As the PFA Team of the Season was announced, here’s a look at the unsung heroes including Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, who perhaps deserve recognition.
Nick Pope
Not one Burnley player made team of the year despite being 7th placed and on course for European football. It would have been difficult for Nick Pope to dethrone David De Gea, but what a season he’s had. He’s made an instant impact on the team, slotting easily into the side, assisting Burnley toward their best ever Premier League campaign.
Antonio Valencia
Surprisingly, just one Manchester United player featured from the Premier League side who currently lie second in the table. Despite a lot of criticism over past 6 six months, Jose Mourinho has still achieved. An FA Cup final and finishing in a Champion’s League position, bar any disaster is a reasonable return.
Valencia has been one of United’s most consistent players. Astonishingly, he became a right-back just two seasons ago. Were it not for Kyle Walker’s terrific performances, Valencia would be Team of the Year right-back.
James Taworski
Having to replace Micheal Keane this season was a big ask. However, the England Under-21 International has been pivotal to Burnley’s success this season. Tarwoski has been part of the Burley wall that has proven effective in their campaign. The Clarets have only conceded 32 goals this season. Unlucky not to be included in team of the year, but deserve full credit for outstanding effort.
Virgil Van Dijk
One of the major defenders also unlucky to miss out. You could say Van Djik has only played a few months on Merseyside but what signing he has been! Since the Dutchman’s controversial arrival, Liverpool have only conceded 7 goals in games in which he featured.
Also, he was part of the defence that dumped Premier League winners Manchester City out of the Champions League in a thrilling performance. His signing has been a revolution for Liverpool’s defence, and thus may hold the key for Merseyside success next season.
Andrew Roberston
What a signing by Klopp. Andrew Roberston has been one of most consistent performers this season. He initially struggled to get a start in the Premier Leaugue. However, he is now Liverpool’s number one left back. Fantastic in their Champion’s League demolition of Manchester City, and was unlucky, I felt, not to make the team of the year.
Fernandinho
Definitely one of most under-rated Premier League players this season. Fernandinho has been the heart of the midfield that led to Manchester City the Premier League title. A box-to-box midfielder, determination and firepower are just two of the attributes gifted to the Brazilian. If you took Fernandinho away from Pep Guardiola’s Blues, would they be where they are now?
Pascal Gross
One of the most surprising additions my team. Brighton have done incredibly well this time out, and are looking on course to remain in the Premier League. Gross has been influential in their whole attack this campaign, contributing to 14 goals, six scored and eight assists. However, the German was never going to make Team Of The Year due to his team’s lowly league position. He has been one of the best players outside the top six.
Jesse Lingard
A potential starter for Gareth Southgate team in Russia for World Cup. Lingard has been a surprise this season with much improved performances. He’s been one of United’s most consistent players, scoring eight goals and five assists. Compared to last season in which the England attacker scored only one goal in five fewer games. He has therefore become a stronger player under Mourinho, and has a big summer ahead of him.
Heung Min-Son
The South Korean star has had an outstanding season for North London side. Spurs are looking at a top four finish. He has matured and settled into the squad, successfully pairing up with Dele Alli. Scoring 12 goals, some in key matches, he’s been Tottenham’s leading man in the absence of Harry Kane. Despite being hugely underrated by rival fans in the past two campaigns, Son is hugely popular among teammates. His cheerful disposition thus making him both hero and talisman for the Lillywhites.
Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian was unlucky not to be featured in this TOTY. Beating Harry Kane to the striker spot was going to be difficult. The Liverpool forward has been overshadowed by Mo Salah’s impressive tally, but again has been consistent. Contributing to 22 goals this campaign, 15 goals, and 7 assists, his defensive work has also been brilliant. Surprisingly, he made more tackles than Arsenal defender Mustafi.
A Sterling effort from Raheem
Part of Manchester City’s Premier League winning combination, Raheem Sterling has been phenomenal for The Citizens. His finish is a work in progress, yet still scored 18 goals in the Premier League. Thus making him an important asset to the new titleholders.
For a winger in a talented side amongst many goalscorers, Sterling has done amazingly well. He, along with Nick Pope could be a real force for England this summer at the Russia World Cup.
Bench; Ederson, Davison Sanchez, Ben Mee, Wilfred Zaha, Jamie Vardy, Glenn Murray, Fabian Delph
Do you agree with my team? Comment Below
Raheem Sterling has contributed 31 goals and assists ( 18 goals/13 assists ) in 31 premier league appearances yet still didn't win any individual awards or make the TOTY, can you remember an English player doing more and getting as little recognition ? #TouchlineFracas
— #TouchlineFracas (@touchlinefracas) April 23, 2018