Sunday, December 3, 2006

'All Star' team of the EPL season so far . formation 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Tim Howard (Everton) has been a revelation this season and due to frequent appearances, I'll vouch that he's back big time. Gone is the nervousness that characterized his second season at Manchester United. It's been replaced by a confidence that he belongs in the league. In a way, being relegated to the bench behind Edwin Van der Sar was the best thing that every happened to him and the Toffees are reaping the rewards. Four clean sheets in the Premiership may not sound tremendous but remember the eleven in front of him.

Right Back: Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) is the best attacking full-back in the league and by stepping into Lauren's shoes seamlessly he has completely justified Wenger's faith in him. He has pace, strength, vision and he can defend.

Centre Back: Nemanja Vidic (Man United) is the rock that United has missed since the days of Jaap Stam. This Serb is one hard defender as anyone who has been on the end of his superb tackling will attest to. It is no surprise to me that United has improved defensively since his arrival and his partnership with Ferdinand could develop into the best in the Premiership.

Centre Back: Sol Campbell (Portsmouth) was thrown on the scrap heap by Wenger after a season that saw the former England man walk out on his side during a game!. Many thought that he was finished but instead of skulking off to Europe for a quiet time, he stayed in the eye of the storm and has taken the South Coast by storm with one heroic performance after another.

Left Back: Leighton Baines (Wigan) is pushing Ashley Cole really hard for that England spot. Firstly, he doesn't have Cole's outrageous, self-important ego and secondly he's vastly experienced despite being just 22-years-old. With a series of impressive outings for the U21s and the Latics' steady climb up the table, he'll be in the running for the Young Player of the Year award.

Right Midfield: Mikel Arteta (Everton) was pushed closely by Aaron Lennon,but the Spaniard is more consistent. He's ever-present for the Toffees and has chipped in vital goals.He's been David Moyes' best and most influential signing because he not only provides the graft but also the craft.

Centre Midfield: Gary Speed (Bolton) is a modern marvel and an example to anyone over the age of 35 that if you take care of yourself, you can still compete at the top level. Despite the Trotters having a little blip, Speed is still pulling the strings in the centre of the park with the aplomb of a teenager after over 500+ top flight appearances.

Left Midfield: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) is a old head on young shoulders and if McClaren doesn't add to his total of 8 England caps, there is something wrong.He was going in the wrong direction last season but under Martin O'Neill he is a player reborn. He's different gravy and the type of player that can change the dynamic of teams. He doesn't get his due because he doesn't have great dribbling skills or pace.

Forward: Didier Drogba (Chelsea) has been on fire this season and he can thank Shevchenko, who has taken attention away from him. However, let's give Drogba credit where it is due. At the end of the last campaign, his head was on the chopping block and now his is the first name on the team list. He has it all: pace, power, strength and he's not even selfish. Don't be surprised if he scores 30+ goals and wins the Players' Player of the Year. Professionals recognize greatness and Drogba has shown that he possesses that.

Forward: Darren Bent (Charlton) is scoring goals in a team that quite simply sucks, so that makes him a superstar in my book. If only McClaren would live up to his philosophy of selecting 'in-form players', England could be World Champions instead of World Chumps. Out of the 14 goals the Addicks have scored this term, Bent is responsible for 9 of them.

Forward: Kevin Doyle (Reading) won't blow you away with the typical forward's attributes of pace, power and skill but what he will do is work for 90 minutes. That means hustling for half chances that 9 times out of 10 don't pan out but still believing that they will.

Manager: Steve Coppell (Reading) was pushed hard by Martin O'Neill at Villa but at the end of the day his squad at the Madejski doesn't come close to the talent available to O'Neill. To have his team in the top half of the table is practically a miracle, especially after meeting and losing to Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. The key has been beating teams that are struggling and this has been done with some style thanks to Coppell's philosophy of attacking, no-nonsense football.