The 2010/11 Premier League season will be remembered for Manchester United’s record 19th championship, a nail-biting relegation scrap and a visible increase in parity across the English top flight. In short, there was something for everyone.
More than that, it was a campaign in which numerous established stars fell short of their lofty standards, allowing others to surge into the spotlight. It is no stretch to say that Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas saw their reputations take a hit over the course of the campaign for a variety of reasons. They were not alone.
But that should take no gloss off the efforts of the season’s top performers. Inside Futbol’s Tom Oldfield reflects on a rollercoaster campaign to select the Premier League Team of the Season, picking a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper – Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United)
Van der Sar will not recall the Champions League final with any fondness, but he was a key pillar in Manchester United’s Premier League title triumph, making some game-changing saves and preserving the team’s unbeaten home record. And all this at the age of 40. Commanding and composed, the Dutchman will be sorely missed at Old Trafford and leaves some very big shoes to fill.
Right back – Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)
Not too many excelled at right back, however Sagna’s dependability was a bright spot for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger amidst a defence that looked fragile and a goalkeeping conundrum that must be solved this summer. Rarely beaten for pace and blessed with limitless energy going forward, Sagna remains an under-rated presence.
Centre back – Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
The Manchester United captain carried the back four at times this season, particularly during Rio Ferdinand’s absence. Dominant in the air and strong in the tackle, the Serbian stopper did as much as anyone in a red shirt to clinch that 19th title and confirmed his status as the league’s best defender.
Centre back – Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
In Kompany, Roberto Mancini has found his leader for the new era. Just as Vidic drives United and John Terry has been the inspiration for Chelsea, Kompany was the glue that kept City together on the road to the top four. After a successful campaign, the Belgian can look forward to tasting the Champions League next season.
Left back – Leighton Baines (Everton)
As Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra took steps backwards, Everton man Baines surged in the right direction. Quick, comfortable on the ball and a great team player, the left back could be a target for top four clubs this summer. His threat from free-kicks is always an added bonus.
Defensive midfielder – Scott Parker (West Ham)
No player could have fought harder to keep the Hammers in the top flight than Parker. His Football Writers’ award was a testament to his work-rate, spirit and ball-winning prowess – all of which stood out, even in a struggling West Ham side. While others around him wilted under the pressure of the relegation dogfight, Parker continued to drive his team-mates on. He will be a hot property this summer.
Defensive midfielder – Charlie Adam (Blackpool)
Until the New Year, Blackpool looked like being the feel good story of the season – and that was largely due to Adam’s classy probing in midfield. Experiencing top flight football brought out the best in the Scot and, like Parker, there will be a lengthy line of suitors for his signature this summer.
Attacking midfielder – Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
This will go down as the season in which Nasri stepped up as a match-winner. Like the Gunners’ Premier League title charge, he fell away in the final third of the campaign but, along with Jack Wilshere, the Frenchman put Fabregas in the shade. With quick feet and an eye for goal, he will continue to improve.
Attacking midfielder – Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)
Among the signings of the season, the Dutchman proved to be an invaluable creative spark to supply Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon out wide. A tally of 13 Premier League goals from midfield was priceless for Harry Redknapp’s side and the continued development of his partnership with fellow playmaker Luka Modric should be a source of great excitement for Tottenham Hotspur fans.
Attacking midfielder – Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
No debate here – Bale was unstoppable at times as he fully emerged as a top class performer. Injuries derailed him a little in the second half of the season, but the Welshman remained a constant threat to all Spurs’ opponents. In full flow, Bale proved he is the most dangerous attacker in the league.
Striker – Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
Tevez carried an unbelievable burden as Manchester City’s primary attacking option, often playing without much support from midfield. While he did not always appear a happy figure, his contribution of 20 league goals was outstanding and he will be a key part of the club’s attempt to claim the Premier League title next season.
Manager – Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
There are plenty of candidates, but Ferguson comes on top. Overtaking Liverpool’s record with Manchester United’s 19th title represented a phenomenal achievement. His players were written off time and again during the season but lasted the pace to clinch silverware in what many viewed as a transitional season.
