Premier League: Team of the year 2014
From Liverpool’s winning streak last season where everything seemed too easy for the Reds to their current downfall, this year was a roller coaster ride for not just Liverpool fans, but Premier League fans in general.However, in terms of goals scored and thrilling action, this season was no different from the ones before it.While there were some expected heroes during the last 12 months, some unexpected figures rose to the limelight as well.Here are 11 players that performed to their full potential and got applause from the fans all over the World:
#1 David de Gea
While many people would refer to Wikipedia to search the definition of ‘evolution’, a mere glance at the career of David De Gea in Manchester United colours can provide a more practical example of that. Signed from Atletico Madrid and termed as the successor to Edwin van der Sar, David De Gea has finally looked like the goalkeeper United forked out £20 million for this year.
Even though Iker Casillas has recovered his form after a disastrous World Cup to his name, Spanish fans were demanding his exit after his howlers in the World Cup. Thus, the rise of rise of de Gea has served very well to Vicente Del Bosque who was under pressure after a miserable World Cup campaign. The start of a new era at Manchester United has promised opportunities for the new-comers with the arrival of Louis van Gaal at the helm, the Spanish stopper has done well to retain his place as the Number 1 goalkeeper for Manchester United.
In terms of history, Manchester United always have a habit of breeding World-class keepers at the helm. Alex Ferguson always had an eye for goal-keepers - From the Dane Peter Schmeichel in the 90s to van der Sar in the first decade of the 20th century. Even though de Gea did not perform well in his first two seasons at Old Trafford, the Spaniard is performing brilliantly this season.
Manchester United finished 2nd in de Gea’s first season in England, the performance levels of the Spaniard weren’t that good that season. Here is a tabular analysis of how far the Spaniard has come since his arrival at Manchester United:
| 2012-13 | 2014-15 |
Avg. distance success | 61% | 68% |
Avg. claim success | 88% | 92% |
Saves per game | 2.54 | 2.47 |