My 2012-13 Premier League Team So Far

Were now just over half way into the 2012/13 Premier League Season. Here's my team of the season so far.

Goalkeeper:

Asmir Begovic (Stoke)- 
So far this season, Asmir Begovic has kept 9 clean sheets from the 21 Premier League game's that Stoke have played so far. This is quite impressive as Stoke aren't a team that are in and around the top 4. Begovic, 25, has also pulled out a number of match winning saves to earn Stoke precious points this season. With the help of the Bosnian, Stoke are currently sitting in 9th place.

Defence:

Leighton Banes (Everton)-
Leighton Baines has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. Even a Liverpool fan would admit that. His link up play with Peinaar down the left has been sublime; not to mention his free kicks which have been simply class. So far, I think he's outshone fellow England left back Ashley Cole. Still at 28, he has around another 10 years left of his playing career. So could his best be yet to come?

Ryan Shawcross (Stoke)-

Im not a big fan of Stoke or Shawcross if i was honest. I think he deserves a place in my team though. He's a defender that will take no chances and will try and make sure the whole stadium can hear him when he's shouting instructions to his team mates. Shawcross is a tough tackling, hard working defender who will always put in 110%. The 25 year old would be up for an ariel duel with any big centre forward if needed. No wonder he's one of Tony Pulis's prized assets.

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)-
Vincent Kompany is a born leader. At times he hold's Manchester City's defence together by himself. He's the kind of player any manager would pick as their captain; which is why he's mine. He's got all the attributes of a world class defender. He's also a great bloke off the pitch judging by what i've seen. 

Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)-
I've always rated Zabaleta. I think he's one of the best right back's in the Premier League, hence the reason why he's in my team. The Argentine can either play at right back or at centre back (in a formation with 3 at the back). He can push forward really well like many other full back's around the world. What stands out for me is that he's as good as defending as he is attacking. Quite a lot of full back's like Rafael for example, are good at pushing forward but not as good when it comes to defending.

Midfield:

Gareth Bale (Tottenham)-
If you exclude the diving, you cannot fault Gareth Bale. The Welsh Wizard is feared by many defenders around the world which isn't a big surprise really. His mazy runs and classy finishes make him one of the best wingers in the world. I just wish he would cut out the diving a bit. I wouldn't be shocked if a few big offers come in for him during the transfer window.

Mohamed Diame (West Ham United)-
Many people think that I should put Michael Carrick in this team instead of Diame. Some may feel that I am being a little bias with this decision but nevermind, you'll live. West Ham signed Diame for free from Wigan in the summer; what a bargain that has turned out to be. He's played a huge role in West Ham's season so far, with an amazing work rate, some great tackles a few goals. Without Diame, West Ham would be lower in the table than they currently are. 


Marouane Fellaini (Everton)- 
Marouane Fellaini is simply class. Roaming around the pitch freely, playing sneaky balls through to the winger's and strikers; he controls Everton's midfield. The big Belgian is also excellent at holding the ball up; with a superb first touch, he makes it look easy. If Everton continue to play the way they currently are I can't see Fellaini leaving Goodison Park.

Juan Mata (Chelsea)-  
Since leaving Valencia to join Chelsea in the summer of 2011, Juan Mata has been influential for Chelsea; helping them win the Champions League back in May. He's been amazing this season too. Mata can play either as a winger or as a centre attacking midfielder. In either position, he can split a defence in half with one simple pass. The little Spaniard is also great on the ball and has a decent finish. 

Strikers:

I narrowed down the striking options to Suarez, Michu, Van Persie and Aguero before I made my decision on the final two; so here they are.

Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)-
The first striker ive gone for is Robin Van Persie. He could of easily done a Fernando Torres (Move from one rival to another and stop scoring as many goals). But he didnt- he literally cannot stop scoring for Manchester United. The £20 million spent on him is quickly being repaid. The argument now is, who has the better four? City (Aguero, Tevez, Dzeko & Balotelli) or United (Rooney, RVP, Hernandez & Welbeck)? Ill leave that one for you to decide.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)-
Luis Suarez probably has back ache. He's carried Liverpool up to 10th; scoring 16 out of the 35 goals that the club have scored in the Premier League this season. Im a big fan of Suarez. He gets loads of hate but just responds by doing his job, putting the ball in the back of the net. His goal against Newcastle was the pick of the bunch for me; the skill level required to execute that was amazing. Suarez definitely deserves to be in my Starting XI.

Manager:

Steve Clarke (West Brom)-
I think Steve Clarke has surprised many people this season. West Brom currently sit in 7th, just one point off 5th placed Arsenal and 5 off Chelsea in 4th. Europa League football at The Hawthorns next season is a real possibility. It will be interesting to see if Clarke splashes any cash before January 31st.


Here's an image of how my team would line up.

Substitutes:
Michu (Swansea), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) , Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Ben Foster (West Brom), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Thankyou for reading this article. Please give me feedback via Twitter or Email. Twitter: @samwhufcfrancis - Email: sam11sf@live.co.uk