PFA Award: 4 Harshly Excluded Players
The PFA Award nominations have been announced and so starts the debates: Who will win, who deserves to win and why? But another discussion that is likely to be flying about is who is likely to feel harshly done by to not find themselves in the six nominees.
These aren't necessarily players who could have won the award but could have at least been given the recognition for their impressive performances during the campaign. I've selected only four players, because although I had thought of some other players who have had good seasons, I couldn't seriously claim them as being one of the best six in the Premier League.
If I have to consider which player from the six would be removed for one of these four, then I can answer that straight away; Eden Hazard. Yes he has impressed at times, and is a threat. But I don't think he's lived up to the initial expectations firstly, and I think for the first half of the season he was very average. He clearly took time to adapt slightly but also wait for the peak in Chelsea' performances.
Exclusions from this four include the likes of Pablo Zabaleta and Rio Ferdinand. Both may not be the first that come to mind, but they have both had pretty much flawless seasons regarding personal performances.
Stowe Gregory is an English featured Soccer and Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him or tweet on Twitter @stowegregory. Or add to circles on Google +
Read his views on possible Premier League target Etienne Capoue here.
Michu
Swansea's £2m bargain sensation. The Spaniard scored 17 goals, the same number as Gareth Bale at a respectively lesser quality side. The crying out exclusion, had a very, very good first season in English football from day one. Maybe the end of season dip in form cost him. But he will surely feel harshly rewarded, as most agree with.
Santi Carzola
Arsenal's big summer signing has been one of, if not the star of their season. His tally of 12 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League is an impressive first season total. Wouldn't have been a surprise if he got in the top six.
Christian Benteke
Deservedly nominated for the Young Player award. At just 22 he's managed to get 15 goals for Aston Villa, who have been in relegation battle throughout. Again, wouldn't have been a surprise if he managed to get in the top six, really. Could well have been nominated after a strong and encouraging season.
Leighton Baines
Everton's left-back has helped form a dangerous left-hand side with Steven Pienaar. As expected he made the break through into the England team-sheet on various occasions and as many know he has been a constant threat on the left, whilst also defending well. It's again a slight surprise that Leighton Baines didn't manage to get into the six.
