As the Premier league takes a breather owing to the international break for the Euro Playoffs, the Crystal Ball is taking a look back at the season so far, and assembling a squad of players who have stood out the most. After carefully examining the 11 rounds of fixtures, here’s the team of the season so far…
GK: Michel Vorm
Vorm has been an absolute monster in goal, merely conceding a single goal at home. His goalkeeping has been one of the most paramount reasons why Swansea find themselves in the top half of the table.
RB: Jose Bosingwa
While clean sheets have been hard to come for Chelsea, Bosingwa has still managed to shine on the right flank. The Portuguese fullback has enhanced the defensive part of his repertoire and his marauding runs forward are a menace for the opposition.
CB: Phil Jones
Proving himself to be a bargain purchase, Jones has been an absolute marvel and has excelled in various positions for United. He has the defensive savoir faire and couples it up with his dynamism. With Ferdinand and Vidic on a decline, Jones and Smalling are United’s future – and possibly present as well.
CB: Vincent Kompany
Possibly the strongest candidate for the defender of the season so far this season; Kompany has taken over the captain’s armband at City and has oozed dependability and solidity. Without him City’s defense is all over the place and he is absolutely imperative for City’s title aspirations.
LB: Jose Enrique
Liverpool finally seem to have plugged their problem area as far as defense is concerned. Enrique is solid at the back, and provides attacking impetus on the left as well. With three assists already this season, the former Newcastle fullback has demonstrated his crossing ability from decisive positions as well.
CM: Cheick Tiote
The best defensive midfielder in the league, Tiote has easily been Newcastle’s outstanding performer this season. Breaking plays, screening his defense, and allowing Cabaye to do his mastery on the ball – Tiote is the single biggest factor behind Newcastle’s upsurge and defensive stability.
CM: Rafael Van Der Vaart
Van Der Vaart is one of the most talismanic figures in the league and more often than not Spurs’ principal protagonist in attack. With six goals and a pair of assists – in an injury-hit start to the season – already, the Flying Dutchman still has a lot of wizardry up his sleeve.
CM: David Silva
The unanimous choice for EPL’s Player of the season so far, Silva orchestrates the table toppers with an awe-inspiring brand of passing, vision, and linkup play. He pulls City’s strings in midfield, and with a deadly strike force ahead of him, the Spaniard ensures that his team profits to the fullest.
ST: Gabriel Agbonlahor
The forward with the most number of assists (six) so far this season, and he has backed them up with five clinical and significant finishes. Agbonlahor has combined seamlessly with Bent on numerous occasions with Villa benefiting the most.
ST: Wayne Rooney
Rooney had a blistering start to the season, but he has begun to tail off recently and has been playing in the midfield off-late. That experiment shouldn’t last long, and one would expect Rooney to be back upfront for United, bidding to rediscover is all-conquering form up top.
ST: Robin Van Persie
The most valuable player in the league, as far as singlehanded influence over league standings is concerned. Arsenal’s skipper is the top-scorer in the league with 11 goals, and is undoubtedly the nucleus of all of Wenger’s aspirations.
Manager: Alan Pardew
With inflated expectations and little sanity in the boardroom, being Newcastle’s manager is one of the most strenuous tasks in football. However Pardew has done a resounding job in ensuring that his side rises up from being early season relegation contenders to veritable challengers for the Champions League places.
Substitutes Bench
Ali Al-Habsi: Wigan’s ‘Goals Against’ column would look like a telephone number without him
Steven Taylor: The heart of the statistically meanest defense in England
Kyle Walker: Spurs haven’t lost with him in the side
Scott Parker: Spurs’ midfield dynamo, who ensures that his teammates find their attacking liberty
Juan Mata: His spark will be pivotal for Chelsea’s multi-pronged quest for silverware
Luis Suarez: At his best, he is a match for any EPL striker
Sergio Aguero: Has scored a handful of goals,
vindicating his 35 million pound price tag.
