Source: Telegraph
The Debate: Is Ryan Giggs worthy winner of PFA Player of Year award?
YES [LNB]Giggs may have started fewer games than all the other contenders but he has certainly made as much impact. He was integral to Manchester United's 3-0 win over Chelsea, the moment the title momentum swung inexorably to Old Trafford, and for the early part of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson's side's best performances came with Giggs in central midfield. [LNB] Related ArticlesWho gets your vote?Giggs voted PFA Player of the YearGiggs' best momentsO'Neill wants Young to kick onManchester United move clear at top of Premier LeaguePorto v Manchester United: Man markingThat conversion has not only prolonged Giggs's career, but is a watermark of his quality. John Barnes, the last great winger to move inside once the pace had gone, struggled to offer any attacking threat but the former Welsh international remains full of menace. Where once it was his dribbling that had defenders breaking out in a nervous sweat, now he relies on his vision to damage opponents. [LNB]It should also be remembered that, unlike the previous two awards, there has been no outstanding player this season. Leaving aside the fact that the PFA casts its vote in February, Vidic has struggled since Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford, Ferdinand missed much of United's record-breaking run with injury, Van der Sar has been solid rather than excellent and Ronaldo a shadow of his former self. [LNB]Gerrard, the only non-United contender, has also endured an injury-ravaged campaign and did so in a side which did not hit its stride until March. In such circumstances, it would be churlish to ignore the claims of Manchester United's record appearance holder and the swansong of England's most decorated player. [LNB]NO [LNB]For once, it is safe to say football could learn from the BAFTAs. Just as French and Saunders, hardly the makers of the year's best television programme, were given a lifetime achievement award, so Giggs, who has not been the country's best player, should have been offered recognition of his entire career, not a sympathy award for this season. [LNB]The Welsh international's contribution to Manchester United stands at 12 league starts, 12 substitute appearances and one league goal. That would not be enough to warrant putting him in a Fantasy League side, let alone the Team of the Year. Deprived of his pace, Giggs has become a squad man. Surely the best player in the country this season would be the first name on the team sheet? [LNB]It does not come as a surprise to discover that footballers are not original thinkers. As always, the PFA award goes to an attacking player, not a defender or a goalkeeper, and a famous name at that. What is strange is to realise quite how nostalgic they are. [LNB]A good case could have been made for Giggs winning the award in any of his previous 18 seasons, particularly 1999. Finally ending his wait in what has probably been his worst campaign may seem a mark of respect, but all it achieves is to highlight that Giggs is a fading force, like French and Saunders, given honours for who they are, not what they've done, not for what they are but what they once were.[LNB]
