AS ALWAYS, THIS year’s PFA Team of the Year created plenty of debate, with some notable omissions.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to pick an alternative team, with the only stipulation being that the players who made the official side are ineligible for selection.
Check out our choices below and let us know what you think…
Thibaut Courtois: The Chelsea goalkeeper has been extremely solid again this year, and was part of a side that have conceded just 27 goals in the Premier League — a better record than any team other than Man United and Tottenham.
Marcos Alonso: Unlucky to miss out on the official team, former Bolton player Alonso has been a revelation in the wing-back role and well worth the £24 million Chelsea paid for him in the summer.
Cesar Azpilicueta: One of the best pure defenders in the game, Azpilicueta is one of the key reasons for Chelsea’s excellent defensive record this season.
Toby Alderweireld: With just 22 goals conceded, Tottenham have the best defence in the Premier League currently, and former Atletico Madrid star Alderweireld is a key reason for that statistic.
Michael Keane: Having been promoted from the Championship last season, Burnley were many pundits’ tips to go straight back down, yet with the club currently 14th on 36 points, it looks almost certain they will be staying up this season. And former Ireland underage international Keane has been excellent as part of the Clarets’ backline.
Mousa Dembele: A composed presence at the base of Tottenham’s midfield, Dembele’s ball-carrying ability was vital to creating momentum for Tottenham’s attacks, while despite attempting significantly more dribbles than the average defensive midfielder, he rarely concedes possession.
Victor Wanyama: A midfield destroyer with a terrific engine, Wanyama deserves just as much credit for Spurs’ superb defensive record as his colleagues in the backline.
Christian Eriksen: With 12 assists, only Kevin De Bruyne has created more goals than Eriksen in the Premier League this season, while his seven goals have also been a major contribution to Tottenham’s unlikely title bid.
Kevin De Bruyne: With a round of 16 Champions League exit and a Premier League campaign that could yet see them finish outside the top four, Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge at Man City has undeniably been somewhat underwhelming. Many of their attackers have looked excellent in fits and starts, though De Bruyne has arguably been their most consistent player going forward, registering 13 assists — more than any other Premier League player.
Alexis Sanchez: Arsenal look set for one of their worst-ever Premier League seasons, but with 19 goals and nine assists, Chile international Sanchez has been a rare bright spot in the Gunners’ largely miserable campaign.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Many doubted whether the Swedish star could have the desired impact on the Premier League at 35, but with 17 goals and five assists, there is no question he silenced the doubters. With a brace in the League Cup final, Ibrahimovic was also integral to United winning their first trophy under Mourinho, while he could yet inspire them to Europa League glory to boot.
Formation (4-4-2)
Courtois
Azpilicueta Keane Alderweireld Alonso
De Bruyne Wanyama Dembele Eriksen
Sanchez Ibrahimovic
Subs: Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Victor Moses, Nemanja Matic, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero.
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