Top 5 Players of the Season 2011/2012
The high-flying Belgian center back and the skipper of Manchester City has been a solid rock in a magnificent season for the citizens. Making a fine example for young defenders, he has been vital to Roberto Mancini’s road to glory. Capable of playing at both as center back and a defensive midfielder, Komapany has undoubtedly has been one of the best players this season. Regarded as one of the bargain buys, he has transformed himself as one of the best sought out for defenders in the Premier League. Mancini himself praised Kompany as the best center back in Europe. With a very important goal in the Mancunian Derby, he has proved his worth in the Premier League.
Captain Vantastic. The three time Player of the month and Arsenal Player of the Season 2008-2009 winning skipper of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal has been clinical throughout the season. Van Persie was brought in by the French genius to be the long-time replacement for Dennis Bergkamp and was immediately compared to the likes of Dutch legend Marco Van Basten. One can only wonder how Arsenal would have fared this season without him. A hero and a legend to the fans, he showed that its his time by winning the PFA award and also ending on a high with the highest number of goals this season in the EPL. With 96 goals in 184 appearances and transfers linking him away from the Emirates , no Arsenal fan would want to let him go.
The prolific Argentinian hitman and the son-in-law of the great Diego Maradona has been a sensation for City. Combined with his close control and strength to keep the ball, he is described as a menace in the box. He made a name for himself, attracting attention from Europe’s top clubs by scoring 101 goals in 234 appearances for Athletico Madrid after moving from Independiente. He joined City for a fee of around 35 million Euros. Finding the net again and again when needed , he has been one of the best forwards in the squad when the likes of Tevez and Balloteli were having a bad time. His vital last minute goal against Queens Park Rangers sealed City their first title after 44 long years thus ending the Red domination of Manchester.
The 26 year old Senegalese wizard just about sums up a complete striker. Holding the record of highest number of goals scored in the Bundesliga by an African, he scores goals out of thin air as was seen with his physics defying goal against Chelsea. His impressive goal scoring records of 13 goals in 14 appearances makes him the most efficient striker to wear a Newcastle shirt after Hughie Gallacher. A great season with the Magpies has seen him in the transfer list of major clubs like Chelsea who are still spell-bounded after that goal which shocked a 42,000 strong crowd.
A true Spanish magician. With 23 assists, he is the standout player for Chelsea this season, scoring on his debut against the Canaries. Known for his creativity, acceleration, speed, versatility, and technical ability he is described as a “creative spark”. He has also been described as “a touch of flair” and has earned critical acclaim for his playing style, which has led to the media, fans and player’s drawing comparisons to Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. Always finding himself in the middle of the game, he is the person who reignited the fire in Fernando Torres. Pundits and fans will agree that his signing is one of the best contributions of Andre Villas Boas to Chelsea.