The 2008-9 season of the Barclays English Premier League has shown many highlights, which justifies why playing in the EPL is worth more money than playing football anywhere else in the world.
Even though there have been some setbacks on and off the field, the clubs have made this title race even more special than others.
Issues which have made this competition more nail biting include Manchester United possibly equalling Liverpool’s all time record of eighteen league titles; Newcastle facing relegation after sixteen years in the ‘top flight’; and Everton, Arsenal, West Ham and Aston Villa all fighting for the fourth place spot, which would put them into Champions League qualification.
As the season comes to an end, this dream team is based on an eighteen man squad and a 4-4-2 formation.
GOAL KEEPERS:
The goal keepers who have stood out throughout the season with consistency on clean sheets are Jose Reina (LIV) and Edwin Van Der Sar (MANU). These two are in great form and have contributed to their sides’ successes.
Another two goal keepers who have shown their talent and have become ‘ripe’ over the 2008-9 season are Mark Schwarzer (FUL) and Shay Given (NEW). These two keepers have shown great talent, but at the same time, one brings wisdom to the game and the other one brings youth. The major similarity between the two is that they both have great leadership skills.
DEFENDERS:
The four defenders who have shown great leadership and talent for many years, and especially this year, start with Joleon Lescott (EVE), who has displayed incredible fitness and ability to be a goal scoring defender.
The CLB role should go to John Terry (CHE), who has had a mixed season this year due to injury but his presence is felt when on the field with his leadership skills.
The CRB role deserves to go to Lucas Neill (WHU). Even at a young age, Lucas is highly regarded by his club and the football community in England. His leadership skills have also been shown on the international stage.
Finally, the RB role should go to Jamie Carragher (LIV). Over the years, Jamie has cemented his spot as commander in the defensive line for Liverpool and his success has shown both on and off the pitch.
MIDFIELDERS:
Once again this season, midfielders in all 20 clubs have made the game more free flowing, attacking and more entertaining for the 2008-9 season.
The LM position should go to Christano Ronaldo (MANU), who last season scored around 30 goals and still continued his dominance around the park. If United are going to win the premiership, this man must fire.
The LCM position should be awarded to Michael Ballack (CHE), who had really hit form this season due to having no injuries but also because of the opportunities given to him by both Grant and Hiddink.
The RCM position and captains arm band deservedly goes to Steven Gerrard (LIV), a lethal weapon at scoring range from anywhere around the pitch.
Finally the RM position should go to Tim Cahill (EVE), dangerous in both the air and the penalty box. His fitness when at its peak definitely shows how it has an effect on how Everton plays.
Other Midfielders which have stood out this year are Joe Cole (CHE), Michael Carrick (MANU), Xabi Alonso (LIV), Cesc Fabregas (ARS), Aaron Lennon (TOT) and Kevin Nolan (BOL).
STRIKERS:
So far this season around 700 goals have been scored and around half of those goals have been scored by strikers.
The LS position should go to Emmanuel Adebayor (ARS). This man has not scored the most goals in this season, but has shown great talent and skill on the pitch.
The RS position must go to Fernando Torres (LIV), who has scored 13 goals. The ‘COP’ truly loves him. This has been one of the most successful transfers Liverpool has ever made and he has shown why he was worth around £27 million.
Other strikers who have also stood out this season include Wayne Rooney (MANU), Andrey Arshavin (ARS), and Robinho (MANC).
So the 2008-9 dream team is:
GK- Jose Reina (LIV)
LB- Joleon Lescott (EVE)
LCB- John Terry (CHE)
RCB- Lucas Neill (WHU)
RB- Jamie Carragher (LIV)
LM- Christiano Ronaldo (MANU)
LCM- Michael Ballack (CHE)
RCM- Steven Gerrard (LIV) ©
RM-Tim Cahill (EVE)
LS- Emmanuel Adebayor (ARS)
RS- Fernando Torres (LIV)
Reserves:
1. Edwin Van De Sar (MANU) (GK)
2. Ryan Taylor (NEW)
3. Michael Turner (HULL)
4. Michael Carrick (MANU)
5. Cesc Fabregas (ARS)
6. Kevin Nolan (BOL)
7. Robinho (MANC)
The race to the end of the premiership season is getting more intense. How will teams react? Who will win? Who will get relegated?
All these questions will be answered within five weeks time.
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