Regardless, it would be a pessimist who could do anything other than sit back and admire the way Cazorla, like a certain Cesc Fabregas before him, has lit up North London, with unbelievable close control and ambidexterity that saw him almost score a free kick with his ‘weak’ foot (it’s not easy to work out which one that is) against West Ham.
His central midfield partnership with Jack Wilshere has the potential to become the envy of even Europe’s top sides and a return of 12 goals and 7 assists in the league in his debut season suggests there’s plenty more to come.
Leighton Baines: If you’d have said, at any point over the last decade, that Ashley Cole wasn’t guaranteed his place in the England side you’d most probably have been referred to a psychiatrist. The Chelsea full back may well have become an England centurion this season but with Baines younger, on better form and arguably more contributing in an attacking sense, it’s difficult to see Cole adding too many more.
Like fellow ‘omission-ee’ Fellaini, Baines has played a huge part in Everton’s best season for 8 years and can consider himself particularly unlucky, along with Man City’s Pablo Zabaleta, as not one defender was nominated.
Not only is he dependable at the back but possesses a work rate that often sees him dominate the left flank and a left foot that is simply lethal from dead ball situations. If he can replicate this form next season then England may well head into the World Cup with a left back who isn’t public enemy number one.
Emmanuel Adebayor: Only joking…..
Rickie Lambert: Hang on. It’s a longshot, but if there were places on the shortlist for likeability Rickie Lambert would certainly be in with a shout. Admittedly, Jimmy Bullard and Emmanuel Eboue could’ve waltzed to previous awards under that criteria but you get the gist.
A proper player, finally reaping the rewards of a career that’s seen him knocked about in every division under the sun. Bristol, Rochdale, Stockport and Macclesfield are all on his CV.
And yet wherever he’s gone he’s consistently done one thing. Score goals. Following the summer signings of Jay Rodriguez and Gaston Ramirez, Lambert found himself benched and with many pundits having already consigned Saints to the drop before a ball was kicked, Lambert could’ve been forgiven for thinking that his top flight dream was turning into a nightmare. Yet 14 goals later, with Saints clear of the drop zone and cruising in mid-table it’s safe to say the dream goes on. England calling?
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