At the PFA Premier League awards ceremony yesterday evening, Robin van Persie and Kyle Walker won the individual awards for player and young player of the year respectively.
As well as this, the best team of the season, made from the best individual players, was chosen:
Goalkeeper:
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders:
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United)
Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Midfielders:
Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
David Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards:
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)
For me, some of the players chose were a big surprise, as I’m sure they were for many other people.
Firstly, Joe Hart’s selection was a shock. Personally, I felt Tim Krul and Michel Vorm have been much more impressive between the sticks this season. If I was choosing the team, either one could have been selected over Hart. They play in more difficult circumstances every week behind arguably weaker defenses + they’re still able to make the saves and win their team clean sheets.
For me Coloccini and Vincent Kompany’s places in the team have been more than justified. Both have been outstanding at the back for their teams this season. When Kompany had a short spell of injury and suspension, it was clear from his teams results that they were missing him, clearly he is a vital player in the City set up. Whilst Coloccini has been brilliant for Newcastle all season, his defensive displays have ensured Pardew’s team European football next season. Jonny Evans would be the only player I would consider as a replacement. In Vidic’s absence this season, Evans has stepped up for United and produced some great performances.
Kyle Walker’s selection at right back was an obvious choice after he was named young player of the year. Personally, I don’t believe he was the deserved winner of the award, several over players on the short list should have been chosen above him. Regardless, In his first full season he has been excellent for Spurs. In my opinion, he’s one of the best right backs in the Premier League at the moment, although Micah Richards could have easily been selected ahead of him.
Also, I was slightly surprised by the selection of Leighton Baines . I didn’t consider his form this season as anything more than average, especially when compared to previous years with Everton. I felt perhaps Gael Clichy or Benoît Assou-Ekotto who have had great seasons for City and Spurs respectively, could have been chosen.
Now the midfield.
The selection of David Silva was very unsurprising, he’s had an amazing season for Manchester City, scoring and creating many goals. However, I disagree with the selection of Gareth Bale. For me, this year he’s had a mediocre season and his form has been very inconsistent. Although, I can’t argue against the fact he’s an extremely important player for Tottenham, helping them hugely to secure a European spot this season. If I was choosing the team, Antonio Valencia would have been the first name in the midfield. He’s been incredible for United this season. Other wingers would include Juan Mata, Ben Arfa and Scott Sinclair
The choice of central midfield players could be criticized, I know many people will question the role of Scott Parker this season. But for me he deservedly makes the team. In my opinion, the selection of Yaya Toure was more of a surprise. Although he’s had a quiet season for City, he was clearly missed during the African cup of Nations as their slump in form showed. However, I feel several other players have performed to a much higher standard this season in weaker teams. My main choice would have been Clint Dempsey, who has shown this season that he’s one of the best players in the league. Other choices could have been Luka Modric, Sessengnon, Michael Carrick, Yohan Cabaye and Alex Song.
Robin Van Persie would have been the first name on everyone’s list for team of the year this season. I don’t feel I need to elaborate any further on his remarkable achievements for Arsenal this term. But even as a Man United fan Wayne Rooney’s selection was a big surprise. For me, he hasn’t had the best of seasons. Although his goal tally in the league is extremely impressive, his performances in matches haven’t matched people’s expectations. I would have chosen Sergio Aguero. It’s a huge shame for Newcastle fans that the standard of strikers this season has been so good. In any previous season, Newcastle strikers Demba Ba or Pappis Cisse could easily have made the team based on their goals and form this year.
It’s seems strange the lack of United players in the team this year, especially compared to last season. But it’s refreshing to see such a variety of players from different clubs. It’s good to see players outside the top 2 teams are being recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the Premier League Campaign.
Please comment with your views and opinions on the PFA Team of the Year. I’m sure that many people disagree with at least one of the players chosen.
I think Alex Song deserve to be in the defensive midfield not Parker who has just being an average player this season.