Team of the Week: 12th May 2013

This was a week worth remembering for a lot of fans. Wigan became FA cup champions, Newcastle ensured their safety and Sir Alex had his final hurrah at Old Trafford. The Toffees ensured a grand send-off for outgoing David Moyes. Lampard reached the hallowed mark of 203 goals and overtook Bobby Tambling. We even saw Tottenham showing a bit of spine, which is odd to say the least.

Here is my Team of the Week in a 3-5-2 formation. I chose this formation because of Wigan’s brilliant rendition of it.

Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

This was a week that saw many howlers from keepers. Robert Green, Ben Foster and Asmir Begovic made the dirt list. But the man in goal against Liverpool was magnificent. He was excellent in between the sticks. He could not have done anything about the three goals which were scored but he did make three excellent saves, which kept the score down.

Centre Back: Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)

The man has consistently been putting in good performances and against Tottenham, he was the synonym for efficiency and effectiveness. He hardly gave Adebayor space, and guarded his area well. He put in two crucial blocks that looked destined for goal. The most pleasing aspect though was his man-marking on the three men behind Adebayor.

Centre Back: Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)

Ferdinand has since long seemed to be a star on the wane. But against Swansea he looked back to his old self. He carried the ball out of defense, linked up play and was unbeatable in the air. His most crucial contribution though was the winning goal he scored to give Sir Alex the perfect send off.

Centre Back: Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur)

Like his opposite number, Dawson too was almost perfect all through the game. He kept the tall Crouch quiet and even beat Shawcross to a couple of headers. He did not buckle under Stoke’s physical play and led with his performance.

Left Wing Back: Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic)

As Martin Tyler aptly put it, Espinoza was full of commitment and devoid of finesse. He did not need finesse the way he played. He was tireless all through the game. He kept Pablo Zabaleta quiet and even gave him troubles. Zabaleta was pinned back for most of the game and subsequently City lacked width.

Right Wing Back: Phil Jones (Manchester United)

He has been deployed at a variety of positions this season. But in my humble opinion, he is at his best at right back. He makes marauding runs forward, and even though he does not look the part, he is extremely quick. He kept an effective tab on Hernandez and constantly heckled Swansea.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

It may have been farewell time for the ginger prince, but he looked sharp as ever. His vision was perfect, his passing immaculate as usual. The runs were perfect and he even tried a couple of his trademark shots. The best thing though was that he got almost all his tackles right.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

This was a week for the old men of the league. With Scholes and Rio turning in good performances, Lampard too joined in the party. He first equalled and then overtook Bobby Tambling’s record of 202 goals. Even otherwise, his passing was good and when Villa piled on the pressure late in the game, Lampard was the unexpected leader in defense.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Callum Mcmanaman (Wigan Athletic)

I just could not leave him out. For a player as raw as him to leave his mark on an FA cup final is nothing less than a dream come true. He was tireless and skilful for the whole 90 minutes. He displayed an assured touch, excellent pace and a maturity beyond his years. He tortured Clichy all through the game and made space for his team. If Wigan do go down, this man could be in high demand.

Right Forward: Kevin Mirallas (Everton)

The Belgian has flowered into a full-fledged star under the management of Moyes. He has almost Bale-esquely led his team forward. Against West Ham, he got a brace and was unplayable all through the game. Manchester United fans would be hoping that Moyes brings Mirallas to Old Trafford along with him.

Left Forward: Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

When I heard that Liverpool had paid 12.5 USD for Sturridge, I thought Liverpool were making a mistake. I stand corrected though, as his performances since his signing show. His performances against Newcastle, Norwich, Chelsea, Manchester City and most recently against Fulham show his quality. He scored three good goals and took home the match ball. Ironically though, it has been since Suarez’s suspension that Sturridge has flowered into his present form.

Manager

I was tempted to name Sir Alex or Moyes for the honour. But for me, the award goes to Latics boss Roberto Martinez. Hampered by injuries, he put out a makeshift team with a clear brief. All his tactical changes worked. His substitution resulted in a goal. And whether or not Wigan are relegated is a different question, but it is unlikely a team as small and limited would achieve FA cup glory anytime soon.