Premier League Rookie of The Year Candidates
With the 2010-2011 Premier League campaign about halfway finished, this ranking reviews the candidates for the Premier League rookie of the year.
This list defines rookie of the year as a professional that is playing their first season as a starter in the Premier League, regardless of their experience in other leagues.
10. David Silva
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David Silva was one of Manchester City's big-money signings in the summer of 2010. The former Valencia man was linked with a host of big-name clubs, which is a testament to his skill.
Silva has been a regular starter for City this season, playing on the front line just to the left of Carlos Tevez. With one goal and five assists so far this season, Silva hasn't quite lived up to his lofty expectations when he arrived at Eastlands.
Still, the Spaniard has shown flashes of brillance, and continues to be a mainstay in City's starting lineup. Silva is only 24, and has plenty of time to adjust to the rigors of the Premier League.
9. Asamoah Gyan
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Asamoah Gyan made a splash at the World Cup this summer, scoring three goals, two of which were match winners.
Sunderland signed Gyan from Rennes in the summer for £13 million. He has scored five goals and made two assists in 829 minutes this season.
Gyan's form has forced Sunderland boss Steve Bruce to adapt his formation. Sunderland has traditionally played with a loan striker up front. But with Danny Welbeck, Darren Bent, and Gyan all competing for that spot, Bruce has changed his formation to include more firepower.
Sunderland currently sit in an impressive 7th place, which can be attributed to the team's potency up front.
8. Peter Odemwingie
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At 29 years old, calling Peter Odemwingie a rookie is something of an oxymoron. But prior to signing for West Brom this summer, the striker has spent all of his career in France and Russia.
Odemwingie has not struggled to adapt to the Premier League, scoring six goals, setting up two, and putting on a number of man-of-the-match performances.
Odemwingie is the spearhead of West Brom's offensive, usually acting as their sole striker up front. As a result, there is a lot of offensive responsibility on the Nigerian's shoulders, and he has not disappointed.
The Baggies currently sit in 14th place, and a large part of their ability to stay above the relegation battle is contingent on Odemwingie.
7. Yaya Toure
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The powerful Ghanaian has been a critical component of Roberto Mancini's City side, who currently sit in 2nd in the Premier League. Yaya Toure has typically been in the middle of Man City's three man midfield.
In addition to being an enforcer in the middle, Toure has also provided a lot of the team's creativity, unlocking defenses on behalf of the team's strikers.
Toure has become the fulcrum of Manchester City, doing some justice to the player's £24 million transfer fee paid to Barcelona.
6. Charlie Adam
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Blackpool's captain Charlie Adam has been the creative inspiration for the Tangerines in their first Premier League campaign since 1971.
The 25-year-old (pictured on top of his teammate's back) has managed three goals and four assists. The former Rangers man is the creative inspirition for Blackpool, and is more responsible for their impressive campaign to date.
Blackpool currently sit in 8th place, and their sustained tilt towards staying above the relegation battle lies moreso on their captain's hands than in those of anyone else in the squad.
5. Stuart Holden
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Stuart Holden was quietly signed in the summer by Owen Coyle's Bolton Wanderers from the Houston Dynamo. Surprisingly, the American has started all but two games for the Wanderers so far this year.
Holden has been used in an attacking midfield role for Bolton, which makes him a critical component of their offense. Johan Elmander has undergone a renaissance this year, and some of that credit can be attributed to Holden.
The 25-year-old is a hustler, and has not struggled to adapt to the physical style of the Premier League.
Bolton sits in 6th place, and Holden can take a large amount of credit for them going through Christmas a mere two points below Chelsea.
4. Marc Albrighton
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Marc Albrighton made his first Premier League start on the first day of the 2010-2011 campaign. While Villa's fortunes have floundered, Albrighton has been a ray of hope in an otherwise forgettable season.
Gerard Houllier has bet on youth this season, and the 21-year-old has been one of the primary beneficiaries of this strategy. With Ashley Young taking on a more central role this season, Albrighton has been deployed on the left wing this season, and has made that position his own.
Albrighton's crosses have been a constant menace to Premier League defenses. He can produce as well—scoring four goals in addition to providing four assists in his 15 games this season.
Aston Villa's poor first half of their campaign has been one of the surprises of the season, but it is apparent to anyone watching that Albrighton is hardly culpable.
The future is bright for Albrighton, even if the same can't be said of his team.
3. Mauroane Chamakh
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Mauroane Chamakh's move to the Premier League was a long time coming. The Moraccan finally signed with Arsenal after his contract with Bourdeax expired in the summer.
Chamakh has had to compete for a starting spot with Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner this season. Thanks to Van Persie's continued injury problems, Chamakh has had many chances to impress, and hasn't disappointed.
Seven goals represent a respectable haul for the 26-year-old, especially considering he has five assists as well. Chamakh is often used to hold the ball up for Arsenal, using his body to shield the ball until the midfield can advance to support him.
With Van Persie returning from injury, Chamakh's minutes are in danger of being reduced. However, his performances to date have justified Wenger's interest in the forward, and his continued role in the Gunners' title challenge.
2. Rafael Van Der Vaart
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Rafael Van Der Vaart's transition into the Premier League has been seamless. With eight goals and five assists so far this season, he has been one of the league's stand out players.
The summer signing from Real Madrid was the best buy of the transfer window for a mere £8 million. The Dutchman did not get time to shine with Real, and he appears to be relishing the opportunity to get back on the pitch.
Tottenham currently sit in fourth place, above Chelsea. Their current quest for another Champion's League spot, and their impressive performances in the Champion's League so far this season can be linked to Van Der Vaart's impressive displays.
Along with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, Van Der Vaart is responsible for much of Tottenham's creativity. He has shown no signs of struggling to fit in with the team's quick, attack-oriented style.
If he maintains this level of performance through the rest of Tottenham's campaign, he very well could be the Premier League rookie of the year by the end of the season.
1. Andy Carroll
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In my book, Andy Carroll is the leading candidate to be the Premier League's rookie of the year. It was not an easy decision between him and Van Der Vaart, but the Englishman has been one of the league's standout players in the first half of the campaign.
Carroll has scored 11 goals in 20 appearances for Newcastle so far this season. At age 21, he has a bright future ahead of him.
Carroll's performances have been so impressive that he caught England coach Fabio Capello's eye. The Geordie made his international debut on November 17th, in a match against France.
Considering his impressive performances, it is no surprise that the Englishman has been linked to a number of big clubs, including Manchester City. Newcastle coach and Carroll himself have been quick to quash any rumors that Carroll will be making a move in the foreseeable future.
Newcastle must be relieved to hear this, as their continued success in the Premier League is largely contingent on the league's rookie of the year (so far).
Honorable Mentions
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Honorable mentions go to Chelsea's Ramires, West Ham's Victor Obinna, Manchester City's Jerome Boateng, and Ahmed Elmohamady of Sunderland.
