The season is not over yet, but being quite bored at work I decided to have my pick for the best eleven from 17/18 season in Premier League.
With Man City clinching the title yesterday, one would feel like their entire squad should be in it, but it is a lot more difficult than that. Trying to refresh my memories from all the season, from the start until now, I came across a realization that it is tougher than the Sophie's choice. I had my think about it so here we go:
GK:
David De Gea (MUN): It is ridiculous how he can be the best player in such a club like Manchester United. Making unrealistic saves since 2011. I think there is no doubt about this one. With anyone else in goal I'm sure United would be lucky to be fighting for the top 4 spot. It is incredible how many points he saved them. And it is not his first season doing it too. I believe that with a bit of luck sooner or later he can become the second ever goalkeeper to win Ballon D'Or. If only Ronaldo & Messi would retire, eh Uefa?
DEF:
Nacho Monreal (ARS): Being in a shit defense, in a shit team with shit fans, under a shit manager, and still stand out is quite a job. Even though Monreal convinced us he is indeed unreal. You probably can't expect him to have 38 great games, but in some cases he did exceptionally well. I had to pick him, because not many players can provide a good performance when you play along with Mustafi, Holding, Iwobi or Elneny (I know. Who?). Trust me I know what I'm talking about. It is impossible to play with muppets.
Marcos Alonso (CHE): For me Chelsea's player of the season. Defensively so great and yet he managed to stun us with some out-of-this-world crackers. A few pop in mind just thinking about him. Extraordinary player and one of the most underrated talents. Potentially still young, this bloke has got a huge career waiting ahead of him. It only remains to hope it won't go downhill.
Harry Maguire (LEI): As a former Blade I did not enjoy a rise of any other player more than Harry. To come from League one to relegating Hull and become a star-man at a club who were Champions just two seasons ago is something. There is no wonder that he fully deserved that England shirt. He's at his peak and will be for some time. One of the most crucial players outside top 6. I love seeing him succeed and I will see a lot more in near future for sure.
Jamaal Lascelles (NEW): What a comeback Newcastle had made. To be promoted as Champions is a beautiful feeling (I know what I'm talking about) and to come back to the Premier League in such a style as Newcastle did is magnificent. And that's only thanks to two people. The Gaffer and, of course, the best captain in North England. Such a passionate and dedicated player who always gives 100%. He never disappoints and always helps his team to do well.
MID:
Mohamed Salah (LIV): Surely unmissable player in anyone's eleven. The best transfer this season for sure. Leading the scoring table and a contender for a player of the season is hard to ignore. Hating scousers as much as I am, Mo is doing incredible things at Anfield. The thing is he's not up top alone striker (like Kane). He's actually classed as an attacking midfielder in many cases, and even if you'd like to call him a striker, he's jogging on the side of the forward trio. He is unstoppable and nobody wants to face him. You know you're in trouble if you face him with a ball on his feet. To make such a mark to the football game is something we won't see again anytime soon. Astonishing player. With his hair it just makes me wonder if Fellaini grew a beard when he's that good!
Wilfried Zaha (CRY): Surely a player of the season outside top 6. Without him Palace would be looking at 46-game season next year. I can't believe how good he is. Dragging south-Londoners through the Prem without any bigger notice from so-called punters. He is an essential player. I am only waiting for the giant bids from the 'big' clubs, because the lad has incredible potential.
Leroy Sané (MCI): This German became a real threat for the opposition. I wouldn't want to be the one to be marking him to be honest. He'd fly away from me in seconds, grabbed the ball and you know you're in trouble. Such a clever boy he is. It's a joy to watch him play. This player is simply inSané.
Kevin De Bruyne (MCI): Another champion who helped his team greatly to put hands on the Trophy. With Salah going toe-to-toe for the player of the season, in my opinion Kevin did not have such a huge impact on his team as Mo did on Liverpool. Surely De Bryune is one of the top players in Man City, however I think they would win the league even without him, while Liverpool without Salah would be scratching their heads now. Having said that, his vision and passing is one of the finest in the league and the youngster has a lot more to give us in next couple of seasons.
ATT:
Harry Kane (TOT): You've gotta go for Kane haven't ya? Breaking all the records at that age. He became a top elite of Premier League within months. Spurs would be shitting bricks without him. Yes they managed to win a few games without him, but I can't see it working in a long run without Kane. I can see a little bit of Ronaldo in him and you know the player is pure class when you say that.
Sergio Aguero (MCI): The famous striker maybe did not have his best season. I know, crazy right? I think he had better seasons before, but even when he's not at his best, he does his job, and more surprisingly, make Gabriel Jesus sitting on the bench. That is incredible. Very good player who never fails to score. And that's the purpose of a striker isn't it?
Manager:
Sean Dyche (BUR): Do I need to explain? Deep voiced, worm-eating, ginger goatee, witty, proudest proudsman in Proudswille. He's such a character! I don't think there is anyone who doesn't wish him to do well. Who would ever dream of Burnley playing Europe? Not just that, look how many years he has been doing this astonishing job in this little place. Loyalty is the value that you don't see that often these days. I have such a respect with this man. People could say Pep Guardiola deserves it more for the way City had played this season, but I can't agree with that. At the end of the day, it's the season that counts and City had several dull games where they did not really turn up. Also City have one of the biggest squads (in the world) with best of the best playing on the field and sitting on the bench. How many managers could do what Dyche did with Burnley squad? I still can't get my head around it.
The cut was so tight, that I decided to list the players who did not make it but only JUST. The line that decided was thinner than hair. Anyway if any of the above dropped out, these would be in their place straight away.
Reserve GK:
Martin Dúbravka (NEW): My fellow national talent. Transferred in the winter he had half the time to make this list than most of the others. What a job he's doing is hugely surprising to me and I am really flattered with that. Magpies new what they were doing when they signed him. It is a lot easier to play when you have a certainty in goal.
Reserve DEF:
James Tarkowski (BUR): Another player who deserves his England cap. Burnley famous for their defensive work, this man is responsible for most of it. Pulling out great performances week in, week out. Brilliant.
Reserve MID:
Heung-Min Son (TOT): This guy turns up when needed. Second Harry Kane of Spurs. The whole of Korea (orwheneverthefuckhesfrom) is rightly proud of him. I don't think there ever was a better Asian player. Looking at his season though, the lad should get more chance to play, and to play regularly, because one day, he'll be the best if given enough time.
Reserve ATT:
Glenn Murray (BRI): Nearly claiming his pension, this guy is still doing wonders in his field. Start of the season wasn't the best for him due to injuries, but this bloke got back on track within few games. This scoring machine for Brighton had really enjoyed himself on the Premier League scene. I did not see that coming, however he will provide his best until his very last day I'm sure.
With the amount of class I had to chose form, I just have to give some mentions to few players.
SHOUTOUTS:
Pascal Gross (BRI): Brighton's number one. I don't think many people knew him before the start of the season, but I don't think many people will forget him after the end.
Junior Stanislas (BOU): Eddie Howe's men are quite extraordinary. They're nothing special, but still magnificent. This guy in particular. Such a clever boy, yet I can't see him play and shine for Real Madrid. But there is something about him. Something that keeps me off my seat and that makes my jaw drop.
Nathan Aké (BOU): Bournemouth should be grateful for this man. He's doing so well and keeps doing it all the time. Players like him make this game enjoyable.
Andreas Christensen (CHE): One of the most underrated players. The youngster got a chance and grabbed it with both his hands and legs and penis and whatever. I can't believe people don't talk about him. He went from zero to hero in one game! At Chelsea! U mad bro?!
Kyle Walker (MCI): I remember very well how skeptic people were when he moved from Spurs. But the lad proved himself and is now an essential part of Man City's defense. Certainly deserves to be mentioned for the season that he's had.
Jessé Lingard (MUN): This young chap is making it look easy. At Man United with Pogba, Lukaku, Sanchez, Matic or Mata to be one of the best players at his age is breathtaking! He's got a lot of work ahead of him to improve to the world class level, but he's in the right direction, with no sign of stopping him.
Matt Ritchie (NEW): If you need someone who can turn up in every game, I've got this guy for you. Newcastle have got few promising strikers, who did not quite lived up to their potential this season, but Ritchie saved them all the glory by doing all the hard-work himself.
Christian Eriksen (TOT): The Dan's name is mentioned a lot among Spurs' fans and you can see why. All the incredible work he's doing in that white shirt is being very appreciated at Wembley and rightly so.
Xherdan Shaquiri (STK): Top man from Stoke. The Swiss wonder. Little amazing excellence. Small, fast, clever hero. I could go on. you get the idea...
Troy Deeney (WAT): Proper captain who doesn't have his first season going well. He's been doing it for some time now and it doesn't look like he's getting bored of it. What a player he is. Surely the best player at Watford.
So that's that. Let me know what do you think and who I should (or shouldn't) include. It has been an interesting season regardless on who was the best, and everyone deserves an applause for entertaining us this year and making this the most beautiful game and competition on the planet.
#EPL
