Written by Nicholas Edwards
As we reach the halfway point of the 2010-11 Premier League season it feels like a good time to highlight the players who have set the league alight since August.
Gareth Bale – The Tottenham winger has really come on this season and developed into a truly world class talent. His hat trick against Inter Milan was the kind of thing that the White Hart Lane faithful could only dream about in previous seasons. Harry Redknapp has turned the young Welshman into, arguably, the most highly rated left sided player on the planet.
Dimitar Berbatov – After a stuttering start to his Manchester United career Dimitar Berbatov is finally showing the class that he is capable of. There is something different about his game this season; he works for the team. The Bulgarian no longer seems the moody figure of his reputation. More importantly he is scoring goals, notably putting five past Blackburn in one game.
Samir Nasri – With Cesc Fabregas spending a lot of time on the sidelines due to injury Arsenal desperately needed a player to stand up and make a difference. The 23 year old Frenchman has done just that. His level of comfort on the ball and his surprising pace have seen him emerge as a key man for the Gunners.
Rafael Van Der Vart – Arguably the signing of the season. For only £8million, Harry Redknapp secured the services of a world cup finalist who has bags of talent. To put it simply; Van Der Vart is a winner. His goals and his free kicks have proved an invaluable asset to Spurs this season. It pains me to say but I really wish Arsene Wenger could have beaten ‘Arry to his signature.
Carlos Tevez – Much like the ‘Rooney saga’ at the other side of Manchester, Tevez’s contract dispute cast a shadow over the future of the Argentine centre forward. Unlike Rooney, however, Tevez has continued scoring goals and remains vital to Manchester City’s chances of fulfilling their high expectations.
Ian Holloway – Not a player, I know, but Blackpool have been outstanding this season. All of their players have played like they have a point to prove and they’ve definitely proved it. Holloway’s approach has been fantastic. For a team that has just been promoted to set out an out and out attack against whoever they play is ballsy to say the least. I hope they stay up and I think they just might do it.
Andy Carroll – Carroll has made the step up from the Championship to the Premier League in a strong way. He’s a big presence and is a master at scoring with his head. He’s a traditional number 9 and he’s still got plenty of time to improve. This year also saw his first England call up, one that will surely be the first of many.
Tim Cahill – I think the Australian may be one of the most consistently underrated players season after season. His passion for the game is unmatched. How he can jump so high and score so many headers for a relatively short man is beyond me. With Everton’s forwards only scoring a meagre three goals between them, Cahill has been their most important player. His absence due to the Asia Cup will be a big worry for David Moyes.
Johan Elmander – Owen Coyle has done wonders at Bolton. For a side that usually fights for the positions just above the relegation zone they have turned it around this season and a Europa League position is not out of the question. Elmander has found his goal scoring form and with players like Kevin Davis around him and the sense of belief that Coyle has introduced, he looks like a new player.
Darren Bent – Similar to Bolton, Sunderland have been performing very well this season and they could also look for a European place. The signing of Asamoah Gyan hasn’t hindered Darren Bent; rather he seems to be relishing the support in attack. Bent is a fine goal scorer and is the focal point of Sunderland’s attack.
So that’s my top ten. What do you think? Do you agree? Do you think I’ve left anyone important out? Use the comment section below to share your views.
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