In light of the PFA nominations being released this afternoon, I've decided to create a team full of the best players to grace the league over the past 8 months or so. I've been racking my brain trying to piece together the ultimate XI, and here are the results. Enjoy.
GK: David De Gea (Manchester United)
Finding the best 'keeper was probably the trickiest of the lot, but the unconventional (to say the least) Spanish shot-stopper has grown from strength to strength after a very on-and-off debut season at Old Trafford, and with the pressures of living up to Van Der Sar's performances in a United shirt seemingly lifted, De Gea has flourished in what has been a walkover of a season for the Red Devils.
RB: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
After helping City achieve their maiden Premier League title, Zabaleta has played a more prominent role in trying to defend their crown - if only the majority of his teammates would do the same. As well as being a rock at the back, he has also ventured forward with deserved success and stood out in the right-back role across the division this season.
CB: Jan Vertonghen (Spurs)
What more could you ask of Jan Vertonghen? He's been snuffing out attacks at one end whilst scoring with style at the other virtually all season. He may be able to stand out against the rest of his fellow defenders (i.e. William Gallas), but Vertonghen, along with Gareth Bale, are the sole reasons why Spurs are threatening near the Champions League places once again, in a season when many predicted they would struggle.
CB: Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Phil Jagielka will be Everton's new captain next season, and you can see why. Having frustrated Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday, he added yet another man-of-the-match performance in the blue of Everton, and alongside Distin, has formed a brilliant defensive partnership that only the top four could better. It's only a matter of time before he installs himself as an England regular, too.
LB: Leighton Baines (Everton)
Another Everton player who has burst on to the England scene lately (with no thanks to Ashley Cole) is Leighton Baines. These days, Baines is even getting the nod from Roy ahead of Ashley, and that is mainly down to his club form. Building on a previously impressive season with Everton, Baines' threat from crosses and set-pieces makes him different from all the other lefties out there. I'm still in awe of his free-kick at St.James'.
RM: Juan Mata (Chelsea)
In a topsy-turvy season for Chelsea, Juan Mata has been one of the few in that squad to remain thoroughly consistent. His superb season is made all the more remarkable considering he was involved in both the Euros and the Olympics, and really looked to inspire Chelsea to some form of glory - which they may yet achieve - before the sacrificial sacking of RDM disrupted what was a brilliant team.
CM: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Well.. I couldn't resist. Many times this season, as Arsenal constantly underachieved, I've mentioned that Santi Cazorla is too good for this team. Cazorla has made an immense impact in his first season in English football. Hitting the ground running was vital for a player performing a focal role at the heart of Arsenal's midfield, and has taken to the task of that role with consummate ease.
LM: Gareth Bale (Spurs)
Gareth Bale is one of those players I love to hate, as it is only for the fact he plays for Spurs that I constantly have to hide my admiration for a pretty special player. Hitting form just at the right time should see him get the PFA award this year - again - though he will, without a doubt, deserve it much more this time around - as carrying a team all the way to fifth or better all on his own deserves recognition of the highest regard.
CAM: Michu (Swansea)
Probably the player I was most surprised to see omitted from the shortlist released today was Swansea's Michu. The goals may have dried up slightly, but you could argue so had Suarez and Van Persie's own goalscoring efforts, and a team like Swansea would simply not have done as well without him in the league and beyond. It's certainly been a year to remember for the league's bargain of the season.
ST: Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Up until a few days ago, Suarez was my personal choice for the main award at the end of the month. He has been absolutely devastating this season and has dug Liverpool out of some very sticky situations, and you just wonder how good he could be for another club. Although his no-show at Reading stretched his goalless run even further, you can't ignore the class and quality of a player who may just be feeling the effects of doing all the hard work.
ST: Cristian Benteke (Aston Villa)
I know what you're thinking; "What do you mean, no Fernando Torres?!" Well, the truth is, I could not bring myself to include a certain Robin Van Persie. His return to scoring (albeit through a penalty kick and an controversial offside goal) is most untimely for me, but what with him stopping scoring for what seemed like an eternity proved to me, at least, that he is not the man he was last season. That may be down to the fact he's at Manchester United but nevertheless, someone like Cristian Benteke deserves it so much more. (And, to be honest, there's still a lot of hurt left in me).
When Cristian Benteke joined Aston Villa from recent Belgian champions Genk, I didn't think too much of it - surely if he was really good enough, Chelsea or United may have been chasing him. But maybe that's what he has used to his advantage. He has been drafted in to this young Villa team - himself included - and against all odds become one of the league's hottest prospects. A young PFA award wouldn't be a shock in any circumstances (though I fear Hazard may pip him to that one).
So, there you have it. A team that many would be jealous of. I hope I didn't miss anyone obvious out - I spent ages getting the right players in! My only regret is that I cannot put in anymore Arsenal players after it has been yet another year of underachievement, but oh, well, beggars can't be choosers. Thanks for reading.
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