PFA Awards - Results

Earlier last week we highlighted the nominees in each of the Professional Football Associations player of the year categories.

The PFA has subsequently voted and at the award show last Sunday, Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere won the PFA Young Player of the Year award, while somewhat surprisingly Tottenham’s Gareth Bale won the PFA Player of the Year, ahead of my favourite Nemanja Vidic.

The PFA also voted for their team of the year, and it consisted of the following:

Edwin Van Der Sar – Goalkeeper - Manchester United – 40 years old

Bacary Sagna – Right Back - Arsenal – 28 years old
Vincent Kompany – Central Defender - Manchester City – 25 years old
Nemanja Vidic – Central Defender - Manchester United – 29 years old
Ashley Cole – Left Back - Chelsea – 30 years old

Gareth Bale – Left Midfielder – Tottenham Hotspur – 21 years old
Jack Wilshere – Centre Midfield - Arsenal – 19 years old
Nani – Winger - Manchester United – 24 years old
Samir Nasri – Attacking Midfield - Arsenal – 23 years old

Wayne Rooney – Forward - Manchester United – 25 years old
Carlos Tevez – Striker - Manchester City – 27 years old

Finally the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year 2011 award went to West Ham’s Scott Parker. If ever a player has inspired and carried a team as much as this man, then I would like to meet him. West Ham are in the midst of a relegation battle, and as of today, sit 19th in the league on 32 points.

Unfortunately for the Hammers, they are favourites to go down, as the remaining fixtures do not make for good reading. They face two tough away trips to Chelsea and Man City, and matches against fellow relegation candidates Blackburn, Wigan and Sunderland. West Ham may not be in the Premiership next season, but it’s likely that Scott Parker will be, as with this award, his hypothetical football stock has gone up.

Real Talk Football

PFA Awards - Part 2

PFA Young Player of the Year

As stated, the Professional Football Association announced their nominees for the Barclays Premier League awards for both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

Real Talk Football takes a look at the nominees in each category, concluding with the Young Player of the Year award.

Here are the players who have been nominated for the award, along with Samir Nasri and Gareth Bale.


Seamus Coleman (Everton)

Age: 22
League Apps: 28 League Goals: 4

The young Irishman has been superb for Everton this season, operating in a more advance position down the Toffee’s right hand side, playing right midfield instead of his normally playing right back.

He spent the latter part of last season, impressing with Blackpool, and was instrumental in their promotion campaign. This season, he has come on leaps and bounds, and has been one of the best and most consistent players performing under David Moyes, in an Everton side which has been crippled by injuries this season.

This Premier League campaign, Coleman has received his first International cap for the Republic of Ireland, he scored his first ever goal (against former side Blackpool), and signed a new four and a half year contract with the club due to his fantastic form this season.


Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Age: 19
League Apps: 27 (3) League Goals: 1

The Arsenal midfielder, in my opinion has been the best young central midfielder in the Premiership and in Europe this season. The 19 year old spent six months on loan at Bolton last season, and gained some vital Premiership experience.

This year, despite interest from many Premier League clubs keen to take Wilshere on loan, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger felt he was more than ready to be a part of the Arsenal squad. How he was right.
Wilshere probably wouldn’t have expected to be as vital to the Arsenal starting XI as he is now, but injuries to Abou Diaby, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and the continued absence of Aaron Ramsey saw him play in 30 Premiership games, and scoring a solitary goal against Aston Villa.

He also made his England international debut, and impressed in the international friendlies against Denmark and Ghana, and is now considered a senior England international.

If you’re looking for justification to why he has been so impressive, watch both legs of the Arsenal v. Barcelona Champions League tie and see how well the England international played.


Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Age: 23
League Apps: 31 League Clean Sheets: 14

At the start of this season, there was a much heated debate to who would occupy Manchester City’s goal this season. It was up to Roberto Mancini to decide whether to select England international Joe Hart, who had had a sensational season with Birmingham City last year, or to go with one of the best goalkeepers to play in the Premier League; Shay Given.

The Italian was impressed with the ability, confidence and tenacity of the 23 year old. He has started every single Premiership game this season, and is the only Man City player to do so. He has kept 14 clean sheets this season, giving his team the most in the Premier League.


Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)

Age: 22
League Apps: 22 (12) League Goals: 11

The Mexican has been a revelation at Old Trafford this season, and it’s clear that Sir Alex Ferguson has uncovered another jewel. He has the movement of Filippo Inzaghi, and the goal scoring instincts of Raul, with the tendency to score vital goals from the bench similar to that of another Manchester United legend; Ole Gunnar Soljskaer. Testament to this is that all his goals have come inside the penalty box.


Nani (Manchester United)

Age: 24
League Apps: 27 (2) League Goals: 9

A player blessed with fantastic ability, with speed, flair and great technique. The Portuguese winger has had a very good season this year, and has produced some of his finest football. He recently stated that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t let him express himself as he wishes, and I believe this is why he has been so important this season.

The key reason for his nomination, the fact he is leading the Premier League table in assists, with 16 in total, 5 clear of nearest rival Andrei Arshavin. His assist have been vital in helping Manchester United leading the goal scoring charts with 68 goals, averaging 2.19 goals per game.


So that concludes our look at PFA Awards, remember to leave a comment below and let us know who you think will win in each category. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and add us on Facebook.

Real Talk Football

Wilshere was were too scared to ask for Messi's shirt, need Fabregas help

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has mocked team-mate Jack Wilshere on Twitter about being too shy to ask for Lionel Messi's shirt after the Gunners' stunning Champions League victory over Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old was 'so scared' according to Fabregas that he had to ask the Spaniard if he could get Messi's shirt for him following the 2-1 win at the Emirates.

Although Wilshere certainly did not look star-struck on the field as the midfielder produced a man-of-the-match display against the Spanish giants.

Fabregas tweeted Wilshere to say: 'can't believe i [sic] had to go to get Messi's shirt for u. U were so scared. You were MOTM so next time please ask urself!'

Wilshere not only walked away with Messi's shirt, he also bagged his hero Xavi's too, and later uploaded a picture of himself with the two souvenirs with his father, Andy.

He tweeted: 'Morning tweeps. You will like this one. Me and my dad with Messi and Xavi's shirt after the game.'

After the final whistle he said: 'I have been watching players like Xavi and Messi for years now. This is by far the biggest night of my Arsenal career so far. We play a similar style to Barcelona and that's the kind of football I like to play.'

Only last week, the teenage prodigy made an impressive England debut in the 2-1 friendly win against Denmark.

Wilshere was so over the moon to be handed his big chance, he asked all the England players to sign his No 4 shirt and then uploaded the image on to Twitter for his army of followers to view.

Most Promising Footballers in the World - No.1

Earlier this year Real Talk Football highlighted 5 of the most promising young footballers in the world. Now, we bring you part two; bringing 7 of the most promising players to watch out for in the 2010/11 season and beyond.

To start with, and in no particular order; Arsenal's local lad...

Jack Wilshere



Club: Arsenal
Age: 18
Position: Attacking Midfield/Centre Midfield
Claim to fame: Capped at England senior level aged just 18

Prospects:
One of the most promising English players for some time, a left footed tenacious central midfielder, who can operate both out wide as well as in an attacking role. He has already played 25 times for Arsenal, scoring 1 goal for the club, and destined for great things under the tutorledge of boss Arsen Wenger. He impressed last season on loan at Bolton, while many suitors wished to take the 18 year old on loan this season. However due injuries in the Gunners midfield, he has established himself as an Arsenal regular this season, as well as making his international debut for England against Hungary in August.

Check out the video below, for more: