Mid-season PL XI (4-3-3)

by Josh

As we reach the midpoint of the premier league season, I have assessed the performance of some players and made a team filled with the best performing players in the league for each position. Here is my mid season eleven.

Begovic – Asmir Begovic has been the stand out goalkeeper in the premier league this season. His performances for Stoke this season have been nothing but first class and he has played a big part in Stoke having the best defensive record in the league so far. It’s no surprise he has been linked with some of the top clubs in the league.

Zabaleta – Pablo Zabaleta has put in some of the most immense performances this season. He has always been a good defensive right back but now he has made a big improvement on the attacking front.  His passion and graft have been evident in every match he has played and he has been very consistent. It shows why that even when fit, Richards struggles to get a look in.

Mertesacker – Per Mertesacker, much maligned for his supposed poor first season in England, has been nothing other than exceptional in his sophomore season. He has Arsenal’s most consistent performer this season, showing, intelligence, and strength and leadership skills and has been dearly missed when he has not started for the gunners. People bemoan him for his lack of pace, but who needs speed of foot, when you have speed of thought.

Vertonghen – Jan Vertonghen has shown why Tottenham were so determined to get him in the summer. He has shown great defensive skills, superb technical ability, versatility and an eye for goal. He has put in some of the most immense and powerful performances by defenders his season. He is truly top class.

Baines – Leighton Baines is having another great season. His attacking nature from left full-back is simply a joy to watch. He has been putting in great shifts for Everton week in week out running up and down the left flank as if doing a bleep test. At the current level he is performing at, he is the best left back in the league for me

Yacob – One player who deserves much more recognition that he has gotten is Claudio Yacob. He has been top class for West Brom in the holding midfielder role and has been proved to be a brilliant signing by Steve Clark. His abilities to win possession, keep the ball and control the tempo of a game have been a key part to why West Brom have had such a great season so far. Had he not been missing in some games, who is to say wouldn’t have been even higher up the table

Fellaini –Marouane Fellaini has most definitely been the stand out player for Everton his season. Playing in a more advanced role than he used to, he has had a great affect on Everton’s play and has been a crucial reason to why they have had a much better first half of the season that they usually do. He is a key cog in here team as they have a reliance on him to win aerial duels. His 8 goals this season have shown what a great decision to move him further up the pitch.

Michu – Michu has taken the premier league by storm in his debut season. Who would have thought that a relatively unknown would have been the top scorer in the premier league after 18 games? But this is what Michu has gone and done. With 13 goals his season, he is the premier leagues joint top scorer along with last season’s player of the year, Robin van Persie. This is an exceptional feat he has achieved, especially with it being his first season, and the goals he’s scored have been for exceptional quality.

Suarez – Luis Suarez has had his critics. He has been castigated for his supposed diving antics. But this season, he has been nothing short of excellent this season. He has proven the doubts of his finishing and scoring abilities by racking in 11 premier league goals. His brilliant dribbling skills a craft have cause problems for many a defence this season. Let’s hope he continues this form into 2013.

Van Persie – Robin van Persie is doing it again. He is having another injury free season. And when Robin van Persie has an injury free season there is something you are guaranteed. Goals, goals and more goals. He is currently the joint top scorer with 13 goals, and while his tally is a few less than he had this time last year, it is still an exceptional amount. It’s not only goals that he brings to the team however, his silky skills and excellent link up play is exceeds most. He is a joy to watch, and play with.

Mata – If you thought Juan Mata was good last season, then he has been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea this season. With 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions (7 goals/assists in PL) so far this season, it could be said that his season is looking reminiscent of former Spanish playmaker of the premier league that goes by the name of Francesc Fabregas, who in the 2009/10 season, amassed a total of 19 goals and 17 assists. Mata is simply an excellent player. His trickery and direct play are first class and he has a wand of a left foot. He is the type of player everyone loves watch.

""This is my XI, what's yours? Use the comment section to share your mid-season PL XI.""

Thank you for reading and have a happy new year.

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