This week Sky Sports have been keen to use their app, news channel, website and everything in between to show us who Gary Neville thinks is the Premier League’s best XI for this season. Gary should be at the top of his game punditry wise. Just like when he was at United and Sir Alex would sign a right back to challenge for his place, Gary will need to be at his best with the impending arrival of Jamie Carragher to Sky.
Anyway, one of the very best things about being a football fan is enjoying the polarising opinions that the game can produce. So with Gary revealing his team of the season I thought to myself that everyone’s opinion is valid in a discussion such as this, so why not throw in my two cents?
Sure, Gary Neville is a multi-time Premier League and Champions League winner, but is he currently sat at the top of the 90minutesonline fantasy football league? Here, as promised, is my chosen XI from this season’s Premier League. Let the discussion commence.
Goalkeeper – Petr Čech (Chelsea)
Čech has been doing it for so long at the very top of the Prem that often his accomplishments can slip under the radar. He’s good, but that’s what we expect. But Čech is enjoying one of his best campaigns for a long time this season, enjoying a mammoth 55 games (and counting) in the goal of what has at times been an unsteady Chelsea side.
Right Back – Matthew Lowton (Aston Villa)
The signing of Lowton for Villa from Sheffield United this summer wouldn’t have made many headlines outside of Birmingham. But Lowton’s performances have seen the 23 year old mentioned in the same breath as England regulars like Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker with talk of an international call up.
Centre Back – Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
An impressive debut season from the Belgian centre back. The former Ajax captain has proved his worth at both ends of the field and has quickly established himself as one of the league’s best.
Centre Back – Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
Jamie Carragher seemed surplus to requirements at the start of the season when Brendan Rodgers took over at Anfield. His subsequent retirement announcement seemed to further cement this but Carragher has battled back to enjoy a rich vein of form in his final season as a professional.
Left Back – Leighton Baines (Everton)
Benefiting from a nearly telepathic partnership with left winger Steven Pienaar, Baines seems to have gone from strength to strength since signing for Everton. Now one of the best attacking full backs in the world, Baines has set up more goals this season than any other player in Europe. An impressive stat indeed.
Centre Midfield – Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
During yet another season where Everton have flourished with a relatively small squad, the Toffee’s have needed to rely heavy on their star players. And none have contributed more than Fellaini. One of the most imposing physical presences in the league, defenders know they are in a game when faced with the Belgian midfielder. Contributing a personal best 11 league goals hasn’t hurt matters either.
(And be sure to keep an eye on the two Evertonians, rumours are already linking them to following you-know-who to Old Trafford- Ed.)
Centre Midfield – Michu (Swansea City)
Ok, this is cheating a bit. His eye for a goal has seen Michu moved into the centre forward position. But, originally signed as an attacking midfielder, Michu’s debut season has been nothing short of remarkable. Contributing hugely to a Swansea side who have kept their Premier League status secure as well as adding the League Cup and European football to the equation.
Wingers – Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur) and Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Gary Neville seems to have drawn the ire of many on Twitter for his inclusion of Bale and Mata in favour of Santi Cazorla which seems unjust. Even though Cazorla has been impressive and will be better off next season with a year of English football behind him, two of the most creative forces in the league this season have been Bale and Mata.
Bale deserves the individual accolades that have come his way in recent weeks. Lifting Spurs to the brink of Champions League football, seemingly single handedly. Not to be outdone, Mata has carried Chelsea on his shoulders in similar fashion. Fighting off the signings of Hazard and Oscar to remain by far Chelsea’s most valuable player.
Forward – Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Another young player who has caught the eye as Villa edge closer to safety. His recent hat-trick against Sunderland was just the tip of the iceberg. Benteke’s rugged style has seen him settle quickly in English football and the imposing target man is already attracting the attention of many of England’s biggest clubs. Plus he didn’t even bite anyone!
Forward – Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
After the bitter blow of losing their Premier League crown to Manchester City, United had to act quickly and boldly if they were to wrestle the title back across Manchester. And act they did. £22.5million is a lot to spend on a player who is nearing his 30th birthday but RVP has paid United back in trophies, the Premier League is now secured.
Enjoying a virtually injury free season, a rarity for him, RVP has played in all but one of United’s league games this campaign and has demonstrated why he is the benchmark for strikers in England.
So, there you have it. Just one man’s opinion. No doubt yours will be different. But, as always, there is no wrong answer. Although I’m sure some of you will tell me different.