Once again that time of the year has arrived, where the Premiership’s best gather in London for the yearly PFA awards night. In recent seasons, though, there has been some debate as to whether the awards actually acknowledge the seasons’ best.
The players in this team of the year have generally performed well for the first half of season, remembering of course that the ballots are submitted in February. But does half a season of good performances mean you should be given a spot in this terrific side?
For those of you who haven’t seen the team of the year yet, here it is.
In my opinion, the voting is done way too early, but surely with the technology we have nowadays, it wouldn’t take two months to calculate the votes from the players?
Here is my alternate team of the season for 2009/10:
Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)
Many goalkeepers could be considered for this position, but the American veteran is certainly getting better with age. Only Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool have conceded less in 2009/10. Special mention also to Joe Hart and Heurelho Gomes.
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
No right back has taken the league by storm as Glen Johnson did last term. But the Serbian international has settled into Chelsea’s starting XI, and has made the right back position his own.
Centre Back: Michael Dawson (Tottenham)
The backbone of the Spurs team this season, with top performances against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United giving him hope of being on the plane to South Africa this June.
Centre Back: Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
Consistent as always, Manchester City will surely still rue the fact they let Dunne move to Villa Park. Solid as usual, and part of the Midlands clubs’ late surge towards the Champions League.
Left Back: Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The Welsh youngster could yet become one of the best left sided players in the world. He made his name from his terrific ability on the dead ball, but his crossing, passing and defending have improved since he’s held down a regular starting spot.
Right Midfield: James Milner (Aston Villa)
Milner has matured this season and has found some terrific form in the process. He’s become a key player in the centre of Villa’s midfield.
Centre Midfield: Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
A best ever goal return of 20 from Chelsea’s Mr. Consistency, yet no place for him in the team of the year? Chipped in with a mere 15 assists, too.
Centre Midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
It only took the Gunners inspirational captain an unforgettable 27 minutes against Aston Villa, for him to breathe life into Arsenal’s title challenge.
Left Midfield: Florent Malouda (Chelsea)
12 goals and 7 assists isn’t a bad season at all, considering the amount of time it took for him to adapt to the English game. He made the left midfield position his own.
Striker: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
26 premier league goals for the man who has proved to be the difference in many games this season. He’s carried the Red Devils at times, and is a deserved winner of the PFA’s player of the season.
Striker: Didier Drogba (Chelsea) –
The big Ivorian was back to his best this season with skill, power and pace meaning he was a real presence at the pointy end for the Blues.
Special mention also, to both Carlos Tevez and Darren Bent (who managed to score more than half of Sunderlands Premier League goals).
What do you think?
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It will be a bumper occasion, there will not be a spare seat in the house and of course, Sydney FC could well produce a miracle with their backs against the wall.
