Alternate PFA Team Of The Year: Featuring 2 Chelsea, 2 Liverpool Stars Along With Rodriguez & Lukaku

A month ago, the title race seemed anything but over as three teams looked set to keep their hands on the coveted trophy. With Liverpool beating Manchester City the following week, the title became Liverpool’s to lose. As the 24-year wait seemed to descend into oblivion, Steven Gerrard did what may have been the most expensive slip of his career.

As the ground failed to lose contact with Gerrard’s boots, the dreams of a million Liverpool fans were seemingly crushed. Chelsea had won 2-0 at Anfield while literally costing Liverpool the title. As we cruise into the final fortnight of this season, Manchester City have seemingly won the title and should take it home if they do not fall in the next two matches.

Although the season is yet to end, the English FA has released the PFA team of the year for 2013-14 season. Released a week ago, the team contained few surprises as the best performers of this season were clearly predicted beforehand. While the team has been a compilation of the best players, let’s take a look at an alternate team that could have been the team of the season.

Goalkeeper

PFA Team of the year: Petr Cech

Although Cech has been very good in goal for Chelsea, he hasn’t been exceptional. His clean sheet record is largely due to Chelsea’s excellent defense which has been amazing the whole season. Seeing that, we could clearly say that David Marshall from Cardiff City deserves a spot in the team. Despite his team’s awful campaign, he has been extraordinarily good in front of goal and has done everything within his limits to save the team. It’s a shame he will be playing in the Championship next season unless he secures a move.

Alternate Choice: David Marshall

Right back

PFA Team of the year: Seamus Coleman

While Seamus Coleman fully deserved his inclusion, Branislav Ivanovic would have made a fair case as  a well. Playing under a highly demanding Jose Mourinho, Ivanovic has been solid throughout the season producing disciplined performances at the back and making sizeable contributions going forward.

Alternate Choice: Branislav Ivanovic

Center back

 

PFA Team of the year: Vincent Kompany

Just like Coleman, Kompany fully deserved his place in the team and has been an important part of Manchester City’s successful season. But, if we were to make a replacement, John Stones seems to be the most suitable candidate. Combining physical play with astute reading of the game, Stones has been a rock at the back for Everton and is a major reason for their finish above teams like Tottenham and Manchester United.

Alternate Choice: John Stones

Center Back

 Gary Cahill

Another player from Chelsea and this is no surprise. Jose Mourinho’s penchant for defensive organization has materialized successfully at Chelsea and Gary Cahill is the man behind that. At the base of the defense, Cahill has been excellent and arguably the best in the Premier League this year. If we were to replace him, it would be with none other than his captain John Terry. Rather playing support to Cahill, Terry has rolled back his former days to bring out the old Terry that every forward dreaded facing. Under his former mentor Mourinho, Terry has shown that age is nothing but just a number.

Alternate Choice: John Terry

Left Back

PFA Team of the year: Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw, has been staking claim to be the league’s best left back and this season, I should say he has done that. With Leighton Baines out on the injury table for a better part of the season, Luke Shaw has been excellent and arguably the best left back in the league. But, to alternate for him, Jon Flanagan would be a more than able choice. Part of a stable defense, Flanagan has been a revelation at left back drawing comparisons to Cafu. That should say something about his performances.

Alternate Choice: Jon Flanagan

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Center Midfielder

PFA Team of the year: Yaya Toure

Had it not been for Luis Suarez, Yaya Toure may have well been the PFA player of the season. Scoring 20 goals and providing a decent amount of assists, Yaya Toure has been simply phenomenal this season. It would be nearly impossible to find a replacement for him but Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton would come close. Southampton’s excellent showing this season has largely been due to their midfield and Schneiderlin has been the core of their midfield. With an ability to carry his team effectively, Schneiderlin has been their unsung hero.

Alternate Choice: Morgan Schneiderlin

Center Midfielder

PFA Team of the year: Steven Gerrard

While Steven Gerrard would be ruing that slip against Chelsea throughout his lifetime, one cannot question the quality of his performances otherwise. Taking center stage in Rodger’s rejuvenated Liverpool; Gerrard has been inspirational from the midfield. Manchester City’s defensive midfield star Fernandinho could do well alternating for Gerrard in the team. Forming a devastating partnership with Yaya Toure, Fernandinho has proved his quality and earned a spot in the Brazilian World Cup squad.

Alternate Choice: Fernandinho

Attacking midfielder

PFA Team of the year: Adam Lallana

Arguably the best English player this season, Adam Lallana has the qualities to inspire England to challenge for the World Cup. With such a player in their ranks, it is surprising Southampton have finished only in eighth position. Although it won’t be easy to find a substitute for him, Christian Eriksen could come real close. Perhaps the only shining light in an otherwise dull Spurs, Eriksen has proved himself to be one of the best youngsters throughout the season.

Alternate Choice: Christian Eriksen

Attacking midfielder

PFA Team of the year: Eden Hazard

There is simply no replacing Hazard in this line up. He’s had a stellar season and produced amazing performances throughout. Part of a fearsome trio, Sterling has been one of the standout performers this season. Capable of a good dribble and a powerful shot, his qualities have been put to best use by Rodgers and Sterling has totally repaid the faith shown in him

Alternate Choice: Raheem Sterling

Striker

PFA Team of the year: Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge would have been the best English player this season, save it for Adam Lallana. Scoring over 20 goals, Daniel Sturridge has been decimating Premier League defenses in tandem with his partner Luis Suarez. Despite the fact that he is injured for a long time, Jay Rodriguez would be an excellent alternate for Sturridge. With 15 goals and impressive performances, it was a shame he won’t be playing the World Cup due to an injury. He is easily one of the best players in the Premier League

Alternate Choice: Jay Rodriguez

Striker

PFA player of the season Luis Suarez has been performing beyond the levels of description. Being nearly close to breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of most goals in a season, Luis Suarez is downright impossible to replace. Any person who would be called as a substitute would be a far cry from his exploits. Likewise, Romelu Lukaku is a far way from him but then, he has been very good and could really improve with time. He has been Everton’s lead striker for most of the season and justified his inclusion to the fullest.

PFA Team of the year: Luis Suarez

Alternate Choice: Romelu Lukaku