The Barclays Premier League Team of the Year for the 2014-15 season has been announced with soon to be champions Chelsea dominating the scene. Six Chelsea players make the cut in Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. In fact only Ryan Bertrand of Southampton was included from a team outside the top five, who ironically also used to be a Chelsea blue. Bertrand has provided solidity in a strong Southampton defense, a powerful young player with pace to match.
David De Gea beats Thibaut Courtois in goal, with De Gea highly responsible for Manchester United’s current odds on guarantee of a top four finish. It’s no surprise United are void of any defensive player making the team, after their start to the season. Due to De Gea’s skill in goal in recent seasons, he is now heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants, Real Madrid.
Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard fill the right and left side of midfield respectively. Both have been in incredible form. Hazard is now regarded as the best player in the Premier League, having scored thirteen goals and providing eight assists. Similarly Sanchez has fourteen goals and eight assists. Both were nailed on to make the team of the year, as their dazzling footwork and speed brought life to the Premier league.
Liverpool’s Coutinho was a surprise entry for some. The statistics don’t show an all too impressive picture for the little Brazilian, now nicknamed ‘The Magician’. With four goals and four assists, Coutinho is a perfect example of when statistics don’t provide the real picture. Coutinho has provided dribbling excellence and tireless bravado for Liverpool. In Liverpool’s roller-coaster like season Coutinho has remained class throughout.
Diego Costa and Harry Kane make up the strikers. Diego Costa, when fit for Chelsea was rampant in front of goal. Costa’s aggressive tactics made him a force to be reckoned with, scoring nineteen goals in just twenty four appearances in his debut season. Kane was a shock player this season and a revelation for Tottenham. With Soldado looking very casual, Kane has stepped up with twenty goals in thirty appearances, making him an instant fan favorite.
It’s no surprise that it is Chelsea’s defensive spine that reaps the rewards for their dominance, though. Matic commanding the midfield in front of the still incredibly reliable Terry provided a mixture of power and leadership. Cahill has proven to be one of the best defensive signings over the past few years, with Ivanovic one of the most consistent performers in the right back position. Chelsea’s latest victory over Manchester United, proves just how impenetrable Chelsea’s defensive core can be.
Overall do you agree with the PFA Premier League Team of the Year? Who else should have made the team? Feel free to comment below.
