My Best Eleven of the Season

Now that the season is over, it is time to crown the top eleven players in the BPL for the season of 08/09.

Goalkeeper (Edwin Van Der Sar)
This is pretty much a shoo-in for Edwin Van Der Sar. The Dutch veteran is the best goalkeeper in this season simply because of his record-breaking effort in midseason for the most number of minutes in the BPL without conceding a goal. Coupled with his leading presence in the backline of Man Utd and more than a number of match-winning saves this season, Van der Sar is by far the most consistent keeper. In comparison, Petr Cech, Pepe Reina and Manuel Almunia have been let down by inconsistency.

Centre Backs (Rio Ferdinand and Nemandja Vidic)
The meanest defence in the world, Rio Ferdinand and Nemandja Vidic. No central defensive pairing comes close in the BPL. You don't seperate a defence that has almost telepathic understanding with each other. It is half the battle won when you know that Rio and Vida is the central defence you will be fielding. Expect little or nothing conceded.

Right Back (Glen Johnson)
This is a tough one, especially as there was no stand-out right back this season. Perhaps Liverpool's Alvaro Arberloa has been the most improved right back this season. He has put in solid performances for Liverpool this season. Another one is Portsmouth's Glen Johnson who has earned a call-up to the England national team. Johnson's performances have been slightly more impressive this season in a team that has been struggling with Harry Redknapp's departure (who can forget the wonder goal he scored?) There are even rumors that Johnson could leave Portsmouth and end up at Liverpool next season, which means goodbye to Arberloa's first team position. For that matter, Johnson wins my vote.

Left Back (Patrice Evra)
Who else by Patrice Evra of Man Utd? Tireless worker, natural attacking instincts, smart defending. Evra is the best left back this season by a long mile from his next competitor, Ashley Cole of Chelsea.

Left Midfielder (Wayne Rooney)
Some say Ashley Young of Aston Villa, others say Ryan Giggs. In my opinion, Giggsy is too old now to play effectively on my left wing. What you need is someone who has the ability to track back and defend while full blooded when counter attacking. Ashley Young doesn't come close here when compared to my choice... the versatile Wayne Rooney. If you've seen Wayne in matches when he played on the left for Man Utd, he's every right back's greatest nightmare.

Central Midfielder (Steven Gerrad)
Steven Gerrard is the best midfielder in the world if you ask for my frank opinion. His versatality, guile and fighting spirit on the field is second to none. Gerrard will be the best option in midfield whether attacking or defending, plus his goalscoring ability from midfield is a must for any top notch team. He is a must have in my best eleven.

Central Midfielder (Michael Carrick)
Michael Carrick or Ryan Giggs will win my vote here. While Giggsy had an unbelievable season, I have to go with Carrick in this postion. Frankly, no one comes close to his range of passing. His ability to pick up attackers from the back of the field turns defence into quick counter attacking opportunities. No one can train for a vision like his. While he is slower than most, his tactical acumen more than makes up for it. Plus he provides solid defensive cover sitting in midfield while Gerrard bombs forward to support the attack.

Right Midfielder (Cristiano Ronaldo)
It has to be Ronaldo in this position for me. By his lofty standards, Ronaldo had an ok season. But he still finished as the top scorer of the champions this season, second top scorer in the entire Premier League. Let's not forget that he can play in virtually any position across attack, whether centre forward or winger. His lethal free kicks from 30 yards out and easy ability to get past defenders are of the worst fears to opposing teams.

Centre Forward (Fernando Torres)
Fernando, Fernando, Fernando Torres. Too gifted, too good. I remembered only too well how he embarassed Vidic with his darting runs and clever touches. His aerial ability and accurate shooting makes him the outstanding striker of the season. A Gerrard and Torres partnership is guranteed goals. Just as how Rio and Vidic share a mutual understanding for the game, Torres and Gerrard's inter-play is one in a million and is deadly upfront. The only reason why Liverpool was so outstanding this season is Torres-Gerrard.

Centre Forward (Nicolas Anelka)
Well, you can't leave out the top scorer of the season can you? Anelka the sulker of Stamford Bridge was played often in the wrong position on the left but he stuck to his instincts and still finished the season with aplenty of goals. In my opinion, he will score goals at any club in the world, even if you put him with Hull City or Middlesbrough. He even proved it before when he was with Bolton. Its just pure instinct. He outscored the big, bad Drogba even when the club favors Drogba over him. I say what the hell is Chelsea thinking?

As you can see, Man Utd players rule my best eleven, but that is only because the first team of the champions have truly been outstanding in every department.