PFA Premier League team of the year - A team to beat?

The PFA announced their Premier League team of the year last month that was largely dominated by Spurs and City players.  With City on the brink of a famous league title and Tottenham looking to secure a top four finish going into the final day of the season, both teams by large make up for most of the PFA team. There were plenty of players to choose from, with us witnessing some really good performances throughout the season. We look back at the season and try to make another Premier League XI which can, we believe, give PFA’s team a real run for their money.

1.

(Newcastle United)

This dutch shot stopper rose to prominence this season under Alan Pardew and has been one of the top players for the tyneside club. Having the maximum number of clean sheets only second to Joe Hart, Krul has been in inspiring form throughout. This tall, strong Dutchman has a great shot stopping ability and is decent with the ball at his feet.

2.

 (Manchester City)

This Argentine has been a key figure in Manchester City’s defense this season. Mancini’s love for Argentines is well documented and it appears that this talented South American was having his best season in Premier League since he moved to Manchester. Strong in defence and a very good tackler of the ball, he is very difficult to get past and has been more than a handful for the wingers this season. His recent performance against defending Champions United at Etihad earned him the Man of the Match.

3.

(Arsenal)

Koscielny has been the only constant figure in that Arsenal defense this entire season, having partnered Vermaelen and Mertesacker at different times. The Frenchman is a typical ball playing center half and loves to pass it around. Given the type of football Arsenal play, they are often left thin in the defense and Koscielny has done brilliantly to cope with such situations. He has picked up nine cautions this season but it would be grossly inappropriate to judge his discipline on that.

4.

(Manchester United)

This Manchester United young center half stepped up his game exceedingly well after their Serbian captain got injured and was ruled out for the entire season. Having had a poor last season, Evans silenced his critics by forming a really strong partnership alongside Rio Ferdinand for United. Strong in the air and can pass the ball really well, most of his team’s attacks emanate from Evans.

5.

(Chelsea)

Not his best season by a fair distance, Ashley Cole has still been one of the best players for Chelsea this season. With John Terry’s form ‘slipping’ away, Cole has been summoned to save their day on more occasions than one. Ashley poses a serious threat in terms of attacking play and has gone very close to scoring many times this season.

6.

(Manchester United)

Second only to City’s David Silva in the assists charts, Valencia has been a real live wire this season for United. With his burst of pace and accurate crosses from the wide he is a real menace for opposition teams.

7.

(Arsenal)

After joining Arsenal on the last day of the transfer season last summer, Arteta has gone on to become an integral part in their midfield alongside Alex Song. The Spaniard has really taken his game to the next level for the Londoners. With an immaculate passing ability and a habit of scoring crucial goals, Arteta is surely a fine player.

8.

(Manchester United)

The common misconception that the fans have about Carrick is that, he doesn’t take down the opposition in slide tackles. But he reads the game brilliantly and seldom needs to get his shorts dirty. His strong presence in front of the defense is very assuring for the team, making crucial interceptions so often. Add that with his brilliant vision and passing range, and you get a top notch central midfielder.

9.

(Chelsea)

Juan Mata has been Chelsea’s best player this entire season. Mata’s versatility on the pitch is a real bonus for every team. Although his favorable position is playing off the main striker, he has done significantly well playing in the left of the midfield for Chelsea. This little Spaniard can open up defenses with his inch perfect passes, bringing much needed invention and creatity to the side.

10.

(Tottenham)

Van der Vaart has 11 league goals and set up 6 more for his team mates this season for Spurs making him a priceless asset of the side. This left footed Dutchman  is a classic example of a trequartista, linking up the midfield brilliantly to the striker. With that he brings a lot of quality in set pieces and invention in his passing.

(Mancheser City)

This diminutive Argentine has been recently voted Man City’s player of the season ahead of Yaya Toure and David Silva. Having netted 22 goals this season, Aguero has been brilliant for the blue half of Manchester. Great technique, quick feet and great skill on the ball, Aguero has all the attributes of becoming a very dangerous striker.

PFA Premier League team of the year: Joe Hart (Man City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham), Vincent Kompany (Man City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Leighton Baines (Everton), David Silva (Man City), Yaya Toure (Man City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)