The Team of the Season of the 08-09 English Premier League

Goalkeeper

Edwin Van Der Sar

The Dutch Goalkeeper went 1,311 minutes the season without conceding a goal, this amazing achievement is a Premier League Record.

Edwin has been a major player for Manchester United this season and has played a massive part in United’s title win this season. The veteran goalkeeper is proving that his advancing years isn’t stopping him from being one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Sir Alex Ferguson Has described the Dutchman as “the best since Schmeichel.”

Right-Back

Glen Johnson

The Englishman has really been the standout player for Pompey this season and is easily the best Right-back of the season. His form this season has been so impressive that England national Manager Fabio Capello appears to see Johnson as England’s long-term First-choice Right-back. His great form hasn’t gone unnoticed by other clubs either, The Right-back has been a target for Liverpool and Spurs all season.

Left-Back

Leighton Baines

This has been the hardest choice so far. My two candidates were Leighton Baines and Patrice Evra but after some careful thinking Baines was my choice for Left-Back.

Baines failed to make an impact at Goodison during is first season, but has become a regular in Everton’s superb defence this campaign. His hard work and great left sided partnership with teammate Steven Pienaar has played a massive part in Everton’s fantastic season. If Baines keeps up this form into next season he will be a major contender for Left-Back in England’s 2010 World Cup squad.

Centre-Back

Phil Jagielka

Jagielka has been the best Centre-Back in the country this season by helping Everton Qualify for the Europa League and securing their spot in the FA Cup final by scoring the decisive penalty in the Semi’s against Manchester United. Phil has also forced his way into the England Squad with his terrific performances.

Jagielka was having the season of his Career until a untimely injury cut his season short and ruled him out of the FA Cup final, but i’m sure we will see a lot more of this talented defender next season.

Centre-Back

Nemanja Vidic

Vidic’s Partnership with Rio Ferdinand has been incredibly solid all season. The pair fit so well together, with Vidic’s No nonsense approach and Rio’s Speed and strentgh. The Serbian has been key to United’s success by helping them keep twenty-two clean sheets.

Left-Midfield

Steven Pienaar

My third Everton choice has proved how far they have come this season, with players really making themselves count in a small and injury plagued squad.

The South African has grown as the season progressed and has really stepped up his game since teammate Mikel Arteta’s season ending injury.
Steven Pienaar is the perfect example of what Hard work Moyes demands from his players and His Left sided partnership with Leighton Baines is a key reason why they both make my Team Of The Year.

Right-Midfield

Cristiano Ronaldo

Although Ronaldo has failed to live up to his incredible last season, the portuguese winger has still been a major threat to all opposition. Ronaldo has played a massive part in Manchester United’s successful season whether its creating goals or scoring them, he has been United’s Key threat.

Ronaldo’s highlights of the season will be his 18 Premier league goals and his stunning 40 yard goal against Porto in the Champions League.

Centre-Midfield

Steven Gerrard (Captain)

It really is no surprise that Steven Gerrard is in the team. The Liverpool Skipper has been the driving force behind Liverpool pushing Manchester United for the Title.

Steven Gerrard for me is the best player in the world and would walk into any team. He has a eye for goal, power, pace and works incredibly hard for his team. He has contributed 16 goals and 10 assists for Liverpool this season.

Centre-Midfield

Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland has come of age this season and has been unfazed by the amount of talent linked with a move to Man City. Ireland has cast a shadow over Record Transfer Robinho all year and has done that with 9 goals and 9 assists. Ireland proves that you don’t always need to pay big money for quality players.

Striker

Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres has played a key part in Liverpool getting second place this season. The lack of the Gerrard and Torres partnership due to Torres being injured in some parts of the season really damaged Liverpool’s title chances. Torres scored 14 goals for Liverpool in his 20 Premier League starts.

Striker

Nicolas Anelka

Nicolas Anelka has had a superb season for Chelsea, scoring 19 Premier League goals, finishing as the Premier League’s Top Goalscorer.

Nicolas Anelka was at his best under Scolari scoring the majority of his goals for Chelsea during that time. Once Scolari was sacked and Hiddink took over, Drogba was seemingly preffered to Anelka and Anelka was oftenly used as a right winger, but Anelka still worked hard and proved himself as a top quality goalscorer.

Honourable Mentions

Jääskeläinen, Schwarzer and Tim Howard were contenders for Goalkeeper.

Patrice Evra and Brede Hangeland both had fantastic seasons in defence.

Ashley Young, Frank Lampard and Mikel Arteta have had really good seasons.

Kevin Davies and Wayne Rooney have been key for their teams this season.