With the two player of the year awards done and dusted and team of the year announced, I feel obliged to name my 2011 Premier League team of the year.
I have no argument with Scott Parker, Gareth Bale and Jack Wilshere winning their respective awards. For me Scott Parker is player of the year, although I have no problem with Bale winning the PFA player of the year.
There was 3 or 4 players who could have won it really, Parker and Bale are two of those along with Vidic and Tevez. Anyway my 11 are:-
Football Gambler's 2011 Premier League Team of the Year
Edwin van der Sar
Most consistent keeper in the country, rarely makes a mistake and shows the importance of a steady hand between the sticks. A position regularly neglected at the Emirates with obvious results.
Micah Richards
No real stand out candidate for me, but Richards has regained the spot for City. England could also do with him coming good again.
Nemanja Vidic
Has been a rock at the back for United this season, they have looked shaky at the back when Vidic and Ferdinand haven't been available together.
Gary Cahill
Was a bit of a toss up between Cahill and Ferdinand. When Rio and Vidic are together United look solid at the back, but Rio has missed too much of the season.
This is why I have opted for the up and coming Cahill. A player who has now broken into the England squad, and looks destined to go onto bigger things next season.
Ashley Cole
Another close call with the form of Leighton Baines at Everton. Baines could easily have got the nod, but I think Cole is a consistent performer week in, week out. He is one of those players who you only appreciate just how good he is when he's not there.
Samir Nasri
Not a massive amount of competition for this place. Nani was an option, but the form of Nasri around the middle of the season means he gets the spot in my team.
Scott Parker
My player of the year, I believe West Ham would already be preparing for life in the championship without Parker.
Jack Wilshere
My link between defence and attack. Over the course of the 2 legs against Barcelona, Wilshere was the only man/boy who looked capable of gracing a Barca shirt.
Luka Modric
A lot of Spurs fans say that Bale isn't even the Spurs player of the year, as Modric is. Was a close call for with Ryan Giggs, but I think over the course of the season Modric has been better.
Gareth Bale
Faded a bit over last couple of months due to injuries, but before that was electric and total box office.
Carlos Tevez
Has been the most consistent striker over the season, hard working, scores goals and City look like a different team when he's not there.