As international week puts the Premier League on the back
burner, Sportsmail has
used the break to assess who could be named Player of the Season by
the PFA this season.
The award is for performances in the League, although
outstanding displays in the cups or Europe are bound to have an
impact in players’ minds. Before they make their choice, however,
here (in alphabetical order) is our top ten.
The 25-year-old Scot has been at the centre of everything
refreshing and enjoyable about Blackpool’s season so far. Able to
ping a 50-yard pass or produce a clinical set-piece ball, he is the
spark behind the majority of the Tangerines attacking play. He has
demonstrated his cool head, too, with six crucial
penalties.
Best moment: A
goal and a man-of-the-match performance against Liverpool at
Anfield secured a win against all odds. It was the Seasiders' first
victory at the ground since 1967.
As potent in attack as he is in defence, the left-back has
shone in Everton’s stuttering campaign. Eleven assists is a mark of
how much he gets forward and delivers quality crosses but he is
also feisty in the tackle. Reliability is key to his game as well –
he has played every minute in the Premier League so far.
Best moment:
Arriving onto a Tim Cahill lay-off from the left wing, Baines
curled a sumptuous right-footed shot to score the decisive goal as
Everton beat Manchester City 2-1 at Eastlands.
With blistering pace and a fearless attitude, the
Wales winger has terrorised opposing right-backs. A number of
barnstorming, touchline-hugging runs have left fans breathless – he
can do things no other player can.
Best moment: On the
domestic front, his delightful goal against Arsenal which sparked
an improbable comeback win at the Emirates takes it. But the two
jaw-dropping displays against Inter in the Champions League must be
mentioned.
DIMITAR
BERBATOV
A talent who has so often flattered to deceive in a United
shirt, Berbatov has stepped up this campaign to phenomenal
goal-scoring effect. He has a remarkable three hat-tricks to
his name in the league and has looked unplayable at times,
combining of trickery with ruthless finishing.
Best moment:
Single-handedly won United’s match against Liverpool with a
terrific hat-trick, the second goal of which was an ingenious
overhead kick.
Finally fulfilling the potential which convinced
Manchester United to splash the cash on him as a 20-year-old, Nani
has been a fearsome player. The Portugal star has been consistent
in scoring from distance with either foot and providing killer
passes, illustrated by a fine return of nine goals and 16
assists.
Best moment: His strike against rivals
City. The deft right-foot touch to control Ryan Giggs’ ball,
followed by the calm left-foot finish beyond Joe Hart, all while
running at pace, was sublime.
Being left out of France’s World Cup squad made the
23-year-old redouble his efforts for Arsenal and a series of
stunning performances have followed. Many of his nine league goals
have been scored with breath-taking skill and he has repeatedly
produced game-turning moments.
Best moment: The Frenchman’s brace against
Fulham included twists and turns of such incredible angles that the
House of Stairs artist Escher would have been amazed.
Mr West Ham may not be the club captain but he is
undoubtedly the leader of the side. When lesser men would have
given up he has dragged his team forward with dynamic displays and
unflinching commitment. His best goal-scoring year to date has
included some quality strikes.
Best moment: His half-time speech to a
dejected squad when 3-0 down to fellow strugglers West Brom will go
down in West Ham folklore as it inspired a 3-3 draw.
CARLOS
TEVEZ
Welcomed with open arms by City fans two summers ago,
Tevez has this year become the side’s talisman. Goalscoring is only
one part of the Argentinian’s game, he harries and hassles and
never allows defences to rest. Such unceasing energy brings life to
a City side which can be pedestrian at times.
Best moment: A wonderful
solo goal against Chelsea displayed the best of Tevez and gave City
all three points. It also made the rest of the Premier League sit
up and take notice.
The Real Madrid cast-off has brought class and a
Continental nous to Spurs’ displays. The supplier of lovely
free-kicks and the scorer of stylish goals, the Dutchman has defied
those who doubted his top-level ability. What a bargain £8m looks
now.
Best moment: His two goals away to Aston
Villa were beautiful to watch and won the game for 10-man Spurs. It
was the kind of match they would have lost without him.
A colossus at the heart of United’s defence, the Serbian
has put in some monstrous displays this season. As backline
team-mates succumbed to injury, the captain has been there until
recently keeping the team solid. His ferocious desire to win every
header around the box is an ability that can’t be
taught.
Best moment: Blocks, headers, tackles,
clearances, you name it, Vidic towered above everyone in the 0-0
draw at White Hart Lane.