WITH THE PFA Players’ Team of the Season often decided by the stars that get the most attention throughout the course of the campaign, there are always bound to be a few differences when the statisticians weigh in.
The stats gurus at Who Scored have put together their select XI from this season’s campaign, and there are just four survivors from the side selected by the players.
In goals, David De Gea may have stole the show between the sticks for Manchester United, but Sunderland’s Romanian stopper Costel Pantilimon has beaten him to selection for the statistical side.
Pantilimon was a sub for Sunderland’s opening nine Premier League games, but replaced Vito Mannone in goals after the Italian conceded 10 in two games against Southampton and his former club Arsenal.
Branislav Ivanovic is the only defender to feature in both sides, with Chris Smalling and Laurent Koscielny replacing Chelsea duo John Terry and Gary Cahill in defence.
One of the surprise inclusions is at left back, with Nacho Monreal in the side in place of Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand.
There’s no change to the wings in this side, with Alexis Sanchez and Players’ Player of the Year Eden Hazard unchallenged, but Philippe Coutinho and Nemanja Matic have been binned in place of Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla.
Diego Costa keeps his place in the side, but only just made the cut after playing 26 games, one more than the cut off point for the statistical side.
And where’s Harry Kane, you might ask? It seems 21 league goals wasn’t enough for him to make the side, with top scorer Sergio Aguero partnering Costa up front.
Which side gets your vote?
