English Premier League Team of the Season So Far
As we have virtually completed every game before Christmas and are almost halfway through the season, I thought it would be an appropriate time to give credit to those players I believe have made a great impression in one of the most competitive seasons ever in the English top flight.
It is a simple 4-4-2 XI, with comments on why I think each individual player deserves their place in the side. I have tried to being balanced and not just pick players from teams at the top of the league, I have tried to give credit to players who have done well at other clubs too, who sometimes don't get the recognition they deserve.
Anyway, here's my choice for team of the season so far.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet (Sunderland)
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Simon Mignolet (Sunderland).
Appearances: 12
Goals Conceded: 12
Clean Sheets: 6
This 22-year-old Belgian goalkeeper is in his debut season in the Premier League after a £2m summer move to the Black Cats.
A tall lad, he has put in several man-of-the-match performances during his time at Sunderland, deputising for an injured Craig Gordon. Gordon has returned to take his No. 1 spot, but Mignolet can hold his head high after a sterling start in English football. Averaging only one goal against per game and clean sheets in half of his matches, Mignolet has slipped under the radar but outperformed all of the big name goalkeepers occupying the No. 1 slots at the big clubs. In fact, if it wasn't for the fierce competition he has from another top quality goalkeeper in Craig Gordon, then Mignolet would be probably gaining some publicity for his great form.
As it is, I felt he deserved some public recognition for his performances so have named my goalkeeper of the season so far.
Right Back: Nedum Onouha (Sunderland)
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Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland)
Appearances: 16
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
Clean Sheets: 8
Sunderland have been rock solid for most of the season in defence, and the one player who has been a regular in the backline has been Nedum Onuoha. Whilst the centre backs have been dropping due to injuries, Onuoha has got on with his job in a professional and outstanding manner, outshining the big fee Glen Johnson and the big teams first choice right backs like Branoslav Ivanovic and Bakary Sagna.
Indeed Onouha's superb individual goal at Stamford Bridge is a candidate for goal of the season, and the Man City loanee has added to the side both offensively and defensively. If Onuoha keeps up his good form then it is hard to see why Fabio Capello will not call him up for England, as there is a dearth of quality English right backs around at the moment. Onuoha has got his first team opportunity and is taking it; it is in his hands whether he goes up to the next level or not, but the signs are encouraging.
Centre Back: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
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Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).
Appearances: 17
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Clean Sheets: 8
Manchester City have been a rock solid wall under the guidance of Roberto Mancini, and Kompany has been the spearhead of this improvement.
He has rarely looked flustered or out of place and has controlled and patrolled his defensive line with such a commanding presence and composure that he has become one of the most invaluable assets in the City side. The young Belgian has matured into one of the top centre backs in the league and will be integral in City's hunt for trophies in the future.
At £5m, he is probably the best value signing that City have made in recent years, and his technical ability on the ball matches his defensive prowess. One of the most well-rounded centre backs in world football at the moment.
Kompany will continue to progress at City and grow in stature along with the club in the next few years.
Centre Back: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
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Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
Appearances: 16
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
Clean Sheets: 7
The Serbian has been the key behind United's unbeaten start to the season.
A rock at the heart of the defence, he has gradually replaced Ferdinand as United's most important centre back in recent years. His no nonsense combative style has earnt him plaudits from across Europe and constant interest from Real Madrid, but Vidic has remained strong during his time at Old Trafford and has been very impressive this season, especially with the way he has contributed at the other end with goals that have helped United to the top of the table.
United will be desperate for him to remain fit, as he is so reliable that his manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not need to worry defensively. If Vidic can maintain his form, then there is no reason why he can't inspire United to a record 19th league title; it's certainly there for the taking.
Left Back: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
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Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Appearances: 17
Goals: 0
Assists: 3
Clean Sheets: 8
Despite Chelsea's recent wobbles, Ashley Cole has remained as solid as ever. Despite not being at his imperial best, Cole still remains one of the best left backs in the world, and his good performances this season contributed to Chelsea's flying start to the season. Whilst mistakes have plagued the central of defence in recent weeks, Cole has looked the most solid defensive player for the Blues as his consistancy shines through.
Cole will hope his team improves soon so that he can help them towards their ultimate aim, a League and European double. It was a difficult choice between him and Patrice Evra, but I think Cole has just edged it, especially as he's kept his head whilst his teammates have lost theirs.
Right Wing: Nani (Manchester United).
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Nani (Manchester United)
Appearances: 15
Goals: 5
Assists: 10
For several years, Nani has been looked at as a poor man's Cristiano Ronaldo, and although he isn't at that level yet, Nani is fast becoming one of the hottest properties in English football with some sensational performances.
His contribution to Manchester United's unbeaten campaign so far have been key and immense, and he is starting to deliver that consistancy that was previously lacking in his displays. He has started to cut out the unnecessary tricks and showing off in his displays. Instead, he has added a maturity and awareness to his play which has led to him picking out better options instead of being selfish all the time, and that shows in his sensational number of assists so far this season.
If he keeps it up, Nani could find himself a contender for player of the year, something many people wouldn't have said a few seasons ago.
Centre Midfield: Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
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Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
Appearances: 13
Goals: 8
Assists: 1
Samir Nasri has taken on the responsibility partially left by injured skipper Cesc Fabregas as Arsenal's driving force in the heart of midfield. The young Frenchman has stolen the show with several stunning goals this season as he has occassionally taken it on himself to win Arsenal games.
Nasri will have re-assured Arsene Wenger that he is able to step up to the plate with the absence of Fabregas, who will likely be subject to another bid from Barcelona in the summer. Arsenal will hope Nasri can maintain his form, as without it, they will struggle to compete with their rivals this season, as there are still flaws in the Arsenal squad. However, Nasri's development will be encouraging signs for Gunners' fans that Wenger's long-term plan is coming together and that their young squad will soon be able to challenge for trophies.
Centre Midfield: Tim Cahill (Everton)
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Tim Cahill (Everton)
Appearances: 16
Goals: 8
Assists: 2
Although Everton have been inconsistant this season, Tim Cahill has once again been their star player.
He has an uncanny knack of delivering year on year, chipping in with a hatful of goals and his versatile play gives his team mate more opportunities. A clinical heading expert, Cahill also has good technique and the ability of finding good positions in and around the box. It is a tribute to David Moyes that he brought in the Aussie for a bargain from Millwall and has turned him into a key player at a good Premier League side. If Everton were able to buy a top quality striker to supplement him, I think Cahill's impact would be even greater.
One of the most reliable performers in the league, Cahill deserves his spot in the side.
Left Wing: Chris Brunt (West Brom)
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Chris Brunt (West Brom)
Appearances: 16
Goals: 2
Assists: 10
West Brom have impressed on their return to the top flight, but the exploits of Chris Brunt have been nothing short of sensational.
It is one thing getting goals and assists and churning top four club, but to do it week in, week out for a newly promoted side tipped for relegation is an incredible achievement. His precise left boot has been the source of trouble for every side he's faced, including a sensational free kick away at Everton. West Brom have probably been overachieving this season, but that's a credit to them and Roberto Di Matteo. But Brunt has been an integral part of their side. With him in the side, they will be a threat at every set piece, amongst the highly paid foreign stars in the league, the Northern Irish Brunt have shone so far this season, and the Baggies will hope he can keep it up for the rest of the campaign.
Striker: Andy Carroll (Newcastle)
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Andy Carroll (Newcastle)
Appearances: 17
Goals: 10
Assists: 6
Like West Brom and Blackpool, Newcastle have performed above expectations, and that is down in no small part to their new No. 9.
Despite all the off-field nonsense that has been going on Andy Carroll has been dominating Premier League defences all season and has been in such sensational form that he got his first England call-up in the autumn. Carroll isn't one-dimensional either; he has great heading prowess and a stunning left foot as shown by his great strike against Liverpool.
As long as Carroll can control his off-the-field life and stay out of trouble, he has the potential to be both Newcastle's No. 9 and England's No. 9 for many years to come, provided Mike Ashley stays out of first team affairs and leaves the team to get on with the great job they have been doing.
Striker: Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
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Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
Appearances: 15
Goals: 10
Assists: 4
Despite the recent off-the-field controversy, Carlos Tevez has been in sensational form for Manchester City this season.
The Blues captain has been integral part of the City side since his £25.5 million move from Manchester United two summers ago, and he has a sensational 39 goals in his last 60 games for the Citizens. Tevez has linked well with Yaya Toure and David Silva since they arrived at the club, and he has continued to perform despite his apparent personal issues. City can only hope he either resolves them and commits to the club, or they come across a suitable replacement.
That replacement will be hard to find though, as Tevez has been one of the top five strikers in the world in the last year. An awesome talent for sure, but unfortunately unable to shake off his problems. City will be grateful for his contribution to the club nonetheless.
What about the Rest?
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Well, that concludes my team of the season so far, but there's more than just 11 players who have shone so far this season.
Special mentions go out to the following in the relevant positions:
Goalkeepers: Ben Foster and Joe Hart.
Defenders: Stephen Carr, Brede Hangeland, Patrice Evra and Pablo Zabaleta.
Midfielders: Scott Parker, Kevin Nolan, Nigel De Jong, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Marc Albrighton.
Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Bent and Johan Elmander.
Finally, a mention for Chris Hughton and Sam Allardyce, who have been disgracefully treated by their respective chairmen. Neither deserved to be sacked, and I only hope both sets of fans don't have to suffer relegation due to the idiocy of their chairmen; that would be a very unfortunate conclusion.
That's my selection, what's yours?
