| Product: |
Football in General |
| Date: |
30/09/00 (68 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: The good XI
Disadvantages: The bad XI
As the end of the season approaches, the customary nominations for player of the season awards are unveiled. He is my little effort for the best premiership side based solely on form this season.
Manager – Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) – The most successful manager in the history of the English game. Record speaks for itself.
1 - Fabien Barthez (Manchester United and France) –Silenced all of his critics who wrongly believed he was inconsistent and made mistakes, conceding just 14 premiership goals this season. Prolific short-stopper, and equally competent on crosses, he is the best keeper in the world at the present time. His real selling point is his superb distribution, becoming an key member of the Manchester United attack at times. Acts as a
fifth defender at times, with his speed off his line. A true entertainer, with skill on the ball far beyond most midfielders. The only person thus far to kick a ball over the roof of the new Stretty.
2 - Marcus Babbel (Liverpool and Germany) – After coming in on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, Babbel had a shaky start to the season. After being moved to right back he looked more comfortable, able to use his ability on the ball going down the right wing. Great defender who has improved an already strong Liverpool back-line with his consistency, and also an extra outlet to the scousers attacking options. Just ahead of Gary Neville because of his attacking ability
3 - Mickey Silvestre (Manchester United and France) – Following an indifferent first season where he struggled at times to come to terms with the pace, fluidity and aggression of the English game, Silvestre has shown the ability that had Ferguson and Houiller chasing his signature. For my money, is the most talented all round player in England and, at 22, has the ability to be one of the greats. Immense pace and strength, combined with a great reading of the game, great tacklin
g ability and superb distribution have see him become a key player both in defence and attack for Manchester United and seen him break into the French national side alongside Marcel Desailly. Although Ian Harte, Jamie Carragher and Silvinho have all had good seasons, none of them has the class and consistency of Silvestre.
4 - Paddy Viera (Arsenal and France) – Following the unwise sale of Petit and Overmars to Barcelona. Viera has had to run the Arsenal midfield on his own, and Arsenal’s league position is mostly down to him. Seemingly frustrated at playing in a team below his personal standards hasn’t effected his form in the pitch. Broken into the French national side with his control over the game. Doesn’t like it when the tackles start flying, but has Keano and Garrard to protect him.
5 - Sami Hypia (Liverpool and Finland) – The rock on which the defence that has carried Liverpool to 3 cup finals this season has been built. The major transfer success of Houllier’s time in charge, he has instantly become one of the best defenders around. Gifted with strength, aerial ability and a great reading of the game, he has brought solidity to a previously shaky Pool defence. His distribution is limited, but the players around him more than compensate for that weakness. Gets in ahead of Desailly due to greater consistency.
6 - Jaap Stam (Manchester United and Holland) – Easily the best defender in the world at the present time and voted the best defender in Europe for the past two years running by UEFA. No one else can match his strength, pace, intelligence, aerial ability, tackling and aggression. Equally comfortable with the strength of Viduka or the pace of Owen, he forms an entire back line on his own. Despite missing 2 months of the season following Achilles tendon surgery, his faultless performances put him head and shoulders above any other player. Supreme on the deck on in the air, a
nd with great leadership skills, he is a key player in any team.
7 - Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England) – Although having to play out of position on the right in my formation, his performances this season have made him a must in any side. Despite being plagued by a serious of niggling injuries, he has been instrumental for Pool this season. His Roy Keane-esque drive and determination are an asset to my team, as is going out with that fit bird form Brookie.
8 - Roy Keane (c) (Manchester United and Ireland) – The best player in England at the present time, and one of the best in Europe. Just shades Veron, Davids and Luis Enrique in his ability to control a game and motivate those around him. The crux of the Manchester United side since the departure of Robbo and Charlie,
9 - Terry Henry (Arsenal and France) – Spent the season leading the Arsenal attack by himself and scoring 17 gaols this season. Not much aerial ability, and not one to dribble past defenders. However, he has immense pace, is a cool and clinical finisher in one-on-one situations and has the ability to score sublime goals. The best striker in the premiership at the moment, an now leading the line for the World and European champions.
10 - Emile Heskey (Liverpool and England) – Many people doubted the wisdom of Houllier’s decision to pay £11m for Heskey, but his excellent performances this season have showed his faith was justified. Supremely talented, with tremendous pace and strength, he can function as a big target man, play wide and run down the flanks to put crosses in, or play on he last man as the lead striker. Although he still needs to add consistency to his game, and develop a better conversion rate
11 - Ryan Giggs (Manchester United and Wales) – The most exciting player in the premiership and one of the best wingers in world football, he is the key attacking member of the Manchester United team, f
orming an immense partnership down the left with Mickey Silvestre. His pace, strength and skill have made him one of the most feared opponents in European football. His ability to run at players and tear huge holes in even the most organised of defences guarantees his place in any side
12 - Marcel Desailly (Chelsea and France) – In my opinion one of the very best central defenders in the world at the present time. Like Jaap Stam, a defence can be built around him. Commanding in the air, and with a reading of the game which rarely leaves him resorting to making a tackle. Just edged out by Hypia because of occasional lapses in concentration, and a lack of consistency against lesser opposition.. Most definitely a big game player.
13 - Nigel Martyn (Leeds and England) - In the best form of his career during what is Leeds’ most successful season since 1992. He can’t compete with Barthez in flair, outstanding ability or distribution. However, he is an incredibly dependable and reliable keeper. Sadly overlooked by England who persist with the dodgy old lad from the gooners. His place in the dirty dirty Leeds side may come under threat with the emergence of Robinson, but for the time being he is the best English player between the sticks.
14 David Beckham (Manchester United and England) – The best crosser of a football in the world game at the moment, and with a great range of cross-field and chipped passes. A certainty in most teams, but doesn’t have the determination and aggression to start in my side. One hell of a player to have on the bench mind.
15 Paul Scholes (Manchester United and England) – The most talented English player around at the moment with an incredible scoring rate from midfield, and a sublime range of passing. Unfortuantely, his ability to go absent during games, and not having the drive or the ability to control games in the way Keano or Viera can pushes him onto the
bench. Still, his clinical finishing and his ability to find space in and around the box make him a lethal player and he is one of the most understated and inconspicuous players in the game.
16 – Marcus Stewart (Ipswich and England) – Warrants an inclusion for scoring 19 goals this season in what is a pretty ordinary side. Not blessed with any outstanding natural ability, but has a good eye for goal, and has taken any chances he has been given. Will probably be another Kevin Philips one-season-wonder who won’t be able to score for toffee next season, so I might as well include him whilst I can.
And no review of the season would be complete without a run down of the premierships worst XI
Manager – Joe Potatohead Royle (Manchester City) – Spent £18m this season on strengthening his squad. The prize for anyone who can find £18m of talent in his entire squad is footage of the last time City won a trophy. Reel-to-reel projector not included.
1 - Nicky Weaver (Manchester City and England) – What more can be said about the fat reject from Westlife. It would be hard to blame all City’s failure on him, but then its almost impossible to make the mistakes he made.
2- Laurent Chavert (Manchester City and France) – One of the worst players I have ever had the misfortune to see. Bobby Robson must have been laughing when Potatohead agreed to pay money for him.
3- Danny Tiato (Manchester City and Australia) – Completely bereft of any footballing ability whatsoever. A dirty, objectionable little runt as well.
4- Spencer Prior (Manchester City and England) – Big-name deadline day signing last season. Achieved consistent levels of mediocrity and ineptitude throughout a distinguished career of getting his team relegated.
5- Richard Dunne (Manchester City and England) – Although cunningly disguised as a Sunday league playing
brick layer, Dunne is in fact a top class defender to base your entire defence around. Or at least according to Potatohead. Any wonder they went down?
6- Alf Inge Haland (c) (Manchester City and Norway) – A bitter, half-rate useless carthorse who can play equally ineptly in either defence or midfield . Who better to captain the side?
7- Andre Kanchelskis (Manchester City and Ukraine) – Isn’t it sad what washed up stars will degrade themselves to to make ends meet. I suppose that will teach you to try and give a bung to you now ex-manager.
8- Jeff Whitley (Manchester City and England) – Most normal central midfielders have either flair or aggression. Jeff has neither.
9- Shaun Wright-Philips (Manchester City and England) – Shaun is the new Pele according to City fans. Just a shame this clinical finisher hasn’t been able to find the net yet in what is approaching his third season as a City player.
10- Shaun Goater (Manchester City and Bermuda) – It would take a dedicated professional to challenge Hamilton Ricard as the worst striker in the league but the Goat managed it. He did win City’s goal of the month effort for that sublime ball bouncing of my back without me even knowing owt about it effort though.
11) Paul Dickov (Manchester City and Scotland) – Despite having the strike rate of a goalkeeper, Paul has indeed spent the entire season playing as a striker. It was funny when he got send off for being assaulted by Pistone though.
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northerner - 15/05/01 i would have loved the city to stay up. its much easier to laugh at them when they are in the same division. |
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