Happy New Year footy fans! Kristian Jack here with you and with the New Year already into its second hour and with hundreds of people outside of my window here in the Score Television Network newsroom getting drunker by the second I have finally finished off the much anticipated list.
As far as I am aware not too many of these lists exist anywhere but I feel I am in a position to put this together watching the amount of games that I do and I hope you enjoy it.
With it being the season for quizzes, lists and reviews I always get inspired to work on these and I hope, above all, you enjoy the read. I don’t expect agreement but hopefully you enjoy it and it sparks the amount of conversation and debate that my list last year did. Apparently it even got on official Liverpool supporter sites so that’s good. Click here if you want to read last year’s top 50.
Back to this year then and the new bigger, better list – the top 100. There is no easy way to do this list. I mean how do you argue that Joe Cole is better than Shay Given? However, I have done my best to do that. Like last season there is a class of players who do not make the list based on them being regularly hurt. All present and accounted for in this class are: Michael Johnson, Tomas Rosicky, Owen Hargreaves, Dean Ashton, Dan Agger and founder member Ledley King.
Well, that’s enough name-dropping so lets get to the list – sure there are big names that are not here and feel free to post feedback but I warn you once again I haven’t forgot your guy. I’m happy with it and know that every time I read a player’s name I like him but would like the next player a little bit more on my team. Sunderland, Stoke and West Brom fans I’m sorry but this is the last time that you will read your team.
100. Kevin Davies (Bolton) – Voted by you the bloggers last week in my Tuesday Table blog. Davies does a lot of the little things right and would get a lot more publicity on a team that actually tried to score goals on a regular basis. Also, holds the 07/08 honours of committing the most fouls in the league and being fouled more than anyone in the league.
99. Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City)– Number two of the three players that were selected by our loyal readers. To me, this guy has bags of talented but the problem is the talent remains stuck in the bottom of the bag and is far too frightened to come out. Chelsea were blamed for his lack of progress but now its time for this guy to start stepping up because he cannot blame anyone else anymore.
98. Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspur) – The role of a striker in this game we all love is one that is fascinating. Speak to any body who has played the game at any level as a forward and they will tell you that only they know just how hard it is to score those goals. It is indeed a fact that is difficult to argue with and that’s why average players such as Bent make it in to this list.
97. Glen Johnson (Portsmouth) – Insert big fish in small pool syndrome here. Johnson has blossomed while playing under the radar on the south coast and is almost as comfortable on the ball as he is defending it. A rare trait in an English defender.
96. Steven Taylor (Newcastle Utd) – The former England Under 21 captain has a bright future in the game. Taylor possesses a lot of valuable traits needed to be a top centre half including his commanding presence in the air and his leadership qualities.
95. Craig Bellamy (West Ham Utd) – Your third and final selection from my recent blogs comes in at number 95. On his day, Bellamy has the ability to be in the top 30 on this list but those days do not come around enough. Supremely talented but there is a reason why he cannot stay at a club longer than five minutes.
94. Tim Howard (Everton) – The American is the first goalie to crack the top 100 but by far not the last. Howard has come a long way after being thrown on the scrap heap by Fergie and is also one of the best goalkeepers at defending corners.
93. Wilson Palacios (Wigan Athletic) – The Honduran has an incredible engine and has been a fantastic signing for Steve Bruce who couldn’t wait to steal him from his old club Birmingham and reunite with him again. One of the main reasons Wigan are not in the bottom half of the table.
92. James Milner (Aston Villa) - Randy Lerner and Aston Villa have certainly raised many eyebrows this season and the first time that came around was when they splashed over 10 million quid on Milner. Since he’s made his way into the team, though, no one questions that anymore. It is incredible how good this guy is at defending the flanks despite being an attacking player. Little wonder why Fabio Capello likes him so much.
91. Joleon Lescott (Everton) – I believe there has been a significant decline in Lescott’s game since England’s 2-1 loss to Russia. I may be way off base but since Lescott got to that level I just don’t think he is as confident and to me he’s been exposed a little bit in games this season. Still a fine young defender and it’s always good to have a left footed defender who can play in the middle of the back four also.
90. Peter Crouch (Portsmouth) – Lets get something straight right now. I am not a fan of Mr Crouch. I happen to think that he can be a massive liability to his team’s tactics but he does score goals and does therefore deserve a spot on this list. Barely.
89. Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) – Here’s a question for you – how old do you think Lennon is? I’ll let you know shortly but to me his play this season has been excellent in what has been a disappointing team. I never understood why Spurs spent all that money on David Bentley when they had Lennon to play right wing. He is quicker than Bentley and can beat men to the line which is a valuable asset to have in a winger. By the way he is 21 years old. Admit it, you said 23 at least didn’t you?
88. Marouane Fellaini (Everton) – Here comes the first confession of the list: It was very difficult to place players who are less than 5 months into their Premiership careers. Fellaini, though, has grown up quickly on the blue side of Merseyside. A box to box midfielder, who is excellent in the air, he was also equally comfortable playing in an advance forward role during Everton’s recent struggles with healthy forwards.
87. Samir Nasri (Arsenal) – These guys are placed back-to-back following my first confession. Nasri opened the league with its first goal of the season but has struggled lately and as a player comfortable playing out wide often drifts into midfield too much and gets lost in games. Still has bags of potential and needs more responsibility from Arsenal to show us all what he can do with the ball.
86. Benjani Mwaruwari (Man City) – 2008 was not a great year for the Zimbabwean. From thigh injuries to airport naps it was all-in-all pretty disappointing. However, he remains a constant threat to score goals when healthy and isn’t injury prone enough to make the all injury team.
85. Blumer Elano (Man City) – Talk about an enigma. Bags of talent and one of the league’s best when he wants to play but there are way too many question marks about what the best position is to play him in. Not hard to see why Man City is struggling is it when he is the third player on this list so far and all three have question marks.
84. Danny Murphy (Fulham) – Many Liverpool local cast-offs down the years have gone on to do very little with other teams but its not hard to see why Murphy succeeded. This guy is as tough as they come. When Fulham needed direction most and looked like a ship that had practically sunk in April, it was this guy who turned them around by scoring valuable goals.
83. Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough) – Loved at Fenerbahce by seemingly everyone from the fans and the management, the Turk is starting to get the same affection in the North East. Very comfortable with the ball at his feet he often leads opposing defenders wondering what he will do next. It was a fantastic piece of business by Middlesbrough to get him on a free transfer.
82. Joe Hart (Man City) – Hart has come along way in a very short time. Whether he is the future for England or not what he must do is stay healthy – something that many of his competitors for that spot have struggled to do.
81. Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd) – The United goalie had a year to remember and his celebration after the Champions League final will go down in soccer highlight folklore. His presence at the back is integral to their defensive strengths but I do think he is showing signs of age particularly with his goal kicks, which by the way are pathetic.
80. Geovanni (Hull City) – This is one player who in 12 months time could disappear into the Premier League pit and never be seen again, but for now he deserves his place on this list for the breathtaking goals he’s produced since his move to Hull City. Phil Brown absolutely mugged Man City to acquire the Brazilian.
79. Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) – The story of Jimmy Bullard is a terrific one. His rise to fame and fortune puts your faith in the British transfer system and its no surprise that this season seems to be his best so far considering this guy improves year by year.
78. Robert Huth (Middlesbrough) – Absolutely no coincidence that Middlesbrough’s poor run of form came when the German was injured. Huth has been outstanding for them and should never have been let go by Chelsea. He is much better than most of the defenders they have.
77. Micah Richards (Man City) – Another Man City player who ends the year with a few question marks next to his name. The sky used to be the limit for Richards but he’s been very poor this season and is prone to lose concentration on occasion. I hope the lack of progress has been down to injuries, which could be possible.
76. Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic) – A little fragile but when he is healthy there aren’t many better goalkeepers in the league. Has single-handedly won points for Wigan on three occasions already this season.
75. Robert Green (West Ham Utd) – Green is another talented English goalkeeper who needs to stay healthy and get a full season of matches under his belt. Would be my number one for England at 2010 if that happens.
74. Martin Skrtel (Liverpool) – One year ago, Skrtel still played in Russia for Zenit St. Petersburg and 99% of the city of Liverpool had never heard of him. 99% of Liverpool certainly know him now following a year in which his physical display really put him on the map. I like to see defenders who are tough as nails and aren’t afraid to put in crunching tackles and Skrtel certainly fits that mold.
73. John Carew (Aston Villa) – Already a Villa legend amongst the faithful at Villa Park: To The tune of Que, Serra, Serra: “John Carew, Carew. He likes a lap dance or two. He might even buy one for you. John Carew, Carew.”
72. Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic) – Like Glen Johnson, I think the big fish named Emile succeeds in a smaller pool such as Wigan. It will be interesting to see how he succeeds if/when he moves to a bigger club but there is no doubt that his game has improved and there are few forwards better in the game at making their strike partner better.
71. Fabrizio Coloccini (Newcastle Utd) – Another defender whose physical play I love. Joe Kinnear has done a magnificent job at Newcastle so far but he’s been helped by this guy. Finally the Geordies have an accomplished world class defender. Worth every penny of the 10.3 million. Quite simply a winner in every sense of the word.
70. David Bentley (Tottenham Hotspur) – This big fish doesn’t like the ocean too much. To be fair it seems the free role drifting in from either flank doesn’t seem to be working for Bentley but if Tottenham finally find a key role for him then he will succeed. Incredibly gifted at set pieces.
69. Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur) – Back-to-back Tottenham midfielders and another one who is yet to reach his full potential. Jenas works hard and is very talented but exceeds when next to a Huddlestone or Zokora rather than being asked to play that role himself.
68. Michael Ballack (Chelsea) – Not much to say here except that with a talent like Ballack you should be reading about him in about five minutes, way at the bottom of this list. Incredible underachiever who disappears in games far too much.
67. Paul Scholes (Man Utd) – Placed Scholes immediately ahead of Ballack for a reason. Polar opposites when it comes to getting the best out of their god-given talents. Polar opposites when it comes to the silverware they’ve won too.
66. Pablo Zabaleta (Man City) – Manchester City will be buying a lot of players in 2009 but there is no reason to buy a right back. This guy is the real deal – outstanding going forward, good crosser of the ball and very accomplished defensively. Still only 22, expect to hear a lot more of this guy in the future. Astute signing by Mark Hughes.
65. Richard Dunne (Man City) - I raved about Richard Dunne this time last season and still feel he is a top defender in this league but his stock has fallen due to some inconsistent play by his team. Likely back to his best for another Premiership side this time next year.
64. Obafemi Martins (Newcastle Utd) - Incredibly gifted footballer who is as strong as an ox. If he is able to stop the sulking then he has the potential to be a world class forward who could lead Newcastle back to glory.
63. Michael Owen (Newcastle Utd) – There really isn’t much to separate Owen with Martins except that Owen is a better poacher and more of a complete finisher. As usual, health remains a concern with the Englishman.
62. Didier Zokora (Tottenham Hotspur) – The glue that holds the team together has come unstuck lately but glue cannot hold everything. Ridiculously dropped the moment Redknapp was hired he was soon back in after they conceded 4 goals at Arsenal. An ever-present ever since.
61. Anderson (Man Utd) – A true superstar in the making. Incredible to believe (but important to remember) that he is only 20 years old and the Brazilian often saves his best performances for the big games. Was as cool as ice taking the penalty in the Champs League final and should be a fixture in the Old Trafford midfield for the next decade.
60. Amr Zaki (Wigan Athletic) – The Egyptian arrived in the Premiership with a blaze of glory not seen since the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann and Fabrizio Ravanelli landed in England. Injuries have led to a cool off but he is the real deal thanks to incredible work ethic and a physical, strong force on the ball. Wigan should have taken the option up on this guy when they had the chance.
59. Wes Brown (Man Utd) – For a guy who wouldn’t make Fergie’s favourite XI he sure has become a valuable player at Old Trafford. Little wonder why he got his contract extension and big pay rise. Would start every week either at right back or as a centre back for 18 other teams in the league.
58. Theo Walcott (Arsenal) – Doesn’t turn 20 until March, Walcott looks like he will not be one of the good young ones who Arsenal let go. The first English player since Paul Gascoigne to dribble the ball with such assertion that defenders don’t know what to do.
57. Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers) - One of the most difficult players to analyze for this list. A guy who scored more goals than every other player except three last season, no doubt, deserves credit but his sulking, moaning and overall poor body language this season probably brings him back to a level where he deserves. Should come with a ‘buyer beware’ sign.
56. Pepe Reina (Liverpool) - Liverpool’s number one is as solid as they come. Nothing flashy with this guy, just all business and that’s exactly all that’s needed behind a defence like that.
55. Brad Friedel (Aston Villa) – One of the best goalkeepers in the short history of the Premier League. Friedel rarely makes a mistake and is always on his game when you need him to steal you a point or two.
54. Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic) – Folks, if you haven’t seen him play then he as good as advertised. The guy has no fear when it comes to running at defenders, a rocket for a shot certainly helps too and one has to wonder just how much longer he will be at the JJB.
53. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) – Sometimes the light just comes on. After a wrestling match between Chelsea and Man Utd for his services, many of us were left wondering what the fuss was all about. Numerous red cards and fines for actions off the field littered his first two years in London but since he has been able to play consistently it appears the 21-year-old has grown up. Comparisons with Patrick Vieira are now more than fair.
52. Brede Hangeland (Fulham) – On this very day last season when the transfer window opened a warm breeze of fresh air filled the room in which Roy Hodgson sat. The breeze was Mr Hangeland. Hodgson knew that day that this guy was the man to marshall his defence. Three weeks later he made his debut live on Sky Sports, was named man of the match and suddenly the nation knew what Hodgson knew all along.
51. Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur) – You won’t fine many people who like The Croatian Sensation more than I. Modric’s progress in this league has been slow but he’s excelled under Redknapp who, unlike Ramos, knew that you couldn’t play him with two strikers. A true old fashioned number ten who needs to keep working to adapt to the pace of the Premiership.
50. Yakubu (Everton) – Strong, physical, excellent in the air and a flat out natural goalscorer. He is a worthy member of this list’s top 50.
49. Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur) – Woodgate has all the tools to be a wonderful defender. From leadership to ball control and domination in the air he has it all. Unfortunately, he also has a bad back, knee, leg, foot, eye, nose, ear, toe, finger and thigh.
48. Stephen Ireland (Man City) – You will struggle to find a player on this list who has improved in 2008 as much as this guy. Forget Robinho, this guy has been Man City’s best player this season. Incredibly fit, Ireland’s ability to find the back of the net is up there with the league’s best midfielders.
47. Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) – Van Persie has enjoyed a relatively injury-free season so far and thanks to that his talent has shone through to make the top 50. He will be pleased that his exceptional performances on The Score have helped him make the list.
46. Jussi Jaskelainen (Bolton) – Officially one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the world. The fact that Bolton have been able to hold on to him for so long is indeed one of their biggest achievements of the modern era.
45. Kolo Toure (Arsenal) – Something is officially wrong with Kolo. A magnificent defender one year ago he has been the shadow of his self this season. Injuries, and I’m sure teammates, have not helped but his demise has been a major reason why Arsenal have struggled. Still young enough to come back and be better than ever.
44. Martin Petrov (Man City) – One of the best wingers in the league ends 2008 living inside the treatment room. The knee injury that has caused Petrov to play only one full game so far this season came at a bad time for Mark Hughes who has also been without the excellent Michael Johnson for most of the season. Petrov is as one-legged as they come but he has more talent in that one leg than many players have in both legs. An outstanding 07/08 campaign keeps him out of Ledley King’s class.
43. Phil Jagielka (Everton) – The scouts of Everton Football Club need to be commended for seeing something in the former Sheffield United player that many didn’t. He has become a brilliant defender who needs to be considered regularly by Fabio Capello. Has played every single minute of all 20 Premier League games so far for the Toffees.
42. Matthew Upson (West Ham) – Its 11 years ago since I remember watching this 18-year-old defender stop everything in sight. Weeks later Arsenal paid two million for him and I remember thinking it was a steal. Problem was that Upson was ahead of his time for Arsenal and they had no room for him at the time. Wow, have to think they’d make room for a guy like that if they had him now.
41. Deco (Chelsea) – It’s 2004 and in the edit suite known as Sportsworld we are preparing another Monday show when the topic of Deco comes up between Joe, James and myself. I remember Joe and James just gushing over this guy and I couldn’t see it. I felt he was too small, soft and way overrated. I admit that I was wrong that day but somehow I think all three of us were wrong. Have to think, like Ballack, that possibly the Chelsea system simply doesn’t allow him to take over a game the way he does for Portugal.
40. Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth) – The words calm and controlled rarely are spoke about central defenders but this guy is a class footballer. Another rough and physical defender who lets forwards know he’s there. As you can tell I have no problems with that. Has exactly 24 French caps less than Jean-Alain Boumsong. By the way, Boumsong has 24 caps. Ridiculous.
39. Robbie Keane (Liverpool) – Got to 100 Premiership goals by the age of 27 yet one year later more question marks are being raised against the Irishman. Why managers don’t fall in love with Keane wherever he plays remains, to me, one of the game’s biggest mysteries.
38. Tim Cahill (Everton) – The Australian is one of the toughest, clutch players in this league. I’ve lost count of the amount of goals he’s scored in 1-0 wins for Everton. A real winner.
37. Gabby Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) – Along with the likes of Jagielka, Ireland and Bullard, Agbonlahor would definitely be on the most improved XI of 2008. He is now so much more than a striker with pace and he now holds the ball up well and tracks back with the best of them. It’s a stretch but he could become the first Villa player since Peter Withe in 1982 to score 20 league goals.
36. Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth) – Could never understand why Tottenham sold him. Terrific pace and a great finisher, it will be interesting to see what happens to him in the next 30 days.
35. Michael Carrick (Man Utd) – Should the Man United Double of 2008 become a movie then Michael Carrick would be nothing more than an extra with maybe a line or two at best. That is what would happen and that would be a disgrace but it would also be just what he’d want. Everything this guy does on the field is under the radar. Wonderful passer of the ball.
34. Petr Cech (Chelsea) – Cech has had the occasional blunder this year that will have hit the highlight packs on television but what didn’t hit the packs were the saves that he makes every week. What separates Cech from all the other goalies is his presence in front of goal. When a forward comes in one-on-one 99 times out of 100 he won’t beat Cech. Looks like he owns that goal better than anyone.
33. Shay Given (Newcastle Utd) – Despite all the deserved praise I put on Cech, the best goalie in this league is Shay Given. His shot stopping ability and reflexes, for me, are the best in the world and anyone who has stayed in the Newcastle net behind those dreadful defenders for this many years deserves all the credit he can get.
32. Martin Laursen (Aston Villa) – No one deserved a fit and healthy 2008 more than the Aston Villa skipper. One of the best readers of a game, the Dane bounced back following a dreadful run of injuries to take control of a much-improved Aston Villa defence. His threat going forward for corners is also something opponents have to plan for.
31. William Gallas (Arsenal) – Don’t worry Bill, 2008 is over. It was a dreadful year for the former Arsenal skipper thanks to many stories that hit the headlines. One thing that did go unnoticed, though, was Gallas remained a solid defender for Arsenal who continues to play big in big games and get crucial goals in crucial situations.
30. Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) – Barry ends 2008 where he started it and that’s as an Aston Villa player. With Barry’s much publicized move to Liverpool in the summer not materializing he has found himself with more eyes concentrating on him than ever. Initially, his form slipped at the beginning of this season but Barry is now back to his best reveling in an advanced forward role thanks to Stiliyan Petrov’s move to the defensive midfield position.
29. Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) – Le Brat is now Le Poacher. Its been a fantastic start to the new season for Anelka who has always been a goalscorer wherever he’s played. The key for Chelsea will be to keep him happy because when Nic smiles Nic scores.
28. Ashley Cole (Chelsea) – The England left back continues to hit the headlines for off the field antics rather than his play on it. Two years ago I thought he was defensively suspect but that area of his game seems to have improved. Let’s hope his marriage has done the same.
27. Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) – The Frenchman is finally getting the international recognition he deserves after being left out of that squad for far too long. Sagna is often discussed as being one of the best full backs for getting forward and although that is right he is just as good defensively. He is that good he could play centre back if needed.
26. Joe Cole (Chelsea) – The attacking nature of Cole’s game should be admired as he can play on any flank and behind the striker as an old fashioned number ten. He is a manager’s dream who works hard and never, ever complains.
25. Patrice Evra (Man Utd) – Evra has been fantastic for Manchester United. It’s easy to see he used to be a forward by how calm and cool he is on the ball. Quicker than most, he was named the league’s best left back last season.
24. Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea) – Would run Danny Alves close as the best right-sided full-back in the world. Wonderful distributor of the ball for a defender. He signed for Chelsea when Avram Grant was manager but make no mistake about it this was a Scolari signing.
23. Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool) – The Dutchman is as low maintenance as they come. He has an incredible engine and adapted to a right wing role despite scoring goals for fun at every other level he’s played at. I want this guy on my squad every time.
22. Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) – For me, one of the most underrated players in world footballer. Alonso can play any role you ask of him in the central midfield. A beautiful passer of the ball he also has a remarkable habit of scoring goals when they are needed most.
21. Ashley Young (Aston Villa) – England have been crying out for a world class left winger for a decade now and when they have one they don’t want to play him. Young has pace, two feet and wonderful finishing ability.
20. Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) – There are some great strikers who are wonderful players and then there are just great strikers like this guy. He knows where the back of the net is and that is a talent in itself but he is lazy and lets himself down often.
19. Robinho (Man City) – 11 league goals by the end of December has surprised even the biggest admirers of the Brazilian. So far he’s been a wonderful signing but as we know too well the next 2-3 months often are crucial for Brazilians playing in Europe.
18. Jamie Carragher (Liverpool) – The best players often save their best performances for the biggest games and Carragher and Liverpool have had their fair share of big games these past years. He has been fantastic in every one of them.
17. Carlos Tevez (Man Utd) – The mysterious case of Carlos should be snapped up by a movie producer. The story of this guy cannot be described in a few sentences here but he remains an enigma. For example, this time next year he has the capability to be number one on this list but it is also possible that he is out of the top 30.
16. Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd) – Ferdinand has all the tools to be the best defender in the league and don’t get me wrong he is very good. The occasional lapse in concentration means he is not in the same group as the elite class. Still excellent.
15. John Terry (Chelsea) – Half of me thinks of Terry as an absolute warrior, a true leader and a defender who can grab vital goals. The other half tends to think of him as being defensively overrated who is exposed when Carvalho isn’t holding his hand.
14. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) – Wayne’s world continues to be similar – score goals in bunches, miss a few chances and games, have one or two incident of misbehavior and then get back to scoring goals again. Time for the consistently inconsistent to start reaching his full potential.
13. Mikel Arteta (Everton) – Arteta is the highest player on this list who doesn’t play for a big four club just as he was on my list last December. He is excellent from set-pieces and more often than not continues to be the undisputed best player on his team each time they play.
12. Gael Clichy (Arsenal) – Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love my attacking wing backs. Clichy is that good that he would be my starting left back if I picked a World XI today. Defensively, I have yet to see a winger beat Clichy to the line this season and offensively he has been Arsenal’s best wide player all year. Enough said.
11. Didier Drogba (Chelsea) – I ranked Drogba number two last year on this list and you don’t need me to tell you why he has dropped. Instead, I’ll tell you that he is still one of the most feared strikers in the game and his combination of pace and strength is lethal.
10. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) – The Reds’ silent hero. This guy does everything his team needs and is a first class passer of the ball which not all holding midfielders are. A massive reason why Liverpool are able to now compete with the ‘Big Two’.
9. Michael Essien (Chelsea) – Essien would be higher on this list if it wasn’t for such a terrible injury that has kept him out of the first five months of Premiership football this season. Great footballers can play anywhere on the pitch and this folks is a great footballer.
8. Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) – Adebayor is now a world class striker. Two years ago I watched him at the World Cup in Germany and thought he had a lot to learn. He has taken a lot of criticism for his contract negotiations at Arsenal but what I like about him is that he continues to work at his game and is getting better and better. The best channel running forward in the league.
7. Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea) – Poor old Carvalho. The guy needs a break when it comes to injuries and when he is out the world misses out on watching absolute faultless displays every single week.
6. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) – Cesc misses his old mates at The Emirates and his play has been affected a little. However, he maintains such a calm exterior on the field and he passes the ball and moves better without it than any one else in the league.
5. Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd) – Vidic gets the nod over Carvalho as the league’s best defender for two reasons .His attacking presence in the opposing box and his health. Other than that they are identical in terms of defensive brilliance.
4. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)– This is a mysterious case. He carries the team on his back but those he is carrying are often struggling because of his role within the team. Is an essential player to Chelsea and those goals from midfield are so valuable.
3. Fernando Torres (Liverpool) – It would be difficult to argue against the premise that Torres is indeed the world’s greatest finisher. His first season in the Premiership was magnificent.
2. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) – Gerrard is a mountain of strength for Liverpool. If awards were given out for Most Valuable Player like they are on this side of the continent then he would win it. Without him, Liverpool are nothing.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) – Forget the histrionics for a second. The most talked about footballer in the league remains the best. On his day he is without doubt the most talented player in the league. Lately, though, his day has been all too infrequent. I will end, though, on the histrionics because it’s those incidents that spoil this guy. If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times, he doesn’t need to do any of that because he is already brilliant enough without trying to cheat to get more out of an opponent.
So that's the list folks. I hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reading it. Thanks for being loyal fans of the Footy Show and please leave your thoughts below. I wish you and your families a healthy, safe and happy 2009.
Kristian Jack