Relegated XI of English Premier League season 2014/15

Relegated

Elmohamady

Right Midfielder - Ahmed Elmohamady

The mercurial Egyptian winger has featured in all the 38 matches for the Tigers and is one of the fittest players in the league.Generally fielded as a right wing-back, Elmohamady has shown an impressive work rate and tactical awareness in all thirds of the pitch.

He is that tireless worker who can pull off an audacious tackle at one end, make a lung-bursting run to the other end and put in a dangerous cross. His aggression, pace and hunger to win the ball back make him a constant threat.

Even though he played as a right wing-back with defensive responsibilities, Elmohamady has managed to rack up 2 goals and 5 assists this season (according to WhoScored).

A player like Elmohamady who can shoulder the responsibility of an entire flank is indeed a rare breed. If Hull City can manage to keep hold of him, it will be a major boost in their quest to get back to the Premier League next season.


Tom Huddlestone

Central Midfielder - Tom Huddlestone

The ambidexterous Tom Huddlestone has been the heart of the midfield of Hull City. An intelligent player who has a good understanding of the game, Huddlestone is admired for his eye for a long pass and good ball distribution.

Like his compatriot Michael Carrick, Huddlestone is adept at playing as a deep-lying playmaker as well as a defensive midfielder. He can play those deadly passes to the forwards or shift back and act as a screen to the centre backs.

His set-piece delivery is something the team has been heavily reliant on. From a deep position, he made 0.71 key passes per game, created 0.77 chances per game and made 1.61 tackles compared to the 0.33, 0.44 and 1.06 respectively by Carrick (Squawka).

A highly talented player deeply admired by the likes of Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood, Huddlestone who has been criticised in the past for his poor work-rate requires only that extra bit of motivation.


Leroy Fer

Central Midfielder - Leroy Fer

Leroy Fer is, in simple words, that right player suffering in the wrong club. The physically strong Dutch International is an excellent box to box midfielder who has also impressed in the role of a winger or a central attacking midfielder (Number 10) for QPR.

Interestingly, he played in several positions during his time at Feyenoord including right back.Though a versatile player, it is in the number 10 role that the dynamic midfielder thrives in. As per Squawka, Fer averaged 1.66 chances per game, 1.59 key passes per game and registered 1.86 shots per game.

With QPR relegated, there is definitely going to be a queue of suitors for the services of Fer. The Everton boss Roberto Martinez is said to be a long-time admirer of Fer.

Though he made it into the World cup 2014 squad, a place in the Dutch national team is not something Fer can take for granted. It is highly unlikely that he will stay loyal to his club and play in the Championship next season thereby hampering his overall development.

Fer will most likely join a Premier League side to compete at the highest level.


Boyd

Left Midfielder - George Boyd

To begin with, Boyd is not a highly talented player. Boyd is not that wideman who can mesmerise the crowd with cheeky stepovers or dribbles either. What's worse, Boyd is a right midfielder by trade and left midfield is only his secondary position. But I would be leaving this list incomplete if I didn't pick George Boyd.

As per the data collected by EA Sports for its 'Player Performance Index' stats, Boyd has run 210.5 miles on the pitch this season which makes him the most hard working player on the field.

Boyd comes into that category of players who more than make up for the lack of inborn talent with commitment. For once, let us put aside complicated stats and simply admire this man who never stops running.

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