The best XI that didn’t make it into the PFA Team of the Year.
GK: Tim Howard – Everton
The big American is just the latest in a long line of quality goalkeepers from across the pond to make the Premier League their home. And like all top ‘keepers he gets better with age. This season he has been as consistent as ever and has been a rock in the last line of defence for an ambitious club looking to claim a place in the Champions League.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea
The Spaniard has been quietly going about his business this season, and that is perhaps why he was cruelly overlooked in place of Luke Shaw. Ashley Cole may be getting on in years, but he is still a tough competitor to displace, and though he had help with injury, the young full-back has kept the England international out of the side since the new year.
CB: Per Mertesacker – Arsenal
The lanky stopper had a shaky start to life at the Emirates, but it is now difficult to imagine the side without him as he once again proves his class and ability at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Forming a solid partnership with Laurent Koscielny, the German international is one half of the pairing to keep former skipper Thomas Vermaelen out of the side.
CB: John Terry – Chelsea
The veteran centre-back has undergone somewhat of a renaissance this season under Jose Mourinho. Despite his advancing years he has managed to stay as an integral part of the club’s title challenge and may even earn himself a one-year extension. Most surprisingly of all – he’s remained controversy free! However, his good form may not be enough to win him a spot back in the England team to travel to Brazil this summer.
RB: Bacary Sagna – Arsenal
Sagna has been a consistent performer for the Gunners this term, much like his defensive partner Per Mertescker, and with his future under doubt this term he has played on and caused havoc for opposing flanks all season long with the utmost professionalism. Arsenal would do well to hang on to him.
LM: Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
There was some genuine doubt about Sterling when he first joined Liverpool. Though he possessed a raw talent, there were fears that he was too easily distracted to hone his ability and turn it into an instrument for success. However, this season he has upped his game considerably and may even get to enjoy a trip to Brazil at the end of the season.
CM: Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
The Welshman began the season in frighteningly good form, and you couldn’t go a week without seeing his name on the scoresheet. However, injury derailed his, and Arsenal’s, season, but despite that he has remained so crucial to the club’s style that he warrants a place in the alternative XI of the year.
CM: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
The all-action midfielder is now starting to justify his £20m price tag, and should the Reds claim the grand prize, his contribution will be worth every penny. Able to press forward and be a crucial link in the club’s attack, he can also track back and chip in with the defensive side of things too.
RM: David Silva – Man City
Spaniard has had an excellent season but due to the high standards people have come to expect of the Man City man it’s almost as though his efforts have gone unnoticed outside the Etihad Stadium.
One of the Premier League’s leading assist makers and one of the most inventive players in the English top tier and one of the reasons Manuel Pellegrini’s side can’t seem to stop scoring.
CAM: Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Even though he is technically more of a second striker, the England international has been in such good form behind the main forward that it would be impossible to leave him out. He has been a constant shining light in a season of upheaval and high drama at Old Trafford that he is unlucky to end the season without some form of recognition.
ST: Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
The Argentine has been in outrageous form this term, and City would undoubtedly have the title wrapped up already had it not been for injury and his return for the run in could not have come sooner.
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