Goalkeeper - Vito Mannone
Although Petr Cech and Wojciech Szczesny are working out a custody plan for the golden glove with their 16 clean sheets, they each had formidable defensive lines in front. Their CBs ensured they didn’t have to pick the ball out of the net too many times. Vito Mannone on the other hand found himself a
Right Back - Seamus Coleman
Although Leighton Baines seems to be the only full back worth column inches, it was Seamus Coleman who stood out and flourished under the guidance of Roberto Martinez this season. He was arguably one of the main reasons Everton came within weeks of a CL spot. Only City and Chelsea boasted better defensive records than Everton. They conceded just 39 goals this season. And Coleman only went and contributed to 8 goals himself, more than anyone else in his position.
Centre Back - John Terry
John Terry was always going to make this list. His performances this season made for great viewing for the Chelsea faithful but depressing for England in a World Cup year. His one blemish was *that* goal at Selhurst Park. But otherwise, his consistent performances throughout the season more than overshadow that own goal, reinstating him as the best CB in England. As a man, he’s often lived by the share and share a like policy with Chelsea teammates. Terry shared his skills with Gary Cahill who flourished under his guidance. Gary Cahill has gone from a stop gap to first choice CB for both Chelsea and England in large part because of Terry.
Centre Back - Laurent Koscielny
Gary Cahill probably should be here as well. But Cahill's performances got better throughout the season rather than impress from the start of the season. And I may, or may not still want to see David Luiz in that role. So it’s the man who bosses the last man tackle. This could call into question his positioning and why he's forced into making those saves, but credit is due for getting back and sorting it out. He made 5 this season and 11 more than any other player in the last 4 seasons combined. Koscielny isn't without flaw as there were some notably bad performances (9-0 at Stamford Bridge springs to mind), but they were poor from front to back. He can't do it all on his own. Along with his BFG teammate, they boast best pass accuracy in the league -- assuming they aren't dinking between themselves.
Left Back - Cesar Azpilicueta
Ashley Cole showed why he’s still the left back in the world in the last few games of the season. But Cole was only afforded that handful of performances to remind Roy Hodgson he’d also made a mistake in leaving him off the plane to Brazil. Cole was displaced by Azpilcueta initially for being naughty at Christmas, but then on merit. Mourinho moving Azpilicueta on his 'wrong side' seemed a stroke of genius. Azpilicueta may not have the crossing ability of Leighton Baines, but Mourinho never tasked him with that. Focusing on his defensive duties, his athleticism proved too much for most opponents to get past.
Midfield - Nemanja Matic
Saying Chelsea had a bumpy festive period would be like saying the SS Minnow was a bumpy voyage. After Christmas they seemed to have any defensive question marks that had been lingering over them swept away. It took a big Serbian to stop Chelsea from leaking goals to allowing just 2 teams to score PL goals at Stamford Bridge in 2014. Matic 2.0 could be the transfer of the season as he is as comfortable getting the ball forward as he is in stopping the likes of Yaya Touré in their tracks.
Midfield - Aaron Ramsey
This is the spot that Yaya Touré is meant to occupy. He was a massive presence, figuratively and literally, in Manchester City’s midfield. But Touré was surrounded with players like Fernandinho that allowed him to flourish. With the strength of City's squad, they may have still won the league without him. Therefore, in terms of influence on their team it's Aaron Ramsey who played the bigger role. Arsenal won just 55% of matches without Ramsey starting this season compared with 70% with him. If Ramsey had stayed fit all year there’s every chance that Arsenal could have even challenged for third this season.
Left Midfield - Eden Hazard
When you’re watching Eden Hazard, you know you’re watching something very special. The rest of the league agreed and made him the most fouled player in the league. He's only little. They should pick on someone their own size. And despite all the fouling he managed to dribble past an opponent at least 40 more times than any other player. When he wasn't running circles around people or getting chopped down, he created the most chances - which may only make Mourinho lament the mythical striker further. Hazard directly contributed to nearly 30% of Chelsea’s goals, and is one of only 2 Chelsea players to score 10+ goals this season. If he’s meant to work even harder under Mourinho next season, be afraid. Very afraid.
Right Midfield - Raheem Sterling
Sterling still tops the campest run table, but he also managed to develop into an impressive player -- especially in the second half of the season when Liverpool won 11 straight games. Whether it was Rodgers or Suarez’ guidance that did it, he managed to become nothing but a nuisance to opposition defenders. Sterling also won more of Liverpool’s penalties this season than any other player - no mean feat there.
Forward - Sergio Agüero
Troubled with injury this season, Agüero still managed to score 17 goals in his 23 PL apps this season. In fact, Agüero scored a goal more often than any other player to make 10+ appearances this season. Every time he was on the pitch it felt like a goal could come at any moment, no matter the opponent. And if manages to stay fit, he could score 30+ without much trouble.
Forward - Daniel Sturridge
Although he scored less than his toothy teammate, Sturridge’s goals had a bigger impact on Liverpool’s season. It may seem like a long time ago now, but Liverpool started their surprising season with 3 consecutive 1-nil wins courtesy of Daniel Sturridge and he didn't stop scoring there. Not only did he win more points for Liverpool, but he did it against top 5 teams scoring against the likes of Arsenal and Everton. Something which his strike partner isn’t often able to say. Sturridge might have received more of the deserved plaudits if it hadn’t been for *that* dance.
jb x
* stats courtesy of the brilliant WhoScored.Com (especially their social media team)
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