The Alternative Team of the Year
Late on Sunday April 22nd, the announcement came across the respective media outlets regarding the PFA’s choice for Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie and Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker picked up the respective awards in the categories, whilst the Team of the Year consisted of the following:
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United)
Leighton Baines (Everton)
David Silva (Manchester City)
Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)
Now, while each player is deserving of his respective place in the squad, one gets the impression that a number player’s from the so-called ‘lesser’ teams have been cruelly overlooked as a result. Therefore, I have taken the time to compile the Alternative Team of the Year. Read below to see who is selected and why.
Michel Vorm (Swansea City)
A choice by many for a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, only to be ousted by Hart, Michel Vorm has been excellent during his debut campaign in England. Signed from FC Utrecht over the summer for a modest £1.5m, the 28-year-old was instantly instilled as Brendan Rodgers’ number one at the Liberty Stadium. And the Dutchman hasn’t let his manager down across the course of the season.
Danny Simpson (Newcastle United)
Virtually ever present for the Magpies this season, Simpson has been essential in Newcastle’s quest for a top four finish. About to complete his third year with the club, he has come on leaps and bounds since Alan Pardew took over the club and he has repaid the faith shown in him by his manager with a series of impressive displays for the club.
Jonny Evans (Manchester United)
Some time ago, many wouldn’t have thought twice about leaving Evans out of their team of the year, but the fact of the matter is, he has been excellent filling in for the injured Nemanja Vidic alongside Rio Ferdinand. Came close to leaving Manchester United last summer, but opted to fight for his place and with many perceiving this to be his last chance with the club, took it with both hands and has excelled in the heart of the defence this year.
Steven Caulker (Swansea City (on-loan from Tottenham Hotspur))
Made a huge impression in the heart of the Swans defence this year, big things are expected of Caulker next year. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to keep the young centre-back for at least another season, but Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has already insisted he will be back at White Hart Lane next season. Likened as the next Ledley King, big things are expected of him with Spurs, with his mature displays just a glimpse of how far he can go.
Jose Enrique (Liverpool)
In hindsight, staying with Newcastle may have been the best thing for Enrique. However, in the midst of a rebuilding project, a move to Liverpool may have been the wisest one for the Spaniard. Already won a trophy with his new club, his performances have been a shining light in a somewhat dim campaign for the Reds. The Merseysiders signing of the season along with Craig Bellamy.
James McClean (Sunderland)
A late bloomer, McClean arrived at Sunderland under the radar last summer. Former manager Steve Bruce opted to keep him in the reserved until he felt he was ready for first-team action. However, under Martin O’Neill, the development from hot prospect to starter has been remarkable. Recently rewarded with a new contract and a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad after a number of exceptional displays for the Black Cats.
Stephane Sessegnon (Sunderland)
Beginning to repay the faith shown in him by the Sunderland faithful, the Benin international has been beyond excellent this year. Slotting in behind the front-man, Sessegnon has caused all kinds of damage to the opposition this season, netting seven and laying off a further nine in 27 appearances in all competitions this year. Such form has seen him linked with a move back to big spending PSG.
James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic)
The creative lynchpin in the Latics midfield, the young midfielder has continued his excellent development from hot prospect to guaranteed starter in recent months. Likened to Paul Scholes, the plaudits haven’t stopped rolling in for McCarthy. However, he is expected to leave Wigan this summer, regardless of whether the club survive relegation or not.
Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
The American cannot stop scoring this season. Already has 22 goals in all competitions to his name, bettering a number of striker’s records for the campaign. A number of the top four clubs are keeping a watchful eye on the 29-year-old, with Arsenal particularly keen to add him to the ranks. Has often led the attacking line when Fulham have been short of striking options.
Yakubu (Blackburn Rovers)
Feed the Yak and he will score. The chant couldn’t be more accurate for the giant Nigerian this season. Leading from the front in an underperforming Blackburn Rovers side, he still has 16 league goals to his name and will be pivotal to their Premier League survival. Notable goals this season include his brace in the shock 3-2 win over Manchester United on New Year’s Eve.
Grant Holt (Norwich City)
Three-years ago, Holt was turning out for Shrewsbury Town. Now, many have him down for a possible England contender after an superb debut campaign in the Premiership with Norwich City. A return of 13 league goals has seen the Canaries all but secure their status in the top flight with the possibility of a top half finish. Can be a real handful to any defence on his day with his strength a real asset.
Brendan Rodgers (Manager, Swansea City)
A fine debut campaign in the Premier League for Rodgers with many praising the football his Swansea City side have been playing, so much so they have been nicknamed ‘Swansalona’. Key wins over Arsenal and Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium have all but seen them survive relegation, barring a minor miracle from the team below them, their best performance of the season came in the 3-0 win away at Fulham.
Honourable mentions
With only 11 places to fill, a number of player’s were always going to miss out. Below are the ones that could’ve made the Alternative Team of the Year.
Demba Ba (Newcastle United)
Papiss Demba Cisse (Newcastle United)
John Ruddy (Norwich City)
Danny Graham (Swansea City)
Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United)
Moussa Dembele (Fulham)
Nikica Jelavic (Everton)
Royston Drenthe (Everton)
Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)
Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic)
Leon Britton (Swansea City)
Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City)
Steve Morison (Norwich City)
Paul Lambert (Manager, Norwich City)
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