PFA Team of the Year Analysis

So the team of the year is out and on the whole happy to see a good portion of United players in it. I think this team is fair, even though there have been some players who can count themselves unlucky. However, what I found really poor was the decision to award Bale the Player of the Year award. I’m not going into the details (again) but stats, injuries and current form were obviously not considered and I find it an injustice that Nani was not even shortlisted. His 18 assists to Bale’s 1, his 10 goals to Bale’s 7 and his current form as well as injuries this season have been minimal. Young Player of the Year deservedly awarded to Jack Wilshere, what a talent! He will be gracing world football for years to come, his cool head and vision on the ball at such a young age is admirable, and it’s frightening to think he can only get better.

Analysis of team (2nd places are my personal opinions for runners up, not my preferred selections):

GK: Edwin Van Der Sar

A fitting tribute for this excellent goalkeeper, who this season, has defied the odds and shown his quality time and time again. Ever reliable, cool, calm and collected under pressure, able to kick with both feet and I take comfort in knowing that if he can reach it, he will save it.

2^nd place: Joe Hart.

RB: Bacary Sagna

A very solid defender and an able attacker, he offers the Gunners a lot of width on the right flank and works well with either Walcott or Arshavin. His experience has been a great help to the new, inexperienced centre backs at Arsenal, however they may still come up short come season end. Sagna can hold his head up high.   

2^nd place: Rafael

CB: Nemanja Vidic

There are not enough words to sing his praises. What a player, a leader, plays with his heart on his sleeve, committed to the cause, loves United and today stated he wants to end his career with the Reds. In my opinion, he is the best defender in the world, and one would struggle to argue otherwise. His solid performances at the back have been the foundation of United’s league title ambitions and Fergie’s decision to make him captain has definitely paid off.

CB: Vincent Kompany

A player that has grown from strength to strength this season, after starting out in midfield, he has made the centre back position his own. City’s defensive displays this season have been largely down to his personal performances, with his aerial ability and strength seeing them keep many clean sheets.

2^nd places: John Terry & Michael Dawson

LB: Ashley Cole

The world’s best left back. His attacking and defensive abilities are equally matched and his overall contribution cannot be understated. He provides Chelsea with extra offensive options on the left side, bursting into opposition boxes and he can whip in great balls for the strikers to feed off.

2^nd place: Leighton Baines

RM: Nani

By far the best player in the league this season, Nani has created 18 assists and scored 10 goals so far this season. If United win the league, he would have played a major role for us, popping up with crucial goals, breaking deadlocks and adding some much need class through his technique and general ability. He can shoot with both feet, spin defenders and he works hard for the team, never shirking his defensive duties. What a player he has become.

2^nd place: Ashley Young

CM: Samir Nasri

Been excellent all season for the Gunners, showing an Iniesta-type shoulder dropping ability when attacking opposing players. He has scored some great goals and grown into his role as a match winner on many occasions. Whether in centre of the park or on the wing, he is a huge threat to defences.

CM: Jack Wilshere

What a player of true class and ability at such a young age. This guy will be ever present for years to come. The calmness he shows on the ball resembles that of players with 15 years experience, and he has the vision and technique to back it up. A tough tackler, hard worker and another product of Arsenal and Wenger’s ability to produce young players, Wilshere is a pleasure to watch.

2nd places: Scott Parker and Charlie Adam

LM: Gareth Bale

A true talent, exciting to watch and blitz quick, he has the making of an all time great attacking winger. Bale has the end product to match the threat. He can put in a great ball and turn defenders on their heads. One on one there is no chance, with even the most experienced players (Maicon) getting the run around. I’m happy to watch him grace the Premier League and world football for years to come. ­

2^nd place: David Silva

STR: Carlos Tevez

The little Argie has proved his worth since he left United for City, scoring goals and working hard for the team. 19 goals so far this season, he has shown his class yet again and leads by example from the front. A match winner in every aspect, defenders struggle to keep him at bay and with the wingers available at City, he gets the service he needs to penetrate the defensive line.

2^nd place: Didier Drogba

STR:  Dimitar Berbatov

Finally, this has been the season he proves the critics wrong. He may have scored a large portion of his goals in short bursts, but his overall contribution to the team and his newly created work ethic has earned him his place this year. His hat trick against Liverpool, the overhead kick, the Blackpool double and the last minute winner against Bolton have been situations where he has shown his class. His touch and play making ability have been ever present and at long last his goals, all 21 of them, showing the quality player he really is.

2^nd place: Andy Carroll

PFA Player of the Year: Gareth Bale

PFA Young Player of the Year: Jack Wilshere