Goalkeeper – Jack Butland: Stoke have been very impressive this season, they have quality going forward but they had a stone wall in goal. Butlabd has proved when he’s given the opportunity, he will keep your net empty. With the highest saved percentage in the league, he will soon be pressuring Joe Hart for England’s no.1 spot.
Right-back, Hector Bellerin: Bellerin has had a barn-stormer of a year. Anonymous a couple of seasons ago, the spaniard has matured physically and mentally to secure the right-back spot for his own. His Spanish routes and involvement with Barcalona are apparent, due to his conposure on the ball. That, added with blistering pace has shown why he is a threat going forward as well.
Centre-back – Chris Smalling Manchester United needed a rock at the back this season after some dodgy defensive showings last year, and Smalling has been that rock. His improvement this year has been astronomical and is a huge contributor to why Manchester United’s defensive record in the league is so good.
Centre-back, Scott Dann: Crystal Palace sit in the European places as you read this, due to a number of factors. One of those, is Scort Dann. An animal in the air that has built a great relationship with Delaney to put a stop to a lot of teams scoring. Dann has also done what most contenders for this position hasn’t, and that’s contribute to the goals from set-pieces.
Left-back, Nacho Monreal: Arsenal arguably boast the best full-backs in the league. Not many would have thought that in past years as Monreal was far from convincing. Nacho has adapted to the English game and shown that he can get forward and back again like the best of them.
Defensive midfield – N’golo Kante A player who was undiscovered in The Franch Ligue, but brought to Leicester for around £6M. Kante won’t gain the plaudits that Maheez or Vardy will receive; but he’s as vital as they are. An engine and warrior in midfield is exactly what you need when play a 4-4-2. Kante provides just that.
Right Midfield, Riyad Mahrez: A one season wonder? No chance. Mahrez has been showing his promise for the previous 2 seasons, but now the players around him have stepped up a notch, he can truly show his class. Vardy and Mahrez have run riot in the Premier League, and the Algerian could be on his way to a player of the year award.
Attacking Midfield, Mesut Ozil: The German maestro. Eyes in the back of his head, the side of his head, all over his head. If you’re in a goal scoring position and Ozil has the ball, you may as well envision which side of the goal you’re going to shoot at. After an underwhelming first season, Ozil is set to break the most assists for a season record and could be assisting Arsenal to a first Premier League in 10 years.
Left Midfield, Ross Barkley: Predominantly a central player, but Barkley has operated out wide this season, rotating with his fellow players. Barkley seems to be finally reaching his potential, adding goals and assists to his undoubted quality. Payer was on track to claim this spot, but injury after a tackle from Barkleys team-mate kept him out.
Striker, Jamie Vardy: 11 in 11. All you need to know. Jamie Vardy tops the Premier League scorers charts, and it’s all down to determination and tenacity. I’m one of Jamie’s biggest critics, but there’s no denying he’s worked his way to the top and deserves to be in this team of the season. He’s a goal machine at the moment.
Striker, Odion Ighalo: This spot was a tricky one, a toss up between Lukaku and Ighalo. As you can see, Ighalo came out on top. Speed, strength, skill, Ighalo has it all. He can beat players with ease, run in behind them or out-muscle them. A true handful for defenders. Ighalo is playing with a side that has considerably less quality than Everton, yet he’s scoring goals for fun.
Honourable mentions: Pete Cech, Laurent Koscielcny, Tony Alderwerield, Christian Fuchs, Dele Alli, Santi Cazorla, Dimitri Payet, Erik Lamela, Romelu Lukaku.
Featured Image Credit – metrouk2.files.wordpress.com
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