Our Premier League Dream Team [Game Week 13]

Goalkeeper: Tim Krul (Newcastle)In every great team, there is a great goal keeper. There was a lot of great performances this week, however I don’t think anyone quite matched Krul’s display for Newcastle. His team may have got beat 2-0 by Southampton and he may have been at fault for one of the goals, but without this keeper Newcastle would seriously be looking at a much heavier defeat. Newcastle will do well to keep him as he has shown that he can perform consistantly at the highest level, with some of his shot stopping skills extraordinary.

Right-Back: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)

In the modern game, the term right-back has been evolving. Teams are now playing more with wing-backs, hoping the extra man adds both attacking flare along with defensive stability. It’s a tight rope and it’s all about balance. Someone that I think epitomizes this is Zabaleta. Unlike some wing-backs Zabaleta doesn’t get carried away.The Argentinian is composed enough to know what his role is. As Manchester City have got some great wingers he doesn’t need to overlap them, he leaves the wing play to them. Instead he works his way to the final third, usually with ease, passes the ball to his team mate then lingers outside the box waiting for a chance whilst giving himself enough space to run back. The basic pass and move philosophy, yeah, but with some many players trying to do the spectacular many forget to do the simple things.

Centre-Back: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

The defender has come leaps and bounds under Brendan Rodgers and was equally solid against Swansea on Sunday. The defender was always solid in defensive, however he was always had a mistake in him. Since Rodgers has been in charge the manager has played him in more of a Sweeper’s role, as his two wing-backs go forward. By putting Skrtel out of his comfort zone has meant he has had to adjust, with the defender been en give more responsibility and freedom to play, which has brought the best out of him. He looks much more comfortable in possession, has far better distribution, whilst that mistake has seemed to disappear. Who says you can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

Centre- Back: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

Having been a liability for Manchester City for the most of the season, it was good to see Kompany return to somewhere near his best. Torres looked as if he wanted to impress on Sunday, however that was never going to happen with Kompany around. The defender shut out everything the Spaniard did, even though the forward struggled throughout the game you can’t give Torres space. When Kompany got taken off there was a standing ovation and rightly so, he did a very good job throughout.

Left-back: Jose Enrique (Liverpool)

Two weeks in a row this player has been in the dream team and rightly so. He has stood up to the plate in the last couple of games, making a lot of dangerous passes and movement, that have led to goals and assists. Not sure whether Brendan Rodgers is going to play him at left-back or on the wing from now on, judging by these performances he might be better as a winger. So of his positions were like those of a striker, very impressed by this player, was very unlucky not to score again on Sunday.

Right- Midfield: Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Was Chelsea’s stand out performer again. Everything went through this guy, as Chelsea looked to mark the Rafa Benitez era with a win. Mata must feel a little down hearted that most of his work went to waste. I chose this player purely down to his play-making ability and work ethic. He is Always on the go, looking for a pass trying to try and get his team in front. If Chelsea had a more consistant striker than Torres, then Mata would have surely got an more assists.

Centre- Midfield: Leon Britton (Swansea City)

Was very impressed by this players performance. Was a very composed figure in for the seasiders, providing short accurate quick passes that kept up the tempo of the match. Controlled the ball well and made things happen for Swansea. Added stability in the middle of the park which is why I chose to pick him in my dream team.

Centre- Midfield: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)

Provided some real quality, as the midfielder too the game by the scruff of the neck. Has to be on the stand out players this week. Provided drive, excellent build up play and step-piece ability to boot. Gareth Bale would have scored three times if it wasn’t for Jaaskelainen, terrific saves by him by the way. Tottenham have a decision to make whether to keep him or sell him for 50 million. On this performance I would say keep him, he would be hard to replace.

Left-Midfield: Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur)

After struggling to make an impact before this game, Spurs fan were begining to wonder what all the fuss was about. However as Dempsey shown on Sunday, he does posses all the attributes to make himself a cult-hero. He may not be able to replace Modric, however at 6 million he is a good stop gap, whilst they try and sign Moutinho or another player of that ilk. Very good performance and an extremely good pass, which I thought merited his inclusion on its own.

Attacking – Midfielder: Gaston Ramirez (Southampton)

Perhaps the best performer of all. Easily Shown why he was worth the 12-million pound they paid for him. Was instrumental in Southampton’s attack. Shown great teamwork and Awareness for the assist. His skill and exuberance also led to the second goal, as Tim Krul fumbled into his path, marking a goal to his name. Looks like a very interesting player indeed, and one that I’m sure people will keep an eye on in future.

Striker: Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur)

After having a quite season, last, many thought that the striker would be sold in the summer. However credit to Jermaine, he’s come back with positive attitude as he looked to change things around. Having scored 9 goals so far Defoe has been keeping Adebayor out of the team and it’s easy to see why. Torres should look and learn at how important it is to have the right mental attitude, Defoe didn’t moaning he got on with it and now he is reaping the rewards. Top notch strike.