We look at the EPL Team of the year for 2012-13 Season.
Goal Keeper David De Gea, Manchester United: this is a tough choice between him and Hart, but I have gone for De Gea. The Spanish shot stopper has been amazing this season. However, Joe Hart has kept more clean sheets than De gea, but one cannot blame the goalkeeper completely for the goals conceded. The Spaniard has made 77 saves in 22 games; where as Joe Hart has made 48 saves in 30 games. David De Gea has risen this season and has been the goalkeeper to watch for this season.
Right Back Rafael, Manchester United: the Brazilian has been sensational this season. With consistent and improved performance, he is having this season. The 22- year old also scored three goals and has three assists to his name; his goal against QPR is unforgettable. Not only in terms of attack, Rafael has also become strong defensively, with many blocks and he made interventions. I think Manchester United have found their new Gary Neville.
Left Back Leighton Baines, Everton: the English international has beaten Evra and Cole for this spot. He has turned out to be a great full back in the past couple of seasons. He has been consistent, and has not missed a single game for Everton in the league this season. He has five goals and four assists to his name this term. Baines best quality is that he tracks back quickly when the team needs him and helps is team when they are attacking.
Centre Back Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham: This Belgian Centre back has been very effective this season. He is an accomplished left footed center back. Bought from Ajax by AVB he has proved his worth at the club. Not only defensively, but also he is strong while attacking. He has four goals and two assists to his name. His goal at Old Trafford is the one people usually remember. In short, he is having a great season with the London club.
Centre Back Phil Jagielka, Everton: The English centre back has had a massive impact on Everton’s incredible season. The captain of the Merseyside club has been incredible with his defensive skills. He has missed only a single game for the club this season. It is due to his great form, Everton are able to fight for top four finish this time. He has a goal to his name along with an assist. In other words, he has been playing a major role for the blue half of Liverpool this season.
Left wing Bale, Tottenham: the Welshman has been in stunning form this season. With 17 goals already scored this season, he has been outstanding for Spur’s. He is also helping Spur’s to be in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Bale has been in the form of his life, he will turn out to be Tottenham’s hero if he makes them qualify for Champions League. In addition, Bale has been a strong contender for PFA Award this term.
Right Wing Juan Mata, Chelsea: another Spanish player, he has been Chelsea’s soul this season. He has scored 10 goals and has provided 10 assists. His form has been incredible this season. His link up play with Hazard and Oscar has been amazing. In addition, his through balls have been outstanding. His maturity and rapid improve in his performance this season, has made him to get this place in team of the year.
Defensive Midfielder Michael Carrick, Manchester United: the English midfielder has been amazing this season; his passes have been incredible this season. Especially his link up plays with defenders and attackers has improved drastically. He has made more than 1500 passes this season. His interceptions and tackles have been surprisingly good. The 31-year-old English International has been outstanding for the Red Devils this time, and deserves this place in the team.
Attacking Midfielder Santi Cazorla, Arsenal: Arsenal’s signing of the season; the midfield maestro has been in a stunning form this season. Starting in 30 games for the Gunners, he has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists. Also the ex Malaga player has taken 97 shots in total this season. He has been Arsenal’s go to man, with an average of 3.2 shots taken per game. The 28 year old has been the best attacking midfielder if compared with any other player this season.
Second Striker Luis Suarez, Liverpool: The bad boy of EPL has been the top scorer for Liverpool and in the league this season. With 22 goals to his name already, he has improved to great heights under Brendan Rodgers. In addition, his link up play with Gerrad and Sterling has been outstanding. If Liverpool is in seventh position, it is all because of this Uruguayan. However, it does not depend on where Liverpool finish, but the performance of this player has been great.
Centre Forward Robin van Persie, Manchester United: The Dutch striker has been prolific this season for Manchester United, his form was incredible during the start of the season. He has already scored 19 goals this season and is still hungry for more. The lad left Arsenal but not his form. His form has been high, not only scoring goals this season, but also shifting positions in the wings (both left and right) whenever the team needs him to do so. His link up play with Rooney has simply been outstanding, one would love to watch both of them play. Even when the team needed him in defending, he has fulfilled his duties their too, by clearing the ball away. His form makes this team even more lethal in attack.
Formation: 4-4-2
Honourable Mentions:
Joe Hart
Jonny Evans
Gary Cahill
Azpilicueta
Yaya Toure
Frank Lampard
Wayne Rooney
Michu
Christian Benteke