Why Nemanja Matic Deserves to Win Premier League Player of the Year Award
Honourees who have won the FWA Footballer of the Year award since the Premier League's 1992/1993 inception compile an incomparable list—boasting Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Shearer, Steven Gerrard, Eric Cantona, Frank Lampard and many others—but only two men have won the prize who are not recognised as attack-minded footballers.
Manchester United's defensive midfielder Roy Keane won the award in 1999/00 and West Ham United's central midfielder Scott Parker received the honour in 2010/11.
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Since Parker's astonishing triumph (considering the Hammers were relegated that season), the award has continued its attacking trend—with Robin van Persie, Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez the last three recipients.
This season there are worthy contenders from all areas of the pitch.
Defensively, the exploits of David de Gea have kept the would-be-sinking ship of Manchester United afloat, while Chelsea's John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic have turned in exceptional seasons, as has Jose Fonte—whose Southampton side currently hold the league's best defensive record.
Cesc Fabregas leads the EPL in assists from central midfield, and Eden Hazard alongside Alexis Sanchez bedazzle defenders with sumptuous skill from wide areas. In the striking department, Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane are on pace for 20-plus goals—meaning their candidacy for end-of-season hardware remains viable.
The host of names suggests parity in the race; with less than one third of the season remaining twists on the road to club and individual silverware are certain, but a leader must exist down the backstretch—and he goes by Nemanja Matic.
Goals are why people attend games. Spectators love viewing magicians on the ball, slick movements and wonderful goals—it explains the breadth of attackers who have won the FWA Footballer of the Year award—but often times these jubilant moments cannot transpire without balance.
Chelsea possess fantastic team balance, and sit atop the Premier League table with a hint of comfort. The west Londoners are talent-laden, but Matic is the fulcrum.
Having two world-class goalkeepers, there can be no separation between Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois—as what one is capable of, so is the other. In defence, Terry, Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta have been fabulous, but are protected by their keepers and the bulwark Serbian.
Similarly, Matic provides cover for Fabregas to dictate Chelsea's play by easing his defensive burden. This feature in Jose Mourinho's team affects not only the Spanish playmaker, but also the quartet who reside in the attacking third.
Costa, Hazard, Willian and Oscar all benefit from having a security blanket. Matic's presence is a release valve for pressure, as the 26-year-old midfielder commands offensive and defensive positioning.
Matic is the glue for Mourinho's Chelsea. For Costa to score, Fabregas to assist and Hazard to torment, the Blues need balance; without Matic consistently in midfield, the Portuguese's outfit would be a headless chicken.
In Chelsea's two Premier League banana skins, this notion was abundantly obvious.
The first came vs. Newcastle United at St. James' Park, when the Serbian international was suspended for yellow-card accumulation. Chelsea were destroyed in midfield, as the drop in class from preferred starter to back-up was precipitous. Next was New Year's Day against Tottenham Hotspur. No team is perfect, likewise no man is robotic—the Stamford Bridge men found life problematic when Matic struggled, losing to their London adversaries 5-3.
Masterstrokes in the 2014 summer transfer market, Fabregas and Costa have given Mourinho a new dimension—and the likes of Hazard and Willian have followed suit—but without the £21 million purchase of Matic last January, this Blues' outfit would be flying well below their current altitude.
Leading second-place Manchester City by five points with one game in hand, Chelsea have expertly positioned themselves. Barring a collapse of substantial proportions, Mourinho looks primed to lift his third English crown.
The key component in this west London wheel is the one which affects all others. Matic may not score three goals this campaign, but his presence has generated and protected more points than any other Premier League footballer.
If Chelsea are the EPL's preeminent club, then it stands to reason their principal cog deserves recognition as England's best footballer of 2014/15.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
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