Premier League Team of the Week: Valencia and Nani Shine for Manchester United

As we edge ever closer to the end of the Premier League season, each game takes on more significance with almost every team in the division still fighting for something.

Points become even more valuable, and players know that one mistake or a single piece of brilliance can make all the difference to their team's fortunes come the end of May.

After yet another intriguing week of top-flight action, I take a look at the 11 players who were on top form in the Premier League.

Goalkeeper: Tim Howard, Everton

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Tim Howard of Everton gives instructions to his defenders during the Barclays Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux on April 9, 2011 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Richard H

Despite going long periods without being called into action, Howard kept his concentration to pull off a trio of excellent second-half saves at Molineux.

The American keeper was helped out with Wolves' early aerial attack by Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka but proved his worth by preserving his side's clean sheet in a 3-0 win.

Right Back: Emmanuel Eboue, Arsenal

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BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Emmanuel Eboue of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackpool and Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on April 10, 2011 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Im

Recalled to the starting XI in place of the injured Bacary Sagna, Eboue took his chance by scoring a vital winning goal for Arsenal.

The Ivorian struggled to find his feet early on but soon began to bomb forward, scoring an excellently worked goal and providing a constant threat to Blackpool's back four.

Centre Back: James Collins, Aston Villa

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: James Collins of Aston Villa and Shefki Kuqi of Newcastle United battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on April 10, 2011 Birmingham, England. (

Another defender who bagged his side's winning goal was Villa's James Collins, who rose highest to score a perfectly placed header past Newcastle Steve Harper.

The Welsh international was also influential at the other end of the pitch, helping Gerard Houllier's side record a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Centre Back: Sylvain Distin, Everton

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Sylvain Distin of Everton looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Birmingham City at Goodison Park on March 9, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

A strong candidate for Everton's player of the season award, Distin was at his best during his side's comfortable win over relegation-threatened Wolves on Saturday lunchtime.

The big Frenchman won almost everything in the air and showed pace and composure aplenty as the Blues kept Wanderers at bay.

Left Back: Patrice Evra, Manchester United

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Patrice Evra of Manchester United is closed down by Dickson Etuhu of Fulham during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on April 9, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by

There were few standout performances from left backs this weekend, but Evra makes it in after a solid display in the home win over Fulham.

Despite struggling to replicate his form of recent years, the United fullback still showed great energy to get up and down the pitch, supporting Nani at every opportunity.

Right Midfield: Antonio Valencia, Manchester United

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Antonio Valencia of Manchester United chases the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 6, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Mike

Back to full fitness after breaking his ankle against Rangers last year, Valencia looks like he's never been away.

The flying winger posed Fulham's defenders with a number of problems throughout the game, scoring his side's second goal to wrap up a routine three points.

Centre Midfield: Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Luka Modric of Spurs is closed down by Salif Diao and Jonathan Walters of Stoke during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City at White Hart Lane on April 9, 2011 in London, England. (Photo

When he's on form, there are few better midfield players than Modric in the Premier League, and the little Croatian proved exactly at home to Stoke on Saturday.

He was at the centre of all of Tottenham's good play and bagged a brilliant solo goal to put his side 2-0 up.

Centre Midfield: Phil Neville, Everton

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Phil Neville of Everton celebrates scoring the second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux on April 9, 2011 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Richard

Moved into midfield to cope with injuries, Neville has exhibited his versatility with a number of solid displays for David Moyes' side in recent weeks.

He was at it again on Saturday, breaking up opposition attacks and playing simple passes as well as netting an uncharacteristically unstoppable goal.

Left Midfield: Nani, Manchester United

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Nani of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on April 9, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Back in the starting lineup after being surprisingly dropped for last week's Champions League clash with Chelsea, Nani showed just why he's been United's best player this season.

The Portuguese winger continuously tormented the Cottagers' defence and provided Valencia with a chance he simply couldn't fail to convert.

Striker: Daniel Sturridge, Bolton Wanderers

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BOLTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Daniel Sturridge of Bolton Wanderers in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United at Reebok Stadium on April 9, 2011 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Another two goals for Sturridge arguably confirmed his position as the best signing of the January transfer window.

The on-loan Chelsea forward scored a superb long-range opener before doubling his tally with a well-taken second to round off an easy 3-0 win for the Trotters.

Striker: Peter Odemwingie, West Bromwich Albion

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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Peter Odemwingie of West Bromwich Albion fires home his first half goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion at The Stadium of Light on April 9, 2011 in Sunderland, England.

While Sturridge has laid claim to the best signing of the winter window award, West Brom's Nigerian striker continues to put a strong case forward as the best signing of last summer.

Odemwingie shone away at Sunderland, scoring once and playing well as his side came from behind to grab a vital victory.