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Whoa! So that is the end of another amazing and enthralling season in the Barclays Premier League! It has been a season that has provided us with great team performances, great goals and great individual performances throughout the campaign. At such occasions, it is difficult to select 11 players from so many who have excelled, so I have given myself the liberty of naming a substitutes’ bench as well!
Here is my top team of the season:
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic [Stoke City]
He isn’t probably the most popular choice but he has been really consistent and dependable this season. Playing with an ordinary defence in front of him, he has put in excellent performances week in week out. Season rating: 8.5
Right back: Pablo Zabaleta [Manchester City]
In a season where City haven’t performed to their best, this man put in an amazing shift at the back all through the year! Season rating: 8
Centre back: Phil Jagielka [Everton]
Jagielka has always been an excellent defender and this season he has stepped up his game a little more. Rock solid at the back, quick to get the ball into attack and with good passing and shooting ability, a great asset to have! Season rating: 8.5
Centre back: Michael Carrick [Manchester United]
This man has been so good in central midfield I feel a little sad to play him in defence! But he can play anywhere, his versatility is only one of his strong points. He has learnt to command the centre of the park and be the fulcrum for Manchester United’s forward play. Impeccable! Season rating: 9
Left back: Leighton Baines [Everton]
Leighton Baines has really matured as a wing back over the past few years. His willingness to defend, amazing running and crossing ability, and free kicks were instrumental for the Toffees this season. Season rating: 9
Defensive midfielder: Steven Gerrard [Liverpool]
All the praise he gets is not enough! In a season where almost everyone in the Liverpool squad managed to mess up somehow, their captain has kept going on and on! Goals, assists, and defensive blocks – he has done everything and is probably the reason his team finished in the top half! Season rating: 9
Right wing: Santi Cazorla [Arsenal]
The little playmaker has shown why teams fear him, with all those beautiful assists and goals, and has always created chances with the ball at his feet! Season rating: 8.5
Left wing: Eden Hazard [Chelsea]
The Belgian sensation has taken the BPL by storm in his first year, leaving so many defenders sprawling on the floor helpless! Season rating: 8.5
Central attacker: Juan Mata [Chelsea]
Probably my player of the season! He has been unbelievably consistent this year and has driven Chelsea on in so many difficult games. Season rating: 9.5
Striker: Robin van Persie [Manchester United]
He made the difference for United this season, his goals probably guided United past everyone to the title! Season rating: 9.5
Striker: Christian Benteke [Aston Villa]
Nobody really expected anything from this guy but he has terrorized defences and surprised everyone with all those goals against top teams! Season rating: 9
Substitutes:
David De Gea [Manchester United]
The Spaniard has matured a lot over the course of the season and if he can stop making some of those errors, he will be in the starting line-up of every team of the season! Season rating: 8
Russell Martin [Norwich]
One of the most under-rated players in the country, this guy has been a rock at the back for his side, and has been so consistent! Season rating: 8
Yaya Toure [Manchester City]
One of the few consistent performers in a shaky City squad. Good contribution with goals too. Season rating: 8.5
Frank Lampard [Chelsea]
In spite of playing less, he has the second best goals per minute ratio [only RVP is ahead] and is the joint top scoring Englishman in the league. Frank came back after a small lay-off due to injury to inspire a struggling Chelsea side into third place, with crucial goals and top performances. Season rating: 8.5
Gareth Bale [Tottenham]
He has been the best player in the league after Christmas but where was he before that? Oh well, he was still pretty awesome to watch! Season rating: 8.5
Richard Lambert [Southampton]
Joint top scoring Englishman with Lampard, Lambert has been the engine for Southampton to stay in the league and provide us with so many memorable moments! Season rating: 8.5
Romelu Lukaku [West Brom]
The youngster has taken full advantage of his loan spell and has made Chelsea wonder why they let him go! Season rating: 8.5
