So the latest set of PFA Player of the Year nominations have been released and, as usual, they’re sure to spark debate and in some cases outrage.
With Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez, Juan Mata and Robin Van Persie enjoying superb seasons the inclusions of Eden Hazard and Michael Carrick are likely to pale into insignificance.
Nonetheless, pubs and stadiums across the country will be filled with fans adamant that everyone from their mate Dave who’s hit 47 goals for West Bromley under 17’s to Titus Bramble would be more deserving of a place on the shortlist.
Here are a few men who could feel genuinely unlucky to be overlooked…
Yaya Toure: Man City’s FA Cup Semi Final win over Chelsea epitomised everything that’s good about Yaya Toure. Big, strong and powerful, he somehow compliments his physical presence with a speed, touch and vision more often associated with small Spanish geniuses than big Ivorian machines.
From Barcelona’s point of view Toure is the one that got away; since his departure from the Nou Camp he’s become arguably the Premier League’s most complete midfielder. Just 6 goals and 4 assists suggest a mediocre season, yet strangely, it is probably easier to look beyond Toure for an indicator of his importance; it was during his absence for the African Cup of Nations that Manchester City’s title challenge disintegrated.
Marouane Fellaini: The big Belgian has enjoyed his finest season in English football to date with his part in Everton’s brave attempt at a top four finish nearly as big as his afro. Arguably David Moyes’ most astute signing, 11 goals and 5 assists tell only half of the story.
His physical presence in a defensive midfield role was already well documented but Moyes’ decision to deploy him in a more advanced role, particularly at the start of the season proved a master stroke with his aerial prowess and deceptively quick feet wreaking havoc among Premier League defences.
Michu: The fact that, in a season where Manchester United’s purchase of Robin Van Persie has effectively won them the title, Michu is widely regarded as the signing of the season speaks volumes.
Signed for a fee of just £2million, his 17 goals have made sure that Scott Sinclair’s transfer across the Severn Bridge to Manchester City’s reserve side has been laughed at rather than bemoaned in South Wales. Like Fellaini, he has benefited from deployment further up the field, in this case going from La Liga’s top scoring midfielder to one of the Premier League’s most lethal number 9’s.
Santi Cazorla: The signing of Santi Cazorla has had many Arsenal fans wondering ‘what if?’. What if the gifted Spaniard’s arrival had coincided with Robin Van Persie signing a new deal rather than leaving the Emirates? Would the trophy-less spell be about to end?