April is typically the month where the PFA select their players of the years and their team of the season. So with the season on hold indefinitely, let’s have a look back at the best 11 of the Football League’s First Division back in 1990.
PFA Team of the Season – 1990
Goalkeeper – Neville Southall
Big Neville Southall made his fourth appearance in the team of the season in 1990. He had played every game for Everton during the campaign.
The Welsh shot-stopper kept 15 clean sheets that season. His league was impressive too, only conceding 46 goals which helped The Toffees to a respectable 6th place finish
Right Back – Lee Dixon
Lee Dixon was part of an Arsenal side which had dramatically lifted the League title at Anfield in May 1989.
Although the Gunners’ were unable to retain their crown in 1990, it was still a tremendous year for Dixon. He played in every game for Arsenal, keeping 14 clean sheets and only conceding 38 times, the second-highest in the league.
Dixon also played an important part for Arsenal going forward too as he scored five goals in 89/90.
Centre Back – Des Walker
Before Virgil van Dijk, there was Nottingham Forest’s Des Walker. His pace and strength made him one of the most difficult defenders to come up against in the game.
Walker played 51 times for Brian Clough’s side that season. He kept nine clean sheets for Forest in Divison One, and only conceded 47 goals.
His League form also continued into the domestic cup competitions. Walkers kept four clean sheets in the League Cup which helped Forest win their second successive League Cup.
Centre Back – Alan Hansen
Alan Hansen was a peripheral figure for Liverpool throughout the 1980s. The Scot was 34-years-old going into the 1989/90 season and was approaching the end of an illustrious career.
But regardless of Hansen being in the twilight of his career, it proved to be a good year for himself and Liverpool. He was part of a side which only let in 37 goals and would win the League, Liverpool’s last league title to date.
Though Hansen missed seven league games that season, his performances on the pitch were good enough for him to make his sixth appearance in the Team of the Season.
Left Back – Stuart Pearce
Stuart Pearce features alongside fellow Nottingham Forest teammate Des Walker in 1990 Team of the Season’s defence.
The Forest Captain made 34 appearances in the league for Forest. He scored nine goals in all competitions and helped the Reds achieve domestic success after beating Oldham Athletic in the League Cup final at Wembley.
Right Midfield – David Platt
The 1989/90 season was an exceptional campaign for David Platt and Aston Villa.
Platt featured in all but one of Villa’s league games. He scored 19 goals in the First Division which guided the Midlands side to second in the league, also helping them qualify for the UEFA Cup.
The 23-year-old’s performances for Graham Taylors’ side was recognised by his peers as Platt was named Players’ Player of the Year. Platt also caught the eye of Bobby Robson who gave him his first England cap in November 1989, which was followed by a place in the squad for that Summer’s World Cup.
Centre Midfield – Steve Hodge
Steve Hodge is the third Nottingham Forest player to make the PFA Team of the Season.
Hodge scored twice for Forest that season, both coming in games against the league Champions Liverpool. He helped Forest to a ninth-placed finish in Division and of course won the League Cup.
His club form also helped Hodge force a way back into the England side as he was called up to Bobby Robson’s squad for the 1990 World Cup.
Centre Midfield – Steve McMahon
This was Steve McMahon’s second appearance in the PFA Team of the Season.
The tough-tackling midfielder was an ever-present for Liverpool in 1989/90. He scored five goals in the First Division for Kenny Dalglish’s side and also made two assists, helping Liverpool pip Aston Villa to the League championship.
Left Midfield – John Barnes
John Barnes completes an impressive midfield in the 1990 Team of the Season.
This may be seen as Barnes’ best ever campaign in a Liverpool shirt. He scored 22 goals in 34 League games for Liverpool, as well as an additional six goals in domestic competitions, bringing his tally to 28. He also made 11 assists.
Barnes’ fantastic campaign helped him become the Football Writers’ Player of the Year. He also won his second league medal with Liverpool.
Striker – Peter Beardsley
Peter Beardsley is the fourth Liverpool player to have featured in the Team of the Season.
Beardsley played 41 times in all competitions for Liverpool and played a huge role in Liverpool’s First Division success.
The North-East native scored 16 times in all competitions in 89-90 with ten of them coming in the league. He also picked up eight assists in Division One.
Striker – Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker partnered Beardsley upfront in the 1990 Team of the Season
After three years at Spanish giants Barcelona. Gary Lineker returned to England to play for Tottenham Hotspur. Linking up with former manager Terry Venables.
Lineker made an instant impact for ‘El Tel’s’ side. In his debut season at White Hart Lane, he scored 24 goals in the First Division, guiding Spurs to a third-placed finish.
The future Match of the Day hosts’ goalscoring heroics helped him win the 1990 Golden Boot. His league form carried over into the 1990 World Cup, where Lineker scored four goals, helping England reach the Semi-Finals.
Main Photo
