The Best From The Rest – A Mid Season Review On EPL’s Best XI

Have you ever had a conversation with a football fan who watches a completely different league, and somehow just terms it as the best? If so, you should probably take a look at the eleven best EPL players listed below and tell them why the Premier League is the toughest in the world. They are selected on the basis of their position on the field and their performance this season! I’m pretty sure every EPL fan would just dream of managing such a team of all stars.

Goal Keeper : Asmir Begović

He is probably the best pick for the GK spot this season. Stoke City having scouted the young Bosnian lad, saw potential and signed him for a fee of £3.25m. Showcasing his talent even in front of the big clubs, his value is rumored to have risen to £13m. Begović holds the record for the most number of clean sheets – 9 in his 21 appearances so far and conceding the least number of goals at home – 7. His presence of mind and quick footing gives him the edge to stop even the inevitable.

Defenders

Right Back : Branislav Ivanović

Consistency has been the main factor which favors Ivanović. His impressive runs and defense tactics are completely unmatched. Awareness of the probable future moves from the other side, allows him to always be one step ahead. The Blues have profited from his outstanding display this season, conceding less number of goals and crosses from the deep end. Other than his faltering performance in the Capital One Cup match against Swansea earlier this season, he has less than 1% room for error.

Central Backs :

Martin Škrtel

You will be amazed at what this Slovakian footballer can do when he takes to the pitch. His huge stamina and physical aggression makes him the perfect CB. Often, mistimed errors from the Pepe Reina have given second chances to the opposition, only to be stopped by Škrtel. Recently, he committed his future to Liverpool and Brenden Rogers is absolutely delighted with Škrtel. He has beaten new found talent Joey O’Brien (West Ham) and Blues defender Cahill to make it into the EPL’s starting XI.

Ryan Shawcross

Standing tall at 6 ft 3 in, the worst one-on-one situation any player could experience. His perfect slide tackles and pace up front are defining lines for the English player. The Potters defense this season has been boosted by his display on the field. Top class players always have a certain move which distinguishes them from all others, his being the ‘Shawcross Tackle’. His style of play and zero defensive error record have earned him the spot on the team.

Left Back : Patrice Evra

A left back who scores goals, creates chances and is a defensive hurdle for most teams to cross over. French veteran, Patrice Evra has beaten the likes of Ashley Cole to make it to the starting XI. He can run the entire length of the field for both the offense and defense, despite his increasing age. Almost 70% of average duels are won by him and on an average, he makes about 8 to 10 defensive actions to stop the opposition. His success this season has been a  major contribution to league leaders Manchester United.

Midfielders

Central Midfielders :

Frank Lampard

A tough choice between Lampard and Arteta. But who can ignore Lampard’s impact this season. With an uncertainty of his future at Chelsea, people expected his performances to dip. But this player just keeps getting better by the day. He has broken few more records this season and is on his way to breaking a more. He’s become Chelsea’s second highest goal scorer of all time and also the only player in the history of English football to score a minimum of 5 goals in 16 consecutive seasons. He is a handful goals away from becoming Chelsea’s highest scorer of all time and just 3 away from becoming the first player to score at least at least 10 goals in 10 consecutive seasons.

Chelsea will surely miss this legend if he leaves at the end of the season.

Santi Cazorla  

After Michu, he is undoubtedly the best signing of the summer transfer window. Santi Cazorla has adapted to life in the Premier League quickly, and Van Persie’s departure has made him the center piece of the Arsenal attacking force, so much so that the Arsenal build-up play now seems to be revolving around him. With 7 goals and 6 assists already this season, Cazorla has been the man for Arsenal more than any other player in the team.

Attacking Midfielders :

Juan Mata

Mata has recovered from his summer exploits with Spain and is currently Chelsea’s most potent weapon – and that’s saying something given their summer spending spree.

The Spaniard claimed the Premier League player of the month for October. His movement and creativity are difficult for anyone to handle. Except for the league title, Mata has won almost every other major competition he took part in. And oh, he is just 24. With 13 goals and 18 assists so far this season, Mata single handedly held the reins of the Chelsea attack when things looked bleak with the departure of Drogba.

Miguel Pérez Cuesta

Nicknamed Michu, this Spaniard has been the driving force for Swansea City this season! In his 21 appearances, he has scored 13 goals, making one of the leading goal scorers this season. His knack of getting into the box with ease and his tremendous footy skills make a dangerous threat. He is a versatile player who can play from position to position, depending on how the game goes. He is definitely the best newcomer to Premier League

Strikers :

Robin Van Persie

The 29 year old Dutchman proved to be a great asset to Manchester United during the first half of the season! With as many as 17 goals and 6 assists thus far, he has put them in a good position overlooking the other clubs by nearly 10 points! The forward has gained so much of experience at Arsenal that it took him no time to settle down. The entire midfield works at providing chances to which Persie responds with a fantastic goal. Playing up front, he usually gets the brunt of good defenders at times, but with the help of the entire team, his presence is felt.

Luis Suárez

Target Man Suarez. He’s had his fair share of yellow cards and mistimed errors but as a striker, he’s simply brilliant. Liverpool just be a book without the pages if Suarez was never there. The support from his teammates has proven vital for the Uruguayan as most of his goals are scored with his amazing aerial ability provided from crosses from the likes of Steven Gerrard. Long range shots are also his plus point to be noted, most of them being on target. Currently trailing Van Persie, he has 15 goals to his name this season. An elite player in the making for sure. Figuratively speaking, he’s the cherry on the cake for the EPL XI.