The Unfortunate XI: Premier League's alternative team of the year

The Premier League season is entering its closing stages and Saturday night saw the PFA officially announce the 2015 Team of the Year.Unsurprisingly, that team was dominated by a presence from champions-elect Chelsea. No less than six of their players made their way into the team while Eden Hazard also scooped the individual award for Player of the Year.However, the 2014/15 season has provided plenty of subplots with a number of players showing why the EPL remains the world's most exciting league. Here is an alternative Team of the Year, comprised of players omitted from the official PFA teamsheet:Note: The team will line-up in a 4-3-1-2 formation

#1 Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)

Whilst nobody could have any arguments over David de Gea's inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year, Thibaut Courtois certainly pushed the Manchester United custodian all the way.

Chelsea have conceded just 26 goals from 33 matches and Courtois has played a significant role in an often impregnable back five. All world-class teams need a reliable and authoritative No.1 and Jose Mourinho has certainly found his.

The fact that Courtois had to condemn someone as good as Petr Cech to the shadows to become the top goalkeeper at the club says it all. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Belgian grace the Stamford Bridge net for the next 10 years.

#2 Right-back: Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)

Ronald Koeman's maiden campaign at the St Mary's stadium could have scarcely gone better and that success has largely been founded on the triumphs of a defence that has shipped just 26 goals all season. Right-back Nathaniel Clyne has been an instrumental figure throughout.

Clyne's defensive qualities have been supplemented by a willingness to get forward and those attacking contributions have been rewarded in the form of two goals.

The 24-year-old's brilliance has seen him earn 4 England caps and also garnered him huge interest from Manchester United. He has also caught our attention too – a definite inclusion in our mythical XI.

#3 Centre-back: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

It has been a difficult campaign for Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, who have failed to replicate their heroics of 2013/14. However, defender Martin Skrtel has enjoyed a very productive campaign at the heart of the Reds' defence.

Whilst those around him, like Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren, have struggled for consistency, the Slovakian has often bailed his team out defensively. His importance was arguably best highlighted during his absence against Arsenal, as the Gunners tore a confused Liverpool defence apart.

Skrtel has played 43 matches for the Reds in a season when they made their much-awaited return to Champions League football and was also part of their run to the FA Cup semi-finals.

#4 Centre-back: Jose Fonte (Southampton)

Many fans thought Southampton's 31-year-old centre-half would have beaten Gary Cahill into the PFA Team of the Year. He didn't, but he has definitely managed to secure a place in our line-up.

The Portuguese defender has played a starring role at the heart of a solid Saints' defence, the most miserly in the Premier League and Koeman is certainly getting the best from his reliable team captain.

Fonte's individual talent, along with his organisational skills, have played a huge part in Southampton's mesmerising run this term whilst the long-serving defender also provided a stable and calming presence following the summer exodus from St Mary's. He has for sure has been one of the unsung heroes of the season.

#5 Left-back: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)

Making the step up from Championship football is no easy feat but, since joining West Ham United from Ipswich Town last summer, Aaron Cresswell has completed that transition with minimal fuss to become one of the division's most highly-rated full-backs.

The 25-year-old has flourished at Upton Park during his debut campaign, offering defensive solidity as well as fantastic delivery in the final third. He has without doubt been one of the shrewdest acquisitions of Sam Allardyce's tenure at the club.

As an added bonus, Cresswell also possesses fantastic set-piece ability and it's no wonder several Premier League outfits are being linked with a summer move for him, with bids reported to be around the £25 million mark.

#6 Defensive midfield: Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Picking a player who missed half the season through injury does leave a slight sense of uneasiness. However, not selecting Michael Carrick would have been even harder still.

There is absolutely no coincidence that Carrick's return coincided with Manchester United's best form of the season. He might not do so in quite the same manner as Paul Scholes before him, but the 33-year-old completely runs the show at Old Trafford, setting the tempo and style of Louis van Gaal's team.

In terms of impact, the Englishman’s presence is arguably more important than any other player in the league. The Red Devils would have struggled to secure their return to Champions League football had it not been for his return. For that reason alone, he is an absolute must in our team.

#7 Central midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

Amidst all the plaudits heading Eden Hazard's way, it is easy to forget just how influential Cesc Fabregas has been in helping Jose Mourinho's side win a first Premier League title in five years. The silky Spaniard easily merits a place in our line-up.

Fabregas was simply mesmerising during the early months of the campaign, a time when Chelsea played what was by far their most exciting football, and was regularly the catalyst for creativity at Stamford Bridge.

It's not difficult to understand why the bulk of praise has gone elsewhere, as his form has dropped off since January, added to the fact that the club has been playing a more cautious brand of football.

However, considering the fact that Cesc was given the enormous task of replacing club legend Frank Lampard, the midfielder has been nothing short of outstanding.

#8 Central midfield: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

This summer signals the end of an era at Anfield as captain Steven Gerrard makes his Liverpool exit. Fortunately, the Reds seem to have unearthed his natural successor in current midfield star Jordan Henderson.

The England midfielder has been brilliant this term, especially during Liverpool's incredible run at the start of 2015. Henderson has added goals to his game, which could be massive, whilst his ability to find the right pass is arguably only surpassed by Manchester United's Carrick.

Henderson has provided eight league assists this term whilst regularly providing the most energy both going forward and while defending. The whole of Anfield will be relieved to have seen him sign a contract extension.

#9 Attacking midfield: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho might have received the nod as far as the PFA Team of the Year is concerned, but Arsenal's Santi Cazorla will certainly feel he deserved a place in the team. If it's any consolation Santi, you were one of the first names on our teamsheet.

The Spaniard has scored seven league goals this term, as well as laying on eight assists for his teammates. In comparison, Coutinho has notched just four on both accounts. Quite frankly, it seems a pretty weird situation that the Gunner was overlooked.

Cazorla has been a beacon of consistent quality at the heart of Arsenal's midfield, helping them control possession and continuing their brilliant attacking play. Arsene Wenger will be hoping for more of the same in 2015/16.

#10 Striker: Sergio Aguero (Mancheter City)

Manchester City's title defence may have ended with a whimper, but star man Sergio Aguero has continued to light up the Premier League throughout 2014/15, underlining his indispensable status at the Etihad stadium.

The Argentina striker has netted 21 Premier League goals this term, placing him as the current frontrunner in a ferocious race for the Golden Boot. Add six assists to the mix and it really is hard to argue against his status as the division's best attacking talent.

Aguero has additionally shown his remarkable talent with a memorable hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. If he had stayed fit all season, Manuel Pellegrini's men might have just retained their crown.

#11 ST: Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers)

It seems as though even the heroics of Charlie Austin won't be enough to prevent Queens Park Rangers from suffering relegation back to the Championship, but that should not detract from the obvious star quality that the 25-year-old possesses.

A return of 17 goals in 31 appearances tells a story of its own, and the fact that he's done it for one of the weaker Premier League outfits makes that tally all the more impressive.

Austin has scored a larger percentage of his team's goals than any other player in the division. Considering how good he has been, a big summer move looks inevitable, and clubs will be waiting to launch bids for his signature as soon as QPR’s Premier League status gets confirmed.