5 of the best players who have never made the PFA team of the year

#4 Xabi Alonso

The most elegant midfielder to have graced Anfield

A central midfield maestro, Xabi Alonso was considered to be a legend during his time in the Premier League with Liverpool. In five seasons at Anfield, Alonso’s intelligence and pinpoint passing accuracy made him an opposition’s worst nightmare. At one point in time, Liverpool’s midfield trio of Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard was considered to be the best in the Premier League.

Playing at a time when the league was dominated by all-action midfielders like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes, the Spaniard’s languid style meant that he was never considered for individual awards. It is, in fact, a testament to his superlative ability that his presence made the team greater than the sum of its parts.

A multiple Champions league winner as well as La Liga and Bundesliga winner, the 114-cap Spanish International has had his fair share of individual awards, voted as La Liga's best midfielder for the 2011/12 season as well as being part of the 2014/15 Bundesliga team of the year.