As the dust settles on the 2014-15 Premier League campaign, nine of our football writers look back at the season, each picking their Team of the Year.
Check them out right here in this article, before turning to page five to find the overall team of the season, based on the most popular picks among fanatix folk…
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Robert Summerscales’ XI
David de Gea; Branislav Ivanovic, Ryan Bertrand, John Terry, Jose Fonte; Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matic, Francis Coquelin; Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero.
Rob says: “I’m sure David De Gea, John Terry, Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard and Harry Kane will be in most people’s teams – they should be anyway.
“Nemanja Matic was just as important to Chelsea as Terry and Hazard, though. He only missed two matches and the Blues lost both – at Newcastle and Spurs.
“Branislav Ivanovic, like Terry, played in all 38 league games for the Blues.
“The only team to rival Chelsea’s defensive record was Southampton, who kept 13 clean sheets and conceded just 0.87 goals per game on average. Therefore, Jose Fonte and Ryan Bertrand, who started 37 and 34 matches respectively, are well worthy of their places in this XI.
“Sergio Aguero’s 26 goals in 33 games sees him pip Diego Costa.
“That just leaves Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin. He spent the first half of the season on loan at Charlton, but, after returning to the Gunners in December, he has been one of the first names on Arsene Wenger’s teamsheet.”
Adam Davies’ XI
David De Gea; Nathaniel Clyne, John Terry, Laurent Koscielny, Cesar Azpilicueta; Morgan Schneiderlin, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard; Sergio Aguero, Charlie Austin.
Adam says: “Without David De Gea, Manchester United might not have qualified for next season’s Champions League – he’s made that much of a difference, making breathtaking saves on numerous occasions.
“John Terry too was instrumental in Chelsea’s defence, and his impeccable read of the game is illustrated by the fact that earned just two bookings all season, having played every minute possible. Next to Terry, Koscielny. The Frenchman’s cut down on the errors of judgement that often cost Arsenal points, and the Gunners are now vastly (and statistically) better with him on the pitch. Cesar Azpilicueta on the left flank is the epitome of reliability, while Nathaniel Clyne’s improvement is such that he is now first choice for England and regularly linked with a big move.
“Of all players in the league to have made at least twenty starts, Morgan Schneiderlin’s made the most tackles per game (3.7). When he was at his best, so were Southampton. Cesc Fabregas has made the most assists, and has been a crucial supply line to both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa – both from set pieces and open play. The Spaniard created the most goals from through balls, and second most from corners, and prior to his senseless (but hilarious) red card against West Brom, he stood a decent chance of breaking Thierry Henry’s Premier League record.
“On the wings, Alexis Sanchez, who dragged Arsenal through the autumn with some vital goals in a tremendous debut campaign, and Eden Hazard, who is now on the cusp of true greatness – able to beat a man at will, and score and assist when Chelsea most needed inspiration.
“Up front, Sergio Aguero is an obvious choice as golden boot winner. 26 goals in 30 starts is absolutely superb – and Man City could certainly have used him throughout the season. The choice of partner was a tough one, but while Harry Kane and Diego Costa were both excellent, I’ve opted for Charlie Austin.
“Austin scored nearly half of of QPR total of 42 Premier League goals, with 18 for the campaign. That’s the highest percentage of a team’s goals of any player. Although his team finished bottom of the table, it wasn’t due to their attacking prowess. On goals scored, they finished 14th. They just conceded at least ten more times than any other team, which proved their downfall. Austin ought to earn a move back to the top flight.”
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