Team of the year

It is the award season after all so in that spirit here are the best eleven I have seen.

1: Pepe Reina: The one consistent source of brilliance for Liverpool this season. The Spaniard combines quick reflex's with a steadying influence on his defence. Add the fact he is probably the best penalty stopper in the world and his outstanding distribution and one could be forgiven for pondering if he should even replace Casillas in the summer.

2:Branislav Ivanovic: far from a vintage year at right back but the Serbian started the season well for Chelsea and has continued in that vein. For a natural centre-half his crossing and ability to get forward is up there with anyone in the league and is a threat from set-piece's

3: Patrice Evra: The buccaneering Manchester United man has dipped somewhat recently but that can be excused based on his lung-bursting efforts over the season. Consistently excellent.

4: Thomas Vermaelen: The Belgian has been a revelation at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Strong in the air, subtle on the ground, his prowess in the opposition box marks him out as a defender of genuine international quality.

5: Roger Johnson: His partner Scott Dann is unlucky to miss out but the former Cardiff man edges it. A stout, reliable defender with tremendous positional sense.

6: Darren Fletcher: The once derided "Scottish player" at Old Trafford has become an integral part in the champion's midfield. Not just a ball of ceaseless energy, Fletcher is adept in possession and is starting to look more comfortable in front of goal.

7: Cesc Fabregas: Far and away the most technically gifted midfielder in the Premiership yet it is the Catalan's ability to inspire and cajole a young Arsenal side that has stood out this year. A constant source of goals and assists.

8: Florent Malouda: The player seen at Lyon and glimpsed with France has finally found his feet in London. Pace, power and a devastating left foot.

9: Carlos Tevez: Welcome to Manchester indeed. Scoring goals while the work rate has remained.

10: Wayne Rooney: His importance to United has been brutally demonstrated in his absence. Footballer of the year.

11: Dider Drogba: Looked a beaten man under Scolari, but the goals and brute force have again flourished under Ancelotti.




Alternative team: Schwarzer, Corluka, Hangeland, Vidic, Cole, Pienaar, Lampard, Song, Modric, Bent, Zamora.