Man City lead way in best team XI with five players

Manchester City have dominated the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Premier League team of the year with five players named in the select XI.

City wrapped up the title on Sunday with five games to spare after Manchester United lost at home to West Bromwich Albion, and their success has been recognised in the makeup of the team of the year.

Right-back Kyle Walker, centre-half Nicolas Otamendi and midfielders David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne are all honoured, along with forward Sergio Aguero.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, Tottenham Hotspur’s Jan Vertonghen and Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso complete the defence.

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen is also included, along with his Spurs teammate Harry Kane, the England striker among three forwards in the side completed by Liverpool frontman Mohamed Salah, who has bagged 30 league goals so far this season.

There was, though, no recognition for any Burnley players, despite the Clarets enjoying a fine season and challenging Arsenal for sixth place, which could yet see them secure European qualification.

City duo De Bruyne and Silva are shortlisted for the PFA’s player of the year award, along with club-mate Leroy Sane after all three helped Pep Guardiola’s side win the Premier League.

Kane, Salah and De Gea are also nominated, with the winner set to be announced at the PFA’s annual awards ceremony in London on Sunday.

It has not all been good news for Chelsea’s Alonso, however.

He has been charged with violent conduct by the English Football Association over a late tackle made on Southampton’s Shane Long on Saturday.

Alonso could be suspended for tonight’s Premier League game at Burnley and Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, if the FA choose to take retrospective action against him over the incident.

Southampton manager Mark Hughes, the whose side are also in action tonight at Leicester City, said Alonso should be banned.

“It has been looked at again and I think there is a quick turnaround on these things so we should hear if there is a suspension put in place,” Hughes said. “I think it was the right call.”