THE PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR!!!

Below are the players picked by their fellow professionals as the top performers in their respective positions, as we all know these are not to be argued against as they have been voted for by the players themselves. In addition I have added a special mention to the players who I feel has also done well this season.

Sunday 24th April

GOALKEEPER: EDWIN VAN DER SAR (Manchester United)

The 40 year old Dutchman made his 3rd appearance in the team of the year. Playing in his 6th season for United, he definitely has been a credit to the goalkeepers union. Considering he won the European goalkeeper of the year in 1995, and the last 3 years (08, 09, 10) he has defied the odds by continuing to perform at the very top level of this sport, and contributed immensely to United’s plight for a record breaking 19th title.

Special mentions: Joe Hart (Man City) Ben Foster (Birmingham)

RIGHT BACK: BACARY SAGNA (Arsenal)

This Arsenal full back has been a very consistent performer for the gunners this season. Making his 2nd appearance (the last one was in 2008), and now in his 4th season, he has well and truly established himself as one of the best attacking right full backs in The Premiership and always provides that vital threat down the right flank while staying relatively solid on the defensive front.

Special Mentions: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) Seamus Colman (Everton)

LEFT BACK: ASHLEY COLE (Chelsea)

Love him or hate him Ashley Cole will always be known as a top class left back. Going forward or defending he has been a consistent performer for a number of years and a regular England international (88 caps). Making his 4th appearance in the PFA Team of the year, (first since 05) he has come back well to establish himself as the league’s No1 in this position, and a case for the No1 spot in Europe.

Special Mentions: Leighton Baines (Everton) Patrice Evra (Man Utd)

CENTER BACK: NEMANJA VIDIC (Manchester Utd)

Vidic has been at Man Utd for 5 and a half seasons and has been name in the PFA team of the year in 4 of them, that says a lot about his ability. He has established himself as Man Utd’s main man at the back and has even wrestled the captain’s armband away from Ferdinand. Strong and reliable, has even notched 4 goals in the league, he can and has really done it all this season.

Special Mentions: Garry Cahill (Bolton) Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

CENTER BACK: VINCENT KOMPANY (Manchester City)

Making his first appearance in the team of the year, this 25 year old has really impressed me this season and has been a rock at the back helping City push for a Champions League place. Its not only to do with his great positioning, blocks and tackles that has helped his team, but he is also useful with the ball at his feet, a defender who can come out of the defence and contribute in attack.

Special Mention: John Terry (Chelsea) Roger Johnson (Birmingham)

RIGHT MIDFIELD NANI (Manchester United)

Following the departure of Ronaldo, and then losing Valencia to injury, Nani stepped up to the plate tremendously and has been flying in The Premiership throughout the season. At one stage he was almost unplayable scoring and creating goals. He was Man Utd’s main supply line and threat for most of the season, and constantly put in performances of a very high level.

Special Mentions: Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool) Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

LEFT MIDFIELD: GARETH BALE (Tottenham)

Making his first appearance in the team of the year, the newly crowned PFA player of the year has been a revelation this season for Spurs. In the league and in Europe he has terrorised defences with his direct running, pace, skill and scoring ability. Seemed to be a threat every time he touched the ball and has now elevated himself into the bracket of one of the top performers in the English league.

Special Mentions: Florent Malouda (Chelsea) Charles N’Zogbia

CENTER MIDFIELD: SAMIR NASRI (Arsenal)

This French wizard has wowed the Premiership this season with his close control and great forward play for Arsenal. 15 goals this season is a great return for a midfielder and he seems to always be involved in most of what they do well. Still only 23 he looks as though he has a bright future ahead of him and I wont be surprised to see him in this team in years to come.

Special mentions: Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham) Charlie Adam (Blackpool)

CENTER MIDFIELD: LUKE WILSHIRE (Arsenal)

Another with a very bright future ahead of him. Wilshere is the newly crowned PFA young player of the year and is the 2nd youngest player to ever be named in the team of the year (behind Owen 17 in 1998). He has established himself in the Arsenal midfield this season and made his first England start. With his excellent ability on the ball, and vision he has been a huge threat for Arsenal going forward this season.

Special Mentions: Scott Parker (West Ham) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

FORWARD: DIMITAR BERBATOV (Manchester United)

Making his 2nd appearance in the team of the year, Berbatov has been on fire this season, or at least for most of it. His tremendous touch, control and eye for goal has made him the premierships current top goal scorer with an impressive 21 goals, including 3 hat tricks and 5 in one game against Blackburn. He was also named Bulgaria’s player of the year for a record 7th time in December.

Special Mentions: Darren Bent (Aston Villa) Peter Odemwingie (West Brom)

FORWARD: CARLOS TEVEZ (Manchester City)

Another debutant in the team of the year list, Carlos Tevez seemed to be Man City’s go to guy for most of the season. Second in the league’s goal scoring charts he’s swashbuckling all energy, all action style has endeared him to the City supporters, made him a firm fan favourite and elevated him to becoming the club captain. He leads by example and always seems to run his heart out. he has scored 42 times in his 2 season at Man City.

Special Mentions: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) Andy Carroll (Newcastle/Liverpool)