As we approach the '13 January transfer window, I decided to reflect on individual player performances this season, and put together what I believe as the strongest available starting eleven the Premier League has to offer. The tranfer window will no doubt bring in to the Premier League the brightest talent across the world – and of course some players may even leave the most competitive league in the world. With likes of Balotelli leaving for Falcao, or Frank Lampard being replaced by Shakthar Donetsk's Willian. My choices are based upon personal stats for this season, what they bring to their respected side and how easily they have the ability to change a game. Of course, as always there is a tad of personal preference – as I line up my team in the 4-4-2 formation. The traditional formation with individuals all over the park, used to dominate possession with quick, short passing. However, my wingers, Hazard and Mata would tend to cut inside and bring others into play, rather than being traditional wingers such as Antonio Valencia or Gareth Bale.
With Chelsea's blistering start to the season it is no surprise that my team consist of four Chelsea players. Manchester United have scored 29 league goals this season, but have the one individual in my side with Robin van Persie. Luis Suarez, the man who is single handedly carrying Liverpool starts upfront with the Dutchman. Whilst Marouanne Fellaini also makes an appearance for the type of form he has been in this season. The Belgian is playing incredibly this season which has found his team fourth in the league. With a potential Champions League spot available for Everton, they will do well to keep hold of their star player.
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic
Stoke's Bosnian goalkeeper has been a major performer for Stoke City this season. With five clean sheets this season for Stoke, Begovic has ensured that the rugged, brutal type of play that Stoke City deploy ever so successfully have a skillful goalkeeper in between thee sticks. Stoke City are joint first the with Manchester City for fewest goals conceded this season. Begovic produces around 5 saves a game for Stoke, and is becoming an increasinly consistent performer for the Potters.
Defence: Baines – Jagielka – Cahill – Ivanovic
With my back four represented by just two sides, it is a testament to David Moyes and Roberto Di Matteo. Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic have become what every team craves for, goal scoring defneders. With seven goals between them and three assists in all competition's the two have excelled in Chelsea's attacking football under Di Matteo. Both are obvious set piece threats, whilst Ivanovic posesses brute strength and desire, you will find no better centre half who can head a ball like Gary Cahill. As for Leighton Baines, for a player playing at left back to be your most consistent and threatening player, just proves how dependant Everton are on the full back. Having knocked on the international door for some time, Baines will soon over take Ashley Cole as England's number one full back. With 3 assists and 2 goals for Everton this season, Baines is mainting his consistent performances, despite severe interest from Manchester United. Phil Jagielka has been an integral part of Everton since his move from Sheffield, now cementing himself in the international set up. Jagielka's consistent performances for Everton and now England has seen his stock rise phenomenally over the years.
Midfield: Mata – Fellaini – Michu – Hazard
Juan Mata and Eden Hazard have been the two players for Chelsea this season that saw them dominate the Premier League for the majority of the season. Mata, who currently boasts 7 goals and 10 assists already this season is the main fulcrum for Chelsea. Playing in the attacking trio of Chelsea's midfield, Mata was crucial for Chelsea when they were brushing teams aside early on. His team mate, Eden Hazard, has scored 3 goals for the Blues as well as 11 assists. In his debut season for Chelsea, Hazard had assisted 8 of Chelsea's opening 9 league goals. The two of them play the dominate, attacking football that Roman Abramovich demanded after their recent Champions League success. As for central midfield, Marouane Fellaini has had a blistering start to the season. With 6 goals and 3 assists for Everton this season, Fellaini has been crucial for Everton's rise to dominance. Currently sitting fourth in the league, Fellaini has attracted interest all over the footballing world, and Everton will do well to keep hold of him. Swansea's Michu completes the midfield. The Spaniard, a £2.5million signing from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano has been a revelation for Swansea. With 7 goals and 2 assists for the Swans, his link up play and physicallity is helping him adapt to the Premier League much quicker than many expected. At just £2.5million and with more goals than many of the top Premier League player it is no surpirse Michu gets the nod.
Attack: Luis Suarez – Robin van Persie
Luis Suarez, yet another season the Liverpool forward is blighted with controversy. However, you can not deny that the Uruguyian is an outstanding player. Infact, without him, Liverpool would currently find themselves on two points this season. With 10 goals and 3 assists in all competitions this season, including a hatrick against Norwich, the Uruguyian has brushed aside his critics who claim he is 'wasteful' infront of goal. Being the only striker as the club may be the reasoning behind Suarez's emphatic form this season – and with him firing on all cylinders, Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers may just finish in the respected league position they so desperatly desire. As for his partner, Robin van Persie moved to Manchester United in the summer and has not looked back since. With 11 goals in all competitions this season for Manchester United, the defending golden boot champion looks set to retain his title this season. The Dutchman is the new talisman for Manchester United, and his goals have seen them qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, and currently sit top of the Premier League.
Leave me a comment below what you think of my starting eleven, and let me know how your Premier League starting eleven would look like!
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Source: DSG
