My Team Of The Season At the Halfway Stage
We have finally reached the halfway point of the season in what has turned out to be one of the most unpredictable Premier League seasons we have ever witnessed. From the rise of the “Tinkerman’s” Leicester side who have defied all expectations to storm to the summit of the league. The frankly unbelievable fall from grace from Mourinho’s title winners to scrapping near the relegation zone in the worst title defence we have witnessed,which inevitably led to a certain trigger happy Russian oligarch to yet again wield his axe. This has also been the season where Arsenal have stayed at the same level where everyone else’s standards have fallen considerably (Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea) and no longer are they destined to win their usual 4th placed trophy but are now seen as many peoples favourites for the title. Who could have predicted that? Well without further adieu here is my team so far this season…
GK — Jack Butland
After a few years of understudying behind Begovic, Butland has finally been gievn his opportunity by Hughes since the Bosnians departure and has excelled in goal. Joe Hart’s undisputed England number 1 jersey has never looked more in doubt.
RB — Kyle Walker
He is once again recapturing his form of a few years back, just about keeping Arsenals ever improving Hector Bellerin out of this first 11. The pace full back epitomises Pochettino’s high pace and intensity Tottenham team who could challenge for the title this season.
CB — Toby Alderweireld
One of the buys of the season, the belgian centre back has formed a formidable centreback partnership with fellow Belgian Vertonghen but has at times looked head and shoulders above his classy counterpart.
CB — Chris Smalling
From lumbering liability to Man Utd’s most consistent outfield player in just 12 months, he now commands the back at United and has become of the best centre backs in the league.
LB — Nacho Monreal
Mr. Consistent and Mr. Reliable for Arsenal, he has made the left back position his own this season which has seen Gibbs being used in more advanced positions .
CM — N’Golo Kante
Alongside Alderweireld as a contender for signing of the season, the Parisan born midfielder is rapidly gaining more notice for the pivotal role he plays for the exciting Leicester team. Vardy and Mahrez get the goals and all the plaudits but Kante is the engine that keeps the Leicester train going.
RM — Riyad Mahrez
My player of the season so far, he has dazzled, bamboozled and cut apart many a team so far this season. His goal and assist record so far rivals the real big hitters in Europe and the turn he did against Aston Villa where three players dropped simultaneously will long live in the memory.
LM — Dimitri Payet
He was my player and signing of the season before his injury in October. Other players are now in the forefront in the eyes of the media however his performances at the beginning of the season warrant his place in the team.
AM — Mesut Ozil
The Assist king as he is now affectionately known as to many fans up and down the country. He is currently in a rich vein of form and if he continues will overtake Leicester’s Mahrez to take that title. He just see’s passes others don’t.
ST- Jamie Vardy
In 2012 he was playing in the Conference for Fleetwood and now in 2015 he broke Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record by scoring in 11 consecutive games,(the previous record was 10) the story of Vardy is as inspiring as it is incredible.
ST- Romelu Lukaku
This has been the season of the underdog, players like Jamie Vardy and Ighalo who have gone on to perform wonders for their team and continously score goals with many of the bigger names failing to perform. But not Lukaku who has gone from strength to strength (not a reference to the players obvious physical ability) he now must be considered as one of the best strikers in the division.