'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
For all the high intensity competition that the English Premier League traditionally boasts, the 2014-15 season turned out to be a massive disappointment. The season will be remembered for the lack of competition at the top as the mighty Chelsea remained unchallenged for number one spot.
But on the brighter side, things were quite interesting at the other side of the table. The season will equally be remembered for the passionate fight the teams at the bottom of the table put up to stay in the elite league.
Trending
The fairy tale revival of Leicester City, the dramatic late escape of Sunderland for their second season running and the Newcastle United-Hull City relegation battle have all been highlights of a season plagued by the mediocrity of the conventional giants.
For a neutral spectator, the league was all about that 17th spot. It was a survival race that went on till the final day.
Let us take a look at those outstanding players who make it into the relegated XI of English Premier League 2014/15.
Goalkeeper - Tom Heaton
The Burnley keeper was once hailed as one of the best prospects to come out of the Manchester United academy. Unsatisfied by a mere specator role at Old Trafford, Heaton decided on a move to Cardiff City.
In 2013, he moved to Burnley and was pivotal in their surprise promotion to the Premier League.
Lack of genuine quality in the side made it impossible for Sean Dyche's men to survive in the Premier League. However, Heaton was a stand-out performer for the Clarets. He registered 10 clean sheets this season which is a remarkable achievement for the goalkeeper of a relegated team.
Having played at all youth levels, his good performances this season have earned him a call up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the upcoming friendly and Euro qualifiers.
Right Back - Kieran Trippier
Trippier has been a consistent performer ever since he joined Burnley in 2011. In 2011-12 he was elected the Burnley player of the year. In the successive two seasons, Trippier was part of the Championship team of the season.
The Burnley fan favourite likes to get forward and is an excellent crosser of the ball. He registered 4 assists and created 63 chances which is highly impressive when we compare it to the 5 assists and 36 chances by his Chelsea counterpart Branislav Ivanovic.
However, he tends to lose ball quite often which is an area he needs to improve.
Though his renewed contract runs till 2017, he has a release clause of just £3.5m. The 24-year old is being scouted by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur. With right guidance, Trippier can raise his standards and be an outstanding fullback.
Left Back - Andrew Robertson
A player dropped from the Celtic academy for being too small for the game, Andrew Robertson worked hard to achieve his dream of being a professional footballer.
After scintillating performances for Dundee United, a move to the Premier League materialised. He is now the first choice left back for Scotland and Hull City.
Despite being in a defensive position, he has a flair for creative an attacking play.
With Tigers manager Steve Bruce admitting that big clubs have been monitoring Robertson, it won't be long before the player takes the next step in his career and moves on to bigger challenges.
Centre Back - Steven Caulker
A former Tottenham Hotspur academy product, Caulker is your typical no-nonsense defender. He grabbed attention after a succesful loan spell at Yeovil Town for which he was voted into the 'Team of the Decade' by the fans.
In 2013 when the then newly promoted Cardiff City signed Caulker for £8m, it was a club record. However, he has now suffered back to back relegations with Cardiff City and his current club QPR.
Nevertheless, Caulker has shown promising talent in 2014-15 season. As far as aerial ability and positional awareness is concerned, he's one of the finest in the league. Caulker averaged 10.43 clearances per game which is highly impressive.
Caulker is still an uncut diamond who needs massive attention. It is a disappointment that he has had to play for 6 clubs already. But it is certain that QPR will lose several star names this summer and Caulker is expected to be one.
Centre Back - Jason Shackell
Arguably the best defender from the bottom half of the EPL table, the Burnley skipper Jason Shackell is the most eligible to be the captain of our relegated XI. Shackell is the kind of player who can organise a defence from the back and lead the team from the front.
Statistically, as per Squawka's rankings on defensive actions, he is the number one defender in the entire league. He averages 11.71 clearances and 1.37 blocks per game both of which are the highest figures in the league. Add to it the general observation that Shackell's aerial prowess is second to none.
As the summer transfer window approaches, he will definitely be one player Sean Dyche hopes to retain for next season.
Right Midfielder - Ahmed Elmohamady
The mercurial Egyptian winger has featured in all the 38 matches for the Tigers and is one of the fittest players in the league.Generally fielded as a right wing-back, Elmohamady has shown an impressive work rate and tactical awareness in all thirds of the pitch.
He is that tireless worker who can pull off an audacious tackle at one end, make a lung-bursting run to the other end and put in a dangerous cross. His aggression, pace and hunger to win the ball back make him a constant threat.
Even though he played as a right wing-back with defensive responsibilities, Elmohamady has managed to rack up 2 goals and 5 assists this season (according to WhoScored).
A player like Elmohamady who can shoulder the responsibility of an entire flank is indeed a rare breed. If Hull City can manage to keep hold of him, it will be a major boost in their quest to get back to the Premier League next season.
Central Midfielder - Tom Huddlestone
The ambidexterous Tom Huddlestone has been the heart of the midfield of Hull City. An intelligent player who has a good understanding of the game, Huddlestone is admired for his eye for a long pass and good ball distribution.
Like his compatriot Michael Carrick, Huddlestone is adept at playing as a deep-lying playmaker as well as a defensive midfielder. He can play those deadly passes to the forwards or shift back and act as a screen to the centre backs.
His set-piece delivery is something the team has been heavily reliant on. From a deep position, he made 0.71 key passes per game, created 0.77 chances per game and made 1.61 tackles compared to the 0.33, 0.44 and 1.06 respectively by Carrick (Squawka).
A highly talented player deeply admired by the likes of Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood, Huddlestone who has been criticised in the past for his poor work-rate requires only that extra bit of motivation.
Central Midfielder - Leroy Fer
Leroy Fer is, in simple words, that right player suffering in the wrong club. The physically strong Dutch International is an excellent box to box midfielder who has also impressed in the role of a winger or a central attacking midfielder (Number 10) for QPR.
Interestingly, he played in several positions during his time at Feyenoord including right back.Though a versatile player, it is in the number 10 role that the dynamic midfielder thrives in. As per Squawka, Fer averaged 1.66 chances per game, 1.59 key passes per game and registered 1.86 shots per game.
With QPR relegated, there is definitely going to be a queue of suitors for the services of Fer. The Everton boss Roberto Martinez is said to be a long-time admirer of Fer.
Though he made it into the World cup 2014 squad, a place in the Dutch national team is not something Fer can take for granted. It is highly unlikely that he will stay loyal to his club and play in the Championship next season thereby hampering his overall development.
Fer will most likely join a Premier League side to compete at the highest level.
Left Midfielder - George Boyd
To begin with, Boyd is not a highly talented player. Boyd is not that wideman who can mesmerise the crowd with cheeky stepovers or dribbles either. What's worse, Boyd is a right midfielder by trade and left midfield is only his secondary position. But I would be leaving this list incomplete if I didn't pick George Boyd.
As per the data collected by EA Sports for its 'Player Performance Index' stats, Boyd has run 210.5 miles on the pitch this season which makes him the most hard working player on the field.
Boyd comes into that category of players who more than make up for the lack of inborn talent with commitment. For once, let us put aside complicated stats and simply admire this man who never stops running.
Centre Forward - Danny Ings
If I were to define Danny Ings, it would be this: A breakout star whose achievement was dwarfed by the unbelievable rise of Harry Kane.
However, everyone will agree that several factors have helped Kane. He plays for a side that boasts of quality support players like Eriksen, Lamela and Chadli whereas Ings plays for a weaker side.
As per Squawka, Ings creates a chance every game compared to the 0.79 by Kane. Ings has also registered 0.89 key passes per game whereas the Spurs youngster contributed 0.68. Ings is a complete forward. Like his compatriot Wayne Rooney,he likes to drop deep and get involved in the build-up play. He likes to make runs and take on the defenders. Sometimes he can also be seen pressing for ball in the own half.
With clubs like Real Sociedad, Schalke, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool all rumoured to have scouted the 22-year-old-Englishman, Ings is certain to make that critical step this summer. As Jamie Redknapp said " With all respect to Burnley, he is destined for bigger things. The big question is when?"
Centre Forward- Charlie Austin
Scored 18 goals for the rock bottom club in a competitive league like English Premier League. Now that's not the kind of story you get to hear every season.
No points for guessing the lead striker of our relegated XI. If Harry Kane has been the revelation of the season, Charlie Austin has been the wonder of the season. The Englishman has been the bright spot for Rangers in an otherwise extremely disappointing season.
Charlie Austin is an old school classic striker which is a rare and dying breed. Good in the air, good in hold-up play and good with the runs, Austin is the kind of striker who feeds on good service. But he is not your typical poacher. He works hard on and off the ball. For the minimal service he gets from his teammates, he has shown great sharpness in finishing.
Austin has played non-league football and lower divisions and had always remained anonymous to the big stage. But with the stellar season with QPR, he has made a statement to Roy Hodgson that can no longer be ignored. Austin has recently been rewarded with his first International call-up.
As far as International career is concerned, Austin is a late bloomer. But let's hope Austin can grab this opportunity and beat all the odds to be the main man for England for years to come.
Here is a look at the whole team:
