Premier League XI – Team of the Season so far
After a thrilling finish to the previous Premier League season, this season has in many ways taken off from the highs of the previous campaign. At this point, more than halfway into the season, there are still seven teams in contention for the four prestigious Champions League spots. This competition has undoubtedly pushed up the quality of games and the entertainment for the viewers. With lots of goal filled contests this far, several upsets pulled off, tens of spirited comebacks and a few newly formed rivalries, Premier League football just gets better and better.
With the quality on show in England, it was little short of a shock that the FIFPro World XI did not feature even a single player from the Premier League. Keeping in mind the performance of the players this season, here’s the Premier League XI – along with seven substitutes – that can be fielded with the players in the Premier League. How does this compare with the World XI (a.k.a La Liga XI)? You decide.
Formation: 4-3-3 (or) 4-3-1-2
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
The shot stopper for the Potters has been in sublime form this season. Having played all the 26 Premier League games for Stoke, he has managed an impressive 9 clean sheets – including those against top teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham – which is nothing short of an achievement in itself when playing for a mid-table side. Not for nothing has he attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
RB: Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
The 22-year-old full back has been a revelation at White Hart lane and his performances have already been rewarded with the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season. He has continued in the same vein this season, being solid defensively and capable in attack. Playing in 25 of the 26 Premier League games for Spurs, he has received praise for his defensive ability as well as contribution of 5 assists.
CB: Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Fondly known as the Verminator by the Emirates faithful, the number 5 at Arsenal has been handed the captaincy at Arsenal and has been good value for the arm-band that he holds. Appearing in 22 games in the PL, he has made countless clearances, tackles and interceptions. His aerial ability makes him invaluable both in defence and in attack which when added to his powerful shot on his left foot, make him a threat from set-pieces.
CB: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
The Man City and Belgium Captain is a dedicated defender and a capable leader. While his contribution to Manchester City is appreciated by fans and experts alike, his real value to the team has been realised in his absence due to injury. The defence without him has looked out of sorts with no real co-ordination in the back four, which has cost City dearly in their race to retain the title.
LB: Leighton Baines (Everton)
From well-placed penalties to the lethal long shots that he fires on goal, there is little that the Everton no. 3 does not do. Baines has scored 5 times in his 26 appearances in the PL this season, besides setting up others. That’s as good a goal scoring defender as you’re going to get anywhere in the world. Add to it his admirable defensive record and you can see why Manchester United are after him.
CM: Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Touted as a future England captain already by several pundits, Jack Wilshere has won over his critics with the sheer dedication and drive he brings to the pitch. Just 21 years of age, he has been compared to Wayne Rooney for his versatility in play and incredible workrate. Goal scoring is perhaps the one area of play he needs to work on, but he more than makes up for it in other departments.
CM: Juan Mata (Chelsea)
A crafty player whose game is typical of Spanish mid-fielders, Juan Mata is and has been the backbone of an unstable Chelsea side for almost two years now. His ability to both set up and finish chances has come to the rescue of Chelsea on more than one occasion. With 10 goals in 20 appearances, there are few midfielders who can match his goal-scoring ability. If Chelsea are to finish in third, or even second place, it is vital that he stays fit and in form.
CM: Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
A very astute player who can play anywhere in midfield, Fellaini has been an incredible asset for Everton as they look to achieve their European ambition, which is more than what was expected of them. The 25-year-old has 10 goals to his credit in 21 games and has been more than capable defensively, and has attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
CF: Miguel Michu (Swansea)
The signing of the season. With 15 goals in 25 appearances in the league, Michu is an attacking mid-fielder who can play behind the main striker or anywhere across the forward line. A little known player until last season, the Spaniard broke on to the scene with a bang as he started off with two goals to his name on his debut for Swansea City. His consistency in goal scoring has given Swansea a ticket to the Wembley and possibly even silverware. And all this for 2 million – what a steal!
ST: Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
After his transfer to Manchester United in the summer, last season’s PFA Player of the Year has gotten even better, if it was possible. The leading scorer in the Premier League and the most likely player to win the Golden Boot, United’s MVP, RVP, has 19 goals in the League so far, some of which have been unbelievable finishes. How he did not make the World XI is something we can only wonder.
ST: Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Love him or loathe him, you just cannot ignore him. Suarez has been to Liverpool what Van Persie has been to Manchester United, and more. While Van Persie at United has got support in the form of Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck; Suarez bore the goal scoring burden for Liverpool all by himself for the first half of the season and on many occasions fought as the sole warrior for the Reds when the rest of the team didn’t perform, earning himself 17 goals in the league. He would deserve the Golden Boot every bit for his effort, if he manages to pip Van Persie to it, that is.
GK: Petr Cech (Chelsea)
CB: Chico Flores (Swansea)
LB: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
CM: Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
CM: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
LM: Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
ST: Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)