Steven Gerrard picked up the Football Writers Player of the Year award the other day, it was the latest in the line of usual suspects picking up the end of season gongs. Not terribly exciting I think you'll agree, as year after year you get the likes of Terry and Rooney getting in teams of the year, despite underachieving by their standards.
So to recognise players who have actually excelled themselves this season, I've picked eleven players to play in a 4-5-1 system as my alternative team of the year.
Goalkeeper - Mark Schwarzer
The fact that Middlesborough went down without him and Fulham rocketed into the top half speaks volumes for his ability. Put Schwarzer back in the Middlesborough side and they'd be safe and Fulham would've been closer to 17th than 7th
Right Back - Glen Johnson
A sign of just how defensive Portsmouth became was that Johnson was arguably Portsmouth's biggest attacking threat all year, spending the second half of the season supporting Peter Crouch whilst Pompey played 4 centre backs and 3 holding midfielders. With Liverpool and United weak in the right back postion, how long will he stay on the South Coast?
Centre Back - Brede Hangeland
Dominating in defence, a keep part in the evolution of Fulham from soft touches to a real physical force. Already linked with Arsenal, I'm not sure he's Champions League class - but more than capable in the English top league.
Centre Back - Titus Bramble
A but of so many jokes, Bramble showed that given the right support he can deliver the goods. Next season will be key for him though, without the shield of Palacios and possibly the guidance of Steve Bruce too, will he fall back into old habits?
Left Back - Leighton Baines
Hasn't had the credit for his beautiful left foot delivery from set pieces, which is the main reason Everton haven't crumbled after the loss of Mikel Arteta in February, suprised he hasn't been called up as cover for Ashley Cole ahead of the unimpressive Wayne Bridge for England's qualifiers in June
Defensive Midfield - Wilson Palacios
Mentioned briefly earlier, Palacios has transformed the Tottenham team since his January move, giving them the holding midfielder they've been crying out for. Recommended to Wigan by Arsene Wenger, many Gunners will be asking why on earth he didn't sign him.
Centre Midfield - Danny Murphy
Jimmy Bullard got most of the credit for Fulham's survival last season, but just as important was Murphy's restoration to the starting line-up. Showed his class this season pulling the strings in midfield with his excellent passing as Hodgson smartly to the cash from a desperate Hull for the injury-prone Bullard.
Centre Midfield - Marouane Fellaini
Best hair in the league, after a slow start showed his ability, matching the work rate and aerial goal threat of Cahill during Everton's injury crisis (basically the whole season)
Right Winger - Yossi Benayoun
If any substitute should've won player of the year, then it was Yossi Benayoun, not Ryan Giggs. One the main reasons that Liverpool ran Man Utd so close, as Benayoun's performances meant Liverpool didn't crumble when Rafa rotated the line-up, unlike in previous years.
Left Winger - Matt Taylor
Starting his career at left back, Taylor has evolved into a hard working left-sided midfielder, providing vital support for Ricardo Gardner in defence. This side of his game is often neglected as many focus on his eye for spectacular goal - Taylor has grabbed ten of them this season, a key reason why Bolton avoided then drop with comparative ease this time out.
Striker - James Beattie
Ten Games, Six Goals in a move that transformed Stoke's season. Beattie's' goals saw Stoke change from scrapping for survival to mid-table safety, whilst also signalling the end of a reliance on Delap's long throw to direct, attacking football (a rarity this season) with Etherington and Lawrence proving excellent service into the box.
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