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With the season half over, who have been the best players in their positions in the premier league so far this season? If we used a good old fashioned 4-4-2, here’s my list of players who have excelled so far this season. Feel free to argue!
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic (Stoke)
Signed at the bargain price of £3.25m I 2010, Begovic has really come of age this season. He’s played all 20 Premier League games for Stoke this season and has kept an impressive 9 clean sheets including tough away games at Tottenham and Liverpool. The Bosnian international is one of the main reasons that The Potters are sitting in 8th place after 20 games
Full Back: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
This is a little bit of a cheat as Ivanovic has featured at both right-back and centre-back, but I’m including him as it’s at right-back where he has made most impact. Ivanovic has struggled to become a Chelsea regular, but has managed it this season under two different managers. He’s featured in 15 Chelsea games, scoring 3 goals.
Full Back: Patrice Evra (Man Utd)
With United clear at the top of the table, you have to mention some of their players, even if their defence is a little wobbly this season – it’s not really been Evra’s fault. Evra has started every game for United at left-back this season. He’s also pitched in with 4 goals, including a very important winner vs Arsenal and an equaliser vs Swansea.
Centre Back: Ryan Shawcross (Stoke)
Perhaps not the most star-studded name in the premier league, but this hasn’t been a golden season for defenders really. Stoke are sitting pretty in an impressive 8th place. Shawcross has started for and captained Stoke for every game – helping them to 9 clean sheets (we won’t mention the 5 yellow cards) and surviving a headbutt from Marouane Fellaini.
Centre Back: Sebastian Bassong (Norwich)
Another less storied name in the PL. Bassong spent the last few seasons as a back-up defender at Tottenham. Moving to Norwich has been a good move for him and the club. Expected to be relegation strugglers this season, Norwich are safely in 11th place and are a tough prospect, both home and away. Bassong has started 18 of The Canaries games, keeping 5 clean sheets (including against Man Utd and Arsenal) and has netted 3 goals in the process.
Stay tuned for part 2 – coming soon!
