The PFA recently announced its Team of the Year, with Leicester and Spurs players dominating the team. With only 11 spots on the team, a ton of other players who’ve impressed didn’t make the roster, and here’s my list of possible alternatives — and mind you, even these weren’t easy to filter out.
Hugo Lloris' team has got the best defense and offense in the league, and credit must go in part to his shot-stopping and ball distribution abilities, which have been nothing short of superb.
Kyle Walker’s defensive discipline has been much improved under Pochettino, and he continues to prove his value to the Spurs' attacking machinery with his pace and crossing abilities.
Robert Huth is the other half of Leicester’s central defensive pairing. The German has impressed with his organizational abilities and willingness to stick his face where the boots are flying.
Chris Smalling's been a changed man ever since he was sent off in last season’s Manchester derby. He’s been United’s most reliable central defender with great positioning and tackling, reminiscent of Rio Ferdinand.
Aaron Cresswell has been one of the most underrated players in the Premier League with a mean left foot to boot. He’s great at set pieces and Kasper Schmeichel will still remember his shooting prowess too.
Mesut Ozil might have faded away in 2016, but his 18 assists this season are a testament to his ability to pick out passes and make a difference. Even in games that Arsenal lost, his vision and nerve to try the audacious pass never ceases to amaze.
James Milner has the most assists in 2016. His engine never seems to stop running, and his versatility is a key asset for Klopp and perhaps even embodies Klopp's philosophy of determined, relentless pressing.
Danny Drinkwater's place on the team, I thought, might have been under threat from summer signing Swiss international Gökhan Inler. But not many have distributed the ball forward with the same confidence as he has this year. Don’t forget his defensive contributions either.
Eric Dier: It's unfortunate for Dier that N’Golo Kanté has been the League’s best defensive midfielder, because Dier has impressed with his move into the midfield to break up play. He’s also been able to drop into the back, adding defensive security as the fullbacks bomb forward.
Anthony Martial: 'WHO?!' was my first reaction when he was signed, but he’s been involved in 21 of Manchester United’s goals this season in all competition. His pace, trickery and determination to get past his man have been valuable assets to a United team that has otherwise been content to pass the ball sideways and backwards.
Sergio Aguero’s goals have been crucial — he’s scored the most League goals in 2016. He’s second in the Premier League Golden Boot Race despite his injury problems. City just looks that much better with his intelligence and predatory skills on their team.
Honorable mentions should include Romelu Lukaku, whose goals have dragged Everton out from bad positions this year, and Kevin de Bruyne, who once again proved that Jose’s transfer market abilities aren’t the best.
On the Spot: The alternative PFA Team of the Year
