Premier League Team

The end of the year is time for summing up and I will try to do something similar by putting together the Premier League Best Eleven of the season so far. This is just my humble opinion, thus be free to make your comments and state your Best Eleven team. It was very difficult to choose between a number of players that have had a great start to the Premiership season but here is the list:

Goalkeeper: Jose Reina (Liverpool)

Reina was very consistent this season and that is basically what you want from a goalkeeper. The Spaniard is very reliable keeper and he is one of the reasons why Liverpool is topping the table. Reina conceded only 12 goals this season and his commanding displays can be a big help in Liverpool’s title race

Right-back: Gretar Steinsson (Bolton)

Gretar Steinsson didn’t need much time to impress in Premier League, as he arrived to Bolton last January after two very successful seasons in AZ Alkmaar. He started every single game for Bolton since and this season has been very good for the Icelandic player. Steinsson is an attacking full-back and he helped his team achieve a respectable league position with two goals and five assists. This is a great record for a defender and he has already attracted interest of big European clubs.

Centre-back: John Terry (Chelsea)

John Terry is still the rock in the best defence in Premiership, which conceded only seven goals so far. After a lot of problems with injuries last season, he is finally fit and Chelsea will profit from this. He is very reliable at the back and he is also a big threat from the set-pieces.

Centre-back: Michael Turner (Hull City)

This could be a surprise for some of you, but Michael Turner deserves to be on this list. He was instrumental in Hull City’s success this season and he is considered as a future national team player. Turner was great in Tigers’ defence this season, while he also managed to score three goals in the Premier League. Manchester City are just one of the clubs interested in his services and it won’t be long before he transfers to one of the big English clubs.

Left-back: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

We all know that Jamie Carragher is a centre-back but I had to put him at left-back because of the fierce competition in the centre of defence. This versatile defender can play in every position in the backline and he is the part of one of the best defences in the Premier League. His experience is a great asset for the team and Carragher still seems to have the same motivation as when he started playing football. His work-rate is incredible and he is still very tough to beat.

Right midfielder: Luis Antonio Valencia (Wigan)

Number of big European clubs will be battling to sign Ecuadorian midfielder in January, after he impressed for Wigan this season. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are thought to be interested in his services and rightly so. Valencia was a big creative force for the Latics, setting up five goals this season, while he also scored three. Valencia has great technical skills and his crosses from right wing are always a real menace for the opposition defenders.

Central midfielder: Stephen Ireland (Manchester City)

Ireland was probably the only bright spot in Hughes’ team this season and it seems that once a big prospect has finally matured. He managed to take his place in the starting line-up despite the fierce competition for places and he showed he deserved it completely. Ireland scored six goals from his central midfield role and helped his team win some precious points. Considering that the Irish midfielder is only 22-years-old, he could be destined for big things.

Central midfielder: Mikel Arteta (Everton)

The Spaniard has been Everton’s creative force for the past few years and his effect on the team was even bigger this season, as David Moyes had a lot of injured players. Arteta is one of the best midfielders in Premiership and is a big threat from the set-pieces. He scored two goals this term but had six assists, which is the third-best record in the Premier League.

Left midfielder: Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Ashley Young has been more than impressive this season and he is one of the main reasons why Aston Villa are currently third-placed team of the Premier League. The pacey winger is great at taking defenders on and he is also a big threat from the set-pieces. Young scored four goals and had six assists this season and he is thought to be on Real Madrid’s wish list. He is true contender for the Player of the Season award and if continues in the same fashion, Aston Villa have great chance to break the Big Four of English football.

Striker: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

Nicolas Anelka is the top scorer of the competition with 14 goals after the first 18 rounds and he is in remarkable form this season. He is keeping Didier Drogba on the bench and that speaks for itself. French striker is ruthless in front of goal and his composure is remarkable.

Striker: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

Gabriel Agbonlahor is one of the leading strikers of the Premier League at the moment and his nine goals helped Aston Villa keep their excellent league position. He has no problems playing on either wing, or as a lone striker and that is a big quality for such a young player. Together with Ashley Young, Agbonlahor managed to compensate for the absence of injured John Carew and kept Villa in the race for top four finish.

Popularity: 21% [?]