composure and maturity beyonnd his years, and has developed into a very good option for the Gunners. His tenacity and determination, along with his ability to gel with Arsenal's fluid style make him a valuable option for years to come.

Stuart Holden- Bolton had been playing some of the best football in England for a majority of the season. Much of that credit must go to Owen Coyle's successful coaching. Holden, however, has been a critical player for Bolton this season, and he has epitomized much of their selflessness and fluid passing. His injury came at an unfortunate time, as Bolton made its final push towards European competition. 

Bench Continued

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Song of Arsenal challenges Stephen Dawson of Leyton Orient during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 5th Round match between Leyton Orient and Arsenal at the Matchroom Stadium on February 20, 2011 in London, England. (Phot

Alex Song-Arsenal- This season Song has developed into a solid holding midfielder, linking well with Fabregas and Wilshere. His defensive strength is an important factor in a youthful Gunners side, and he has even added a goal scoring dimension to his offensive game. During Arsenal's struggles in his absence, his value to the team becomes more and more apparent.

Raul Meireles-Liverpool- With Steven Gerrard out for long periods of time this season, the Portuguese midfielder has stepped in as a more than able midfield deputy. His goal scoring, vision, and overall leadership have been integral for a Liverpool side that has struggled without its captain, and after the sale of star striker, Fernando Torres.