Just past the half way part of the English Premier League season, it is time for the half-time report. We’ve had manager sackings, failed overpriced transfers, cracking goals, and bargain transfers, so it’s time to dissect it all.
Let’s start with the EPL team of the season so far. I have decided on a 4-3-1-2 formation, as it fits the best players more easily than a 4-4-2 or the variation of the 4-3-3.
GK: Michel Vorm (Swansea). Signed from FC Utrecht for less than $2 million, he has the most clean sheets in the league with nine. For a promoted team, that would be an outstanding number for a whole season.
RB: Micah Richards (Man City). The best right back in the league is an absolute beast at both ends of the park. He can defend the set piece and score from it too, because of his imposing presence. Absolute shame Fabio Capello doesn’t seem to like him when it comes to England selections.
CB: Vincent Kompany (Man City). Signed as a defensive midfielder, he has moved to centre-back over the last two years and hasn’t looked back.
An excellent passer and aerial threat, he is also the captain of my team because of his brilliant leadership on and off the field with all of Man City’s off-field problems (Mario Balotelli, anyone?).
CB: Martin Skrtel/Daniel Agger (Liverpool). Ok, you didn’t see that coming but I would give the second centre-back spot to either of Liverpool’s starting CBs.
The best defence of the league, and both are excellent treats going forward. Agger has great ball control and passing ability, while Skrtel has come along on leaps and bounds with super goal-line clearances (Newcastle United at Anfield) and that cracking header versus Aston Villa.
LB: Jose Enrique (Liverpool). This was a tough decision, but he has solved Liverpool’s left-back problems and is a part of the best defence in the league.
Always a treat going forward and a good crosser, just needs to score a few goals and he’s the perfect left back. Very sad he has never played for Spain, as left back is their worst position.
CDM: Scott Parker (Tottenham). A revelation for Tottenham, he is probably the main reason they are in third position. Now a regular in the England starting 11 because of his consistent performances for Tottenham.
I was very surprised one of the top four didn’t purchase him after his relegation to the Championship. A better man’s Charlie Adam for around the same price.
CM: Yaya Toure (Man City). Can play anywhere in the centre of midfield and that is why Man City are in real trouble for the time he is away at the African Cup of Nations (AFOC).
Scored a few thunderbolts and can play a world-class through-ball. For his size he can also score a few set piece goals.
CM: Luka Modric (Tottenham). We can now see why Chelsea were going to pay $40 million for this fella. This is why Tottenham are where they are on the ladder; he is the key that unlocks opposition defences.
His vision is amazing and his passing is above world class. That goal against Liverpool shows me that he can strike the ball well too. His partnership with Parker is the best in the league for two CMs.
CAM: David Silva (Man City). Five goals and 10 assists is all I have to say. A world-class player and it shows how good the Spanish national side is that he can only make the bench.
Bought at $25m, as he was 18 months, the price now looks like a steal. His ability to play anywhere in the midfield is testament to his abilty.
FOR: Demba Ba (Newcastle). Andy Carroll who? Ba has scored 15 goals in 19 games, which is amazing for a Bosman transfer. Stoke must be feeling it now after they turned him down after a trial in the off-season.
Rumours of a transfer to Liverpool for $10m or more would realise an excellent profit for the club, but I think he is indispensable, as no other forward for the club has scored more than three goals. During his absence at the AFOC, Newcastle will be stretched massively in the forward third.
FOR: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal). Who else but the leading scorer, with 17 goals and six assists. He is the complete forward, with a rocket left peg – remember that amazing volley versus Everton?.
As we speak, he is fighting David Silva for player of the season. With Nasri and Fabregas leaving, he has carried his side through some tough times this season.
That’s my side. Please leave your opinions in the comments below.
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