Updated at 08.15
THE PFA PREMIER League Team of the Year was announced yesterday, and though all inclusions were thoroughly deserved, there’s always bound to be a couple of similarly worthy players who miss out.
With that in mind, we’ve selected an alternative Team of the Year, with the main rule being that only players who weren’t selected for the PFA team are eligible…
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea): Much was expected of the 22-year-old following an impressive season with Atletico Madrid last year, and he duly delivered, as the Belgian international was as integral a part of Chelsea’s backline as anyone else. De Gea’s brilliance attracted much of the attention, but Courtois wasn’t far behind the Man United stopper.
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton): The 24-year-old has had a superb year, making his England debut and featuring in 31 of Southampton’s 34 games so far, consequently being part of the Premier League’s current joint-best defence statistically, and looking impressive going forward to boot.
Jose Fonte (Southampton): One of the harshest omissions from the official PFA team, Fonte has marshalled Southampton’s defence superbly, with the Saints barely missing the departed Dejan Lovren at all as a result this season.
Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal): Only Chelsea and Southampton have better defensive records than Arsenal this year, and the ever-reliable 29-year-old French defender has played a considerable role in their success in this department.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea): The one Chelsea defender omitted from the official team of the year, the Spanish full-back was undoubtedly hard done by, as he has fought off the threat of summer signing Filipe Luis to feature in 26 of their 33 Premier League games so far.
David Silva (Man City): While in general, Man City’s form was erratic, Silva was one of the few players who performed with a degree of consistency. Consequently, having produced 11 goals and four assists, he is one of the key reasons why the club are currently second in the league.
Christian Eriksen (Tottenham): A vital member of Spurs’ squad, as emphasised by the fact that he has featured in all 34 of their Premier League games so far this season, Eriksen — along with Harry Kane — has kept Spurs in the running for a place in Europe with his influential displays.
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal): Eight assists gives an indication of Cazorla’s creativity, while Arsene Wenger clearly values the Spaniard highly, as he has been involved in all but one of the club’s games this season.
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea): He may have gone off the boil a little in recent months, but he was arguably the player of the first-half of the season, with no other individual coming close to matching his 16 assists.
Charlie Austin (QPR): Austin may not have scored quite as many goals as Messrs Kane, Aguero and Costa, but 17 strikes is impressive nonetheless, particularly given that it’s surely harder to thrive up front at a relegation-threatened club.
Sergio Aguero (Man City): Another one of the few who can emerge with credit amid a disappointing season for Man City, Aguero has currently scored more goals than either Harry Kane or Diego Costa in the league and as a result, was unfortunate not to make the official team.
Subs: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Aaron Cresswell (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea), Oscar (Chelsea), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Saido Berahino (West Brom).
Who do you feel was unlucky to miss out on the PFA team of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.
