Robert O'CarlosJust for reference, this is the EPL team of the year as voted for by the members of the PFA (players' union) in England.
Ryan Giggs was awarded the player of the year with Ashley Young being awarded young player of the year.
:-)

Full team:
van der Sar (man Utd)
Johnson (Portsmouth)
Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Vidic (Man Utd)
Evra (Man Utd)
Ronaldo (Man Utd)
Gerrard (Liverpool)
Giggs (Man Utd)
Young (Aston Villa)
Anelka (Chelsea)
Torres (Liverpool)

27.04.2009


FeriAtsGiggs is a fantastic player. He should have got this long ago. I guess this is PFA's standing ovation for his underrated career.

I have the feeling that Johnson is there, just because PFA wanted to have more players from out of top 4.

28.04.2009


Robert O'CarlosAbsolutely agree with FeriAts about Giggs.
:-)
You would have to question whether he has been the most influential EPL player this season, but he surely deserves some sort of recognition for the length of time he's played at the top level. Perhaps a lifetime achievement award would have been more appropriate?

Like FeriAts, I'm dubious about Johnson, although I'm not sure I could name another right back who has been as consistent.

At the risk of advocating a United whitewash of this team, I'm surprised there was no place for Rooney. Maybe Rooney's problem is that he's more of a cross between a forward and a midfielder, rather than one or the other.
:-)

28.04.2009


RicardoNice find RO'C :)

28.04.2009


FeriAtsAnother thing that draws attention, why no Arsenal players? OK, Arsenal are not having their best season but surely there must be someone who had a good season. Who would you pick from Gunners?

29.04.2009


Robert O'CarlosFrom Arsenal? Clichy has improved vastly, and Arshavin is slotting in nicely. But Evra has to be ahead of Clichy. And Arshavin would have lost out because the voting takes place around February.
:-)
If nothing else, maybe this team highlights the divide between the monied clubs and the rest, with the ambition of Villa (at the time of voting) and the FA Cup triumph of Pompey represented in the mix.

30.04.2009