Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney picked up PFA player of the Year, as many of you voted for, and saw the news posted last night on our Facebook page. Aston Villa’s James Milner picked up the Young Player of the Year award also.
The PFA of the Premier League also named their team of the season last night, and here’s the team in detail:
Joe Hart - Goalkeeper
Played: 34 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 10
The young Englishman has been excellent between the sticks for promoted side Birmingham and was fundamental to keeping the midland’s club in the Premiership, helping them to achieve a club record 15 games unbeaten run. The 23 year old is now being converted by the likes of Arsenal, while a return to Man City is most likely. He is now on the brink of the England 1st team and is expected to travel to South Africa this summer. This loan move has undoubtedly been successful, so much so the likes of Manchester United’s Ben Foster should get off the United bench and take note.
Branislav Ivanovic – Right Back
Club: Chelsea FC
Played: 26 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 16
Was linked with Real Madrid in the January window but decided to stay with the Premier League leaders due to an extended run in the 1st team. Although a centre back by trade, the Serbian has easily slotted in at right back filling in for the likes of the injured Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira, and has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players.
Thomas Vermaelen – Centre Back
Club: Arsenal FC
Played: 33 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 13
Goals: 7
The Belgian has been brilliant for Arsenal this season, making the transition from Dutch Side Ajax to the Gunners with relative ease. One transfer which slipped under the radar with Wenger paying more than normal, £10million. However the defender played every game for Arsenal this season until his unfortunate sending off against West Ham earned him a one match ban, and a calf injury against Tottenham ended his season. Now regarded as the best defender in the Arsenal side, chipping in with 7 goals in the process, he can expect to be the key man at the back for many years to come.
Richard Dunne – Centre Back
Club: Aston Villa
Played: 35 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 15
The Irish defender suffered heart break when the hand of Henry put the Republic of Ireland out of the World Cup, but he steadily recovered to help his side reach both the League Cup Final and Carling Cup Semi Final. He has also helped Villa challenge for the Champions League spot, while Martin O’Neill’s men are more likely to qualify for the Europa League. No failure none the less, while more of a personal achievement for Dunne himself, as he was ousted from Man City in favour of Kolo Toure, Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott. Dunne is now respected as one of the most improved and most consistant defenders in the Premiership gaining acknowledgement from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Patrice Evra – Left Back
Club: Manchester United
Played: 36 games
Assists: 3
Clean Sheets with the Club: 17
Somewhat of a suspect singing four years ago, he has started every Premier League game this season, helping Man United challenge the the Premiership, helping United win the Carling Cup along the way. Going forward; superb, defensively; more so, the Frenchman is now rightfully considered the best in the World.
James Milner – Left Midfielder
Club: Aston Villa
Played: 34 games
Goals: 7 Assists: 12
The second Aston Villa player on the list, and another man ready to go to the 2010 World Cup. Milner has been in excellent form this year, collecting the PFA Young Player of the Year Award to boot. The midfielder’s versatility is that which has improved his overall game, with the ability to play both left and right midfield, or even as a central midfielder. At the age of 24, he has many more years to come playing at the top level.
Cesc Fabregas - Centre Midfield
Club: Arsenal
Played: 27 games
Goals: 15 Assists: 13
The stats speak for themselves; the Spaniard has had his best season on the field for the Gunners and can find himself very unlucky not to be collecting any silver wear this season. The Arsenal captain has been instrumental in the attacking prowess of the Gunners and can expect a very successful season next year as long as the club stays injury free and significantly strengthens it options.
Darren Fletcher - Centre Midfield
Club: Manchester United
Played: 28 games
Goals: 3 Assists: 4
The industrious midfielder is known for his hassling and hurrying play, keeping some of the most influential and talented midfielders in the World quiet! Sorely missed in last year’s Champions League final the Scottish international is a fully fledged fan favourite at Old Trafford and is arguably the first name on the team sheet in Ferguson’s mind. Has held down the central midfield role this year, ahead of Michael Carrick, Darren Gibson, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves (although injuries haven’t helped the latter’s situations). A future Man Utd captain? Only time will tell.
Antonio Valencia - Right Midfield
Club: Manchester United
Played: 34 games
Goals: 5 Assists: 7
The £16million signing from Wigan was linked with Manchester United for a very long time, even before Cristiano left. Now unfortunately he will always be compared the 80 million pound man as he was brought in directly after CR9 jumped ship to Real Madrid, but with this team of the year recognition, he clearly has done a commendable job. The Ecuadorian has done very well for United this season with his direct running and technique, with undoubtedly his crossing ability his strongest attribute. Valencia needs to significantly needs to improve his finishing, but he is becoming a very good player for the club and at the age of 25, has a long future at Old Trafford.
Didier Drogba - Striker
Club: Chelsea
Played: 30 games
Goals: 25 Assists: 10
The first of the dream partnership up front, Chelsea’s number 11, Didier Drogba. Chelsea now look odds on favourites to pick up the Premier League and FA Cup titles, while Drogba has been the focal point to this success. Almost the complete striker, he has power, touch, presence, prowess, technique, ability in abundance, you name it, the 32 has it, and he doesn’t look like slowing up any time soon. He is a match winner, and has been vital to Chelsea over the past few seasons. Expect him to play significantly well with the Ivory Coast at the World Cup and spring a few surprises. To read more about the African star, click here.
Wayne Rooney - Striker
Club: Manchester United
Played: 30 games
Goals: 26 Assists: 3
Again, one of the best strikers in the World, and England’s World Cup hope. The striker has been brilliant for Manchester United this season, scoring winners in many vital games, including the winner against Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final. The 24 year old also possesses excellent pace, acceleration, power and determination, but most impressively standing at just 5ft 10in he has scored numerous headed goals this season. Expect more to come this summer and beyond. For more on Rooney click here.
That’s the in-depth player information regarding the PFA awards. Let me know whether you agree with this list of if you feel any players were missing. Lampard? Darren Bent? Michael Dawson maybe? Let me know what you think
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