When it comes to debates there are seldom bigger than who the basic fan on the street thinks should be in the Team of the Year. Fair enough the Player of the Season usually looks after itself with overwhelming odds but the nitty gritty is comparing the fullbacks and wingers. Attacking midfielders versus defensive holding men.
The BBC had a meltdown when it came to pass that one Bruno Fernandez made it into the team of the season (Voted by fans) and who would begrudge the Red half of Manchester for voting him in as he is a breath of fresh air – but after 5 games he was never going to cut it in the team of the season – not in mine anyway!
So by removing the Portuguese playmaker and going with the traditional 4-3-3 lets see who else had a pretty good Premier League 19-20 season and was knocking on the door of the first eleven.
Keeper : Dean Henderson seems to have made quite an impact at the Blades this year, despite being on the receiving end of a rollicking from his manager in the early stages his stock has risen with some superb performances. All of a sudden the possibility of a return to Old Trafford is not out of the question.
Right Fullback : Ricardo Pereira gets the nod with some stiff competition from Wan Bissaka and George Baldock for this position. His stats are amazing this season with 119 tackles and 74 clearances to his name, more than any of his peers he cements his place by also being a handful on the front foot – one of the reasons why the Foxes are in such a great place in the BPL.
Left Fullback : Ben Chilwell nudges this award with Ireland’s own Enda Stevens hot on his heels as next best. The dynamic attackers link up play has ignited Leicester’s flank all season and if not for Andy Robertson’s amazing form Chilwell would be in with a decent shout for the premierships finest.
Centre Half 1 : James Tarkowski has really gone up in my estimation this season with all the hype that surrounded him breaking onto the England scene last season. His performances have really been the platform for Sean Dyches men to push on this year. He might not get the limelight for playing in an unfashionable side, but he deserves the plaudits.
Centre Half 2 : Conor Coady has been superb this season so far for Wolves and has really lead by example. He wears the armband with pride for Wolves and is one of the many reasons they are having a great season. Coady has also become a key player for the Wolves counterattack with his impressive range of medium to long range distribution, the most of any defender in the league.
Centre Midfielder : Reuben Neves has been an interesting player for Wolves this season with his incredible distribution skills. A superb playmaker everything that Wolves do well goes through him. A player that also doesn’t shirk the defencive responsibilities of his game his partnership with Mountinho is a joy to watch.
Right Midfielder : Jack Grealish has matured from a bit of a jack the lad into a proper player for his club. The difference in him since becoming the Villa captain is immense and he leads by example. He demands the ball and makes things happen with every play and it is no wonder the bigger clubs are waiting for the right time to secure him in the summer. Never hides on the pitch and if Villa don’t manage to avoid the drop this season it’ll not be for the lack of effort on his part.
Left Midfielder : Harvey Barnes might be a surprise inclusion on the flank but his performances speak for themselves this year. Yes he is not the finished article but he is quick becoming the real deal for Brendan Rodgers’ men. He seems fearless and when you think that this is his first season in full it only shows the potential he has. His deliveries are excellent and he also has an eye for goal. With 6 assists and 6 goals he is proving a valuable member of his squad.
Right Forward : Adam Traore has finally burst onto the scene this year with a bang. A few seasons ago he was looked upon as someone with raw pace but no final product. This season has seen him rise to become one of the most feared attackers in the game. With his body builder’s physique and break neck speed Traore has defences running scared this year and fully deserves his place in the team. Holder of the most successful dribbles award of the season it is no wonder wolves have made him their go to guy on the break.
Left forward : Raheem Sterling is only on the 2nd string due to the form of one Sadio Mane this year. Sterling was out of the blocks early for City and started to add goals and a glut of assists to his game in his most creative for City so far. Unlucky to pick up an injury towards the Xmas period he struggled to get back into City’s team for a few weeks thereafter. But make no bones about it his performances were up with the best.
Centre forward : Raul Jiminez is the jewel in the Wolves attack. He basically plays every minute of every game. The Mexicans thirst for goals is apparent as his energy on the field is almost unmatched. With 13 Premier League goals – how many would he score in a side that created more for him? We may never figure that out as Wolves are not a selling club these days and are heavily backed. Jimenez is also prolific in Europe this season with 7 goals where Wolves have spent many a Thursday evening in their quest for success. He would slot into any of the top 4 clubs right now.
