The team of the season
AFP Sport’s London football reporters pick the team of the Premier League season, deployed in the 3-4-3 formation used so successfully by champions Chelsea:
DAVID DE GEA (MANCHESTER UNITED)
In a season when United’s Achilles heel has been their failures in front of goal, keeping the opposition out at the other end has been more crucial than ever. Fortunately for United manager Jose Mourinho, he has a goalkeeper who remains the gold standard in the top flight.
CESAR AZPILICUETA (CHELSEA)
Converted from right-back to one of Chelsea’s three central defensive anchors, the 27-year-old has been a model of consistency for the champions. Azpilicueta’s clever reading of the game never lets him down and he is also comfortable in possession.
DAVID LUIZ (CHELSEA)
During Luiz’s previous stint at Chelsea, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville opined that the Brazilian played like he was being “controlled by a 10-year-old on a PlayStation”. Yet Luiz has enjoyed sweet redemption on his return to Stamford Bridge this season, performing with such steel and style that Neville now say he fits “perfectly” into Antonio Conte’s defence.
TOBY ALDERWEIRELD (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
Possessing the strength and aerial prowess to cope in the rough and tumble Premier League, Alderweireld also has the football intelligence required to thrive in Tottenham’s fluid formation. His value was clear to see last month when the club reportedly offered to double their Belgian defender’s wages in a bid to fend off interest from Europe’s leading teams.
VICTOR MOSES (CHELSEA)
When the Nigerian turned up for pre-season training at the start of the Conte era, it seemed only a matter of time before he was sent packing from Chelsea once and for all. But despite spending most of his five-year Chelsea career on loan elsewhere, Moses became one of the season’s most pleasant surprises as Conte turned the inconsistent winger into a powerful presence at right wing-back.
N’GOLO KANTE (CHELSEA)
An unassuming figure on and off the field, Kante’s performances once again did the talking for him as he scooped up a host of awards. After playing a major part in Leicester City’s title triumph 12 months ago, Kante’s peerless play in the midfield holding role helped transform Chelsea from a rudderless shambles to worthy champions.
DELE ALLI (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
Alli was named Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive campaign as the 21-year-old continues to develop into a midfielder of genuine guile and grace. Combining an eye for goal with clever movement and deft passing, Alli is now the fulcrum of one of Europe’s most vibrant teams.
MARCOS ALONSO (CHELSEA)
When Alonso was signed for 23 million ($30 million, 27.7 million euros) from Fiorentina just before the transfer deadline, many pundits dismissed the former Bolton Wanderers defender as a panic buy. But just months later, the Spaniard has silenced the critics and cemented his place as Chelsea’s left wing-back.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ (ARSENAL)
Almost single-handedly, the Chile forward has kept spluttering Arsenal from completely imploding during a trying year for the player and his club. Despite stalling over a new contract, Sanchez has been unstoppable at times, scoring 24 goals while also hitting double figures with his assists.
HARRY KANE (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
Having become only the fourth player to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive Premier League seasons, the England striker is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s top finishers. His goals helped Tottenham finish above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years and although they missed out on the title, Kane’s star is on the rise.
EDEN HAZARD (CHELSEA)
He may have missed out on the individual awards to Kante, but Hazard’s return to form was just as significant in Chelsea’s title triumph. After struggling for much of the previous season, the Belgian playmaker’s bewitching skills and cool finishing were on display as he was revitalized by Blues boss Conte. —AFP