It isn’t quite the end of the season, I’m fully aware but that said there isn’t much that can change to affect these award categories.
First we have Goalkeeper of the Season. There were 5 candidates here. Pepe Reina for Liverpool’s defensive record, Joe Hart for Manchester City being top of the league, Brad Frediel simply for his age and effectiveness but my choice came down to 2 other keepers. Vorm from Swansea and Tim Krul from Newcastle. While Vorm has caught the eye of a number of top clubs, this award has to go to Krul. He must have earned 10 to 15 points on his performances alone.
Next obviously we choose Defender of the Season. There were 7 candidates here. Danny Simpson based solely on matches played, Jose Enrique for his performances in both directions, Ashley Williams who has caught the eye of supporters who have watched Swansea play this season, Shawcross as he seems to be the heartbeat of his Stoke side, Phil Jones whose work rate has impressed many neutrals. The choice came down between Kyle Walker who has moved possibly into first choice England right back and has had a brilliant season. However my defender of the season has to be Kompany from Manchester City.
Next a harder category. Midfielder of the Season. Out of 8 candidates I didn’t feel Scott Sinclair had done quite enough, nor Walcott or Mata on a week in week out basis. Of the 5 remaining Ryan Taylor, Gareth Bale and Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia have all produced regularly but my decision came down between Clint Dempsey and David Silva. Any other season would probably seen Dempsey get the vote but I have to give it to Silva for his assists, goals and influence when he plays.
An even tougher category was Striker of the Season. On the shortlist were Danny Graham and Yakubu who didn’t come close. Next to be ruled out were Sturridge and Bellamy. After ruling out Adebayor I was left with a choice between Ba, Rooney, Aguero and Van Persie. This is going to upset some but I had to pick Van Persie in this category. All 4 of the final contenders are equally important to their teams but Van Persie is slightly more so in my eyes.
Next we have Manager of the Season. There were only 4 names on my list. Brendan Rodgers and Paul Lambert both deserve praise but the choice came between Alan Pardew and Harry Redknapp. Given the unpopular nature of his appointment, the fact he had to sell 3 or 4 big players and has worked wonders on a small budget makes me give the Manager of the Season to Alan Pardew.
Next we have Best Newcomer. Contenders included Anders Lindegaard, Danny Graham, Kyle Walker, Juan Mata and Dembe Ba but I am going to give this to Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
My final category is Best Value for Money Signing. Paul Scholes was an obvious choice along with Adebayor and Craig Bellamy but for value for money who else could I give it to except Demba Ba.
What do you make of these awards? Comment below.
Written by Wesley Hillier @armchairstato.blogspot.com.
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