It has been a remarkable year of upsets with Leicester City winning the Premier League title and Chelsea producing the worst-ever defense as champions in the first half of 2016 – but the tide has completely reversed for the two respective clubs in the second half of the year 2016. (Premier League Team Of The Year)
Manchester United won their first trophy drought in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era by winning the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal, while Jose Mourinho returned to management at Old Trafford, and Pep Guardiola brought his own super-successful brand of football to the Premier League with Manchester City.
But as 2016 nears its end, which players and manager have been consistent enough from January through to December to claim their place in the Team of the Year?
There was a large pool of players to choose from but here is my take!!
DEFENSE
Kasper Schmeichel (GK)
The Leicester City goalkeeper kept 15 clean sheets as the club recorded the most unexpected title triumph in English football history with seven clean sheets coming in the final 12 games of the season. Injury has affected his 2016-17 campaign, but Schmeichel has been the standout keeper of the year.
Hector Bellerin (RB)
Breaking into the Arsenal first team the aged 19, he has improved leaps and bounds since then. Arsenal’s Spanish right-back has been a model of consistency, and his performances earned him a new six-year contract to fend off interest from Manchester City and Barcelona. Equally adept going forward, Bellerin, 21, is crucial for Arsenal’s long-term aspirations.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
Alderweireld’s defensive partnership with Belgium teammate Jan Vertonghen was the cornerstone of Tottenham’s bid for the Premier League title last season. The 27-year-old is powerful, strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet. Though, this season he has been hampered by injuries and Tottenham have missed him hugely.(Premier League Team Of The Year)
Laurent Koscienly (CB)
The Arsenal star is the main stay in the gunners side for the last 5 years. Good on the ball, strong in the air and a brilliant interceptor. He helped Arsenal finish 2nd in the 2015-16 league season and has started this season equally well forming a formidable partnership with the new German Centre Back, Shkodran Mustafi.
Danny Rose (LB)
Probably the best England player at the Euros, he has become a mainstay in the England team and the Tottenham team. Thrives on the pacy and the physicality of the premier league. Scored some important goals for Tottenham last season and has continued in the good rein of form. (Premier League Team Of The Year)
MIDFIELD
N’Golo Kante (CDM)
The French midfielder is arguably the most important player for Leicester last season, Kante simply performs the role of two men — as a destroyer and creator — and he has been a huge success at Chelsea this season. (Premier League Team Of The Year)
Michael Carrick (CDM)
At 35, the Manchester United midfielder is in the twilight of his career, but his class and experience helped guide Louis van Gaal’s team to the FA Cup last season, and he has become a crucial figure in Jose Mourinho’s team. United simply do not lose when Carrick plays, which says it all.
Kevin De Bruyne (RM)
Manchester City have endured an up and down 2016, but Kevin De Bruyne has been hugely impressive throughout. The Belgian midfielder’s goals and energy have dragged City to results at times, and he is developing into a world class player for club and country.
Philippe Coutinho (LM)
The Brazilian has become the man who makes Liverpool tick and edges out the likes of Eden Hazard, David Silva and Juan Mata because of his year-round contribution. Liverpool have not had a match-winner of Coutinho’s stature since Luis Suarez, but the 24-year-old rapidly is becoming as important to the team as the Uruguayan was.
Alexis Sanchez (CAM)
The former Barcelona winger has become Arsenal’s talisman after being handed a central role by Arsene Wenger. When Sanchez plays well, Arsenal win,it is as simple as that. Their challenge now is to keep the Chilean at the Emirates in 2017, and that will not be easy.
STRIKER
Diego Costa (ST)
The Chelsea forward has scored 25 goals for his club in 2016, with 13 coming this term to propel Antonio Conte’s team to the top of the Premier League. Costa is back to his best, and his form and fitness are key to Chelsea staying ahead of the pack in 2017.
Manager: Claudio Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri completed a miracle with Leicester last season while Antonio Conte has confounded the doubters in his first six months at Chelsea. Claudio Ranieri guided a relegation threaten team to a league title still seems like a fairy tale. This season has been a tough one for the foxes but they still topped their Champions’ League group.
