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It’s that time of year again folks. Last week, the PFA player of the year nominees were announced and now the mass debating over who is the ultimate Premier League eleven of the 2011/12 season has started. So I thought I’d give my opinion on the players who have stood out this season.
Unarguably, Newcastle have been this season’s surprise package and are currently lying in a highly respectable 5th place, with one of the main reasons being their Dutch goalkeeper, Tim Krul. Krul’s incredible reflexes and almost natural ability to make double saves have meant Newcastle’s defence is one of the Premier League’s most difficult to get past.
What makes Krul’s superb season even more impressive, is that the Dutchman probably wouldn’t even be Newcastle’s current number one, were it not for previous number one, Steve Harper suffering an injury in September 2010.
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A truly remarkable season for the 24 year old, which should see him named in Holland’s Euro 2012 squad.
Honourable mentions: Joe Hart, Michel Vorm
RB: Kyle Walker
When the season started, it was unclear who Tottenham’s first choice right back would be. Harry Redknapp had to choose between the solid albeit unspectacular Vedran Corluka or the young, tenacious, Kyle Walker who had just returned from a loan spell at Aston Villa.
Redknapp chose the latter and due to Walker’s desire and energy, there was no looking back for Walker and the Spurs fans. His wonderful strike against Arsenal in October only helped endear him to the White Hart Lane faithful.
Honourable mentions: Bacary Sagna
CB: Vincent Kompany
For all the millions Manchester City have spent over the last four years, their most reliable player has arguably been a man who signed for just £6 million, Vincent Kompany, and this year he has been more effective than ever.
Roberto Mancini’s decision to give the Belgian the captaincy at the start of this season has proved to be an inspired one as Kompany’s leadership and organization skills helped him to become a superb captain.
In my opinion, it is ridiculous how Kompany isn’t on the PFA player of the year list.
CB: Jonny Evans
At the start of the season, many felt Jonny Evans’ future at Manchester United was in doubt due to the summer arrival of Phil Jones, as well as Chris Smalling, who had an impressive first season. However, this season, Jonny Evans has well and truly stepped up.
It seems every aspect of the Northern Irishman’s game has improved, he’s more mature, more strong and a better tackler. With all Manchester United’s defensive injuries this season, Jonny Evans has really been a vital part of the potential title winners’ season.
Honourable mentions: John Terry, Fabricio Coloccini, Laurent Koscielny
LB: Leighton Baines
Everton’s season has been anything but consistent but Leighton Baines has been the epitome of consistency. Baines has made hardly any mistakes this whole season and his trademark set pieces have been better than ever.
Even as an ardent believer that Ashley Cole is the world’s best left back, I must admit, Baines has been better than Cole this season.
Honourable mentions: Ashley Cole, Benoit Assou-Ekotto
LM: David Silva
In David Silva’s first season, last season, the Spaniard was impressive with his superior skills being a major factor in Manchester City gaining one of the coveted Champions League spots. This season however, Silva has been spectacular possessing all the skill of the ultimate creative player.
Even though Silva hasn’t been quite as good in the second half of the season as he was in the first, he is still more than worthy of a place in this team.
Honourable mentions: Gareth Bale
RM: Luis Antonio Valencia
A horrific leg injury in September 2010 could have meant Luis Antonio Valencia would never be the same again. However, the technically brilliant Ecuadorian has been at his best ever this season, with numerous man of the match performances.
Many Manchester United fans would argue that Valencia has been their best player this season.
Honourable mentions: Juan Mata
CM: Alex Song
He’s not the sort of player who takes all the headlines, nor does he cause much of a stir when he does interviews, but Alexandre Song has been a superb presence in Arsenal’s midfield this season.
Song helps Arsenal’s centre backs as he provides extra protection and does so expertly. The Cameroonian seems to improve every season.
CM: Yaya Toure
The Ivorian’s immense physical presence has been a vital element of Manchester City’s squad this season. When he goes on one of his powerful, marauding runs, he’s almost impossible to stop.
During January and February when Toure was on international duty at the African cup of nations, City simply weren’t the same, and some say City would’ve won the league if it wasn’t for Toure being away at this time.
Honourable mentions: Gylfi Sigurdsson, Scott Parker
ST: Robin Van Persie
The Dutchman has been unquestionably the most important player in Arsenal’s squad this season and at the time of writing has chipped in with a fantastic 27 goals in 33 games, including a hat-trick away at Arsenal’s London rivals, Chelsea.
His incredible season has seen people compare him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Spending £38 million to bring Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid was a massive risk by Manchester City, but it was one that has well and truly paid off.
Two goals on his debut against Swansea quickly dispelled talk of Aguero not being able to adapt to the premier league and since then Aguero has continued to score goals for fun, proved by his record of 22 goals in 31 games.
Honourable mentions: Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Papiss Cisse
Written by Joshua SodergrenFollow him on Twitter @chelsealad1365
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