In what has been a highly engrossing and entertaining season so far, especially at the top of the table, we take a look at which players would make the cut for a team comprised of players from the Top 6 teams currently – Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
The players have been evaluated and selected on the basis of their involvement in their respective teams and their performances throughout the season. Also, the squad chosen is set in the classic 4-4-2 formation. Without further ado, here is the team -
Hart
Micah Richards , Kompany , King , Ekotto
Valencia , Silva , Yaya Toure , Bale
RvP , Rooney
Subs – Krul, Koscielny, Modric, Ba, Aguero, Walker, Lampard
Goalkeeper
Joe Hart – While it was City’s swashbuckling displays in the attacking third this season which won them plaudits, one man went relatively unnoticed – the man between the sticks. He has kept 13 clean sheets so far and has conceded merely 20 goals – the best in the league.
Center Backs
Kompany – A solid, no-nonsense defender, he has been one of Mancini’s best buys not to mention uncharacteristically cheap. His composure and authority are evident and has done quite well on receiving the captain’s armband.
Ledley King – If it were not for his constant susceptibility to injuries, he would have surely been one of the best defenders of the world. His assured displays at the back are one of the main reasons for Spurs being in the 3rd place.
Left Back
Ekotto – A pacy fullback with good ball control, he has been an integral part of the free flowing game of Spurs. He has also chipped in with 2 goals and 4 assists.
Right Back
Micah Richards – Coming from the youth ranks of City, he has cemented his place in the first team with his powerful displays at the back. His speed allows him to venture forward and join in attack.
Midfielders
David Silva – Undoubtedly the best in his position , he is also very versatile not to mention his silky touch and vision on the pitch to tee up a team-mate with the perfect pass.
Yaya Toure – The 5th player of City on the team but it only shows what an excellent unit Mancini has assembled. Yaya is the epitome of a box-to-box midfielder. He combines sheer power of his large frame in defense with poise on the ball in offense.
Left Midfielder
Bale – His sheer speed combined with his ability to dribble and deliver pinpoint crosses into the box makes him a very tough opponent. No wonder he is among the most sought after players of the world. 9 goals and 7 assists is nothing to scoff at.
Right Midfielder
Valencia – Made this team mostly because of the lack of a better name. Both Nani and Walcott have been infuriatingly inconsistent this season. On his day, Valencia can be a nightmare to play against . 2 goals and 9 assists in 17 outings is a pretty decent turnout.
Strikers
Wayne Rooney – Powerfully built and skill-wise among the best players in the world. Combined with an unselfish work ethic and often has an ace up his sleeve when the going gets tough , Rooney will continue to be at the top for a long time to come. 20 goals and 4 assists in the league show his immense value to United.
Robin van Persie – Superlatives have truly been exhausted but here goes my two-pence on it. Many pundits were skeptical on his being chosen as the captain by Wenger. They have bit the dust and he has led Arsenal from the front with magnificent displays every week and scored an astounding 26 goals in 28 games. He makes the most difficult of goals look effortless, like the volley against Everton and the equalizer against Spurs. Definitely the player of the 2011/12 Premier League season.
Disagree ? Let me know your opinion in the comments.