With the end of the Premier League it seems fitting to suggest a Premier League team select (at the end of the season, not March as seems to be the trend). I've tried to favour domestic performances over European exploits and also sought to play the players in a possible and workable formation.
4-3-3
GK - Ben Foster, Birmingham
Despite a excellent season from Joe Hart in keeping 18 clean sheets and Ali Al-Habsi's heroics at Wigan, in terms of saves made throughout the season Foster has been excellent and his recent retirement from International football will leave a void in the England set-up.
LB - Leighton Baines, Everton
An ever-present in the Premier League this season, Baines' attacking threat (5 goals and 11 assists) has been matched with fine defensive displays and has made a mockery of Capello's decision to take Stephen Warnock to South Africa over Baines.
CB - Vincent Kompany, Manchester City
One of Sven's signings in his year in charge, and a snip at £6 million, Kompany has quietly gone about with calm and assured displays that have confirmed his position as one of the best defenders in Europe. First played in a holding midfield role, the Belgian international's pace and quality on the ball have seen him emerge as a first-class centre half.
CB - Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United
Named United captain at the start of the season, Vidic has again been in outstanding form. With the Serbian in the side United look a far superior team and his no-nonsense defending and leadership saw Manchester United claim another title. He wasn't even troubled by an in-form Torres this season.
RB - Rafael Da Silva, Manchester United
There have been a shortage of outstanding right back performances this season but Rafael has come back from injury and looked very comfortable, a vast improvement on the player who cost United against Bayern Munich last year. His performances this season at just 20 hastened the retirement of Gary Neville and hint at a very promising future.
DM - Scott Parker, West Ham
Parker has had an superb season despite playing for constant relegation contenders West Ham: delivering a team speech at half time to inspire a comeback from 3-0 down against West Brom, scoring crucial goals against Liverpool and Wigan and hopefully establishing himself as a regular England international, playing against Wales just days after his father passed away. An exceptional player and season.
CM - Jack Wilshire, Arsenal
Injuries ruled Cesc Fabregas out for a large part of the past season and Wilshire has more than seized his own position in the Arsenal midfield at the age of just 19. Tenacious and exceptionally gifted, the young Englishman put in man-of-the-match displays against Barcelona and looks to be the future for Arsenal and England.
CM - Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspurs
Whilst Gareth Bale has drawn most of the headlines for some stunning performances in Europe, it is Modric who has kept the Spurs midfield ticking. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and dictate play is crucial to Tottenham's performances and he is now fully justifying his £16.5 million fee.
SS - Robin van Persie, Arsenal
Despite being injured before Christmas, van Persie has scored a remarkable 18 goals in 2011 in the league, finishing just two behind the leagues top scorers. A thunderous left foot and an equally as good right, the Dutchman scored a superb goal to give Arsenal hope in the Carling Cup final but unfortunately the teams defensive capabilities were not on a par.
SS - Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Much like last season there seemed times when Tevez was capable of carrying City all on his own. His performances and 20 goals in the league fired City to third, in what is increasingly looking like his final season in English football. He was rushed back for the FA Cup final but the decision was fully vindicated and the Premier League will be a poorer competition in his absence.
CF - Javier Hernandez, Manchester United
A toss up between Darren Bent and Hernandez for poacher of the Premier League, ultimately goes the way of the young Mexican, who has taken superbly to English football. A contender for bargain of the season, signed from Guadalajara for a rumoured £6 million, Hernandez has scored 20 goals in all competitions; including some crucial goals in the Champions League and a superb back-header against Stoke.
Manager of the Season - Roberto Mancini
After guiding Manchester City to a first trophy in 35 years and ensuring automatic qualification for the Champions League, Mancini has far exceeded the expectations set by the clubs owners and indeed those of fans. The comparisons with Chelsea and those who claim that City ought to be winning the title already given the amount of investment fail to consider the existing positions of Chelsea and City when taken over: Chelsea were qualifying for Europe whilst Manchester City were facing up to mid-table finishes. To mould a squad so quickly and tame the various ego's in the Manchester City squad, Mancini deserves great credit and can achieve even more.
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