PFA Awards - Results

Earlier last week we highlighted the nominees in each of the Professional Football Associations player of the year categories.

The PFA has subsequently voted and at the award show last Sunday, Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere won the PFA Young Player of the Year award, while somewhat surprisingly Tottenham’s Gareth Bale won the PFA Player of the Year, ahead of my favourite Nemanja Vidic.

The PFA also voted for their team of the year, and it consisted of the following:

Edwin Van Der Sar – Goalkeeper - Manchester United – 40 years old

Bacary Sagna – Right Back - Arsenal – 28 years old
Vincent Kompany – Central Defender - Manchester City – 25 years old
Nemanja Vidic – Central Defender - Manchester United – 29 years old
Ashley Cole – Left Back - Chelsea – 30 years old

Gareth Bale – Left Midfielder – Tottenham Hotspur – 21 years old
Jack Wilshere – Centre Midfield - Arsenal – 19 years old
Nani – Winger - Manchester United – 24 years old
Samir Nasri – Attacking Midfield - Arsenal – 23 years old

Wayne Rooney – Forward - Manchester United – 25 years old
Carlos Tevez – Striker - Manchester City – 27 years old

Finally the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year 2011 award went to West Ham’s Scott Parker. If ever a player has inspired and carried a team as much as this man, then I would like to meet him. West Ham are in the midst of a relegation battle, and as of today, sit 19th in the league on 32 points.

Unfortunately for the Hammers, they are favourites to go down, as the remaining fixtures do not make for good reading. They face two tough away trips to Chelsea and Man City, and matches against fellow relegation candidates Blackburn, Wigan and Sunderland. West Ham may not be in the Premiership next season, but it’s likely that Scott Parker will be, as with this award, his hypothetical football stock has gone up.

Real Talk Football

PFA Awards - Part 2

PFA Young Player of the Year

As stated, the Professional Football Association announced their nominees for the Barclays Premier League awards for both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

Real Talk Football takes a look at the nominees in each category, concluding with the Young Player of the Year award.

Here are the players who have been nominated for the award, along with Samir Nasri and Gareth Bale.


Seamus Coleman (Everton)

Age: 22
League Apps: 28 League Goals: 4

The young Irishman has been superb for Everton this season, operating in a more advance position down the Toffee’s right hand side, playing right midfield instead of his normally playing right back.

He spent the latter part of last season, impressing with Blackpool, and was instrumental in their promotion campaign. This season, he has come on leaps and bounds, and has been one of the best and most consistent players performing under David Moyes, in an Everton side which has been crippled by injuries this season.

This Premier League campaign, Coleman has received his first International cap for the Republic of Ireland, he scored his first ever goal (against former side Blackpool), and signed a new four and a half year contract with the club due to his fantastic form this season.


Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Age: 19
League Apps: 27 (3) League Goals: 1

The Arsenal midfielder, in my opinion has been the best young central midfielder in the Premiership and in Europe this season. The 19 year old spent six months on loan at Bolton last season, and gained some vital Premiership experience.

This year, despite interest from many Premier League clubs keen to take Wilshere on loan, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger felt he was more than ready to be a part of the Arsenal squad. How he was right.
Wilshere probably wouldn’t have expected to be as vital to the Arsenal starting XI as he is now, but injuries to Abou Diaby, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and the continued absence of Aaron Ramsey saw him play in 30 Premiership games, and scoring a solitary goal against Aston Villa.

He also made his England international debut, and impressed in the international friendlies against Denmark and Ghana, and is now considered a senior England international.

If you’re looking for justification to why he has been so impressive, watch both legs of the Arsenal v. Barcelona Champions League tie and see how well the England international played.


Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Age: 23
League Apps: 31 League Clean Sheets: 14

At the start of this season, there was a much heated debate to who would occupy Manchester City’s goal this season. It was up to Roberto Mancini to decide whether to select England international Joe Hart, who had had a sensational season with Birmingham City last year, or to go with one of the best goalkeepers to play in the Premier League; Shay Given.

The Italian was impressed with the ability, confidence and tenacity of the 23 year old. He has started every single Premiership game this season, and is the only Man City player to do so. He has kept 14 clean sheets this season, giving his team the most in the Premier League.


Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)

Age: 22
League Apps: 22 (12) League Goals: 11

The Mexican has been a revelation at Old Trafford this season, and it’s clear that Sir Alex Ferguson has uncovered another jewel. He has the movement of Filippo Inzaghi, and the goal scoring instincts of Raul, with the tendency to score vital goals from the bench similar to that of another Manchester United legend; Ole Gunnar Soljskaer. Testament to this is that all his goals have come inside the penalty box.


Nani (Manchester United)

Age: 24
League Apps: 27 (2) League Goals: 9

A player blessed with fantastic ability, with speed, flair and great technique. The Portuguese winger has had a very good season this year, and has produced some of his finest football. He recently stated that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t let him express himself as he wishes, and I believe this is why he has been so important this season.

The key reason for his nomination, the fact he is leading the Premier League table in assists, with 16 in total, 5 clear of nearest rival Andrei Arshavin. His assist have been vital in helping Manchester United leading the goal scoring charts with 68 goals, averaging 2.19 goals per game.


So that concludes our look at PFA Awards, remember to leave a comment below and let us know who you think will win in each category. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and add us on Facebook.

Real Talk Football

PFA Awards - Part 1

Early today, the Professional Football Association announced their nominees for the Barclays Premier League awards for both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

Real Talk Football takes a look at the nominees in each category, starting with the Player of the Year award.

Players nominated for both awards

Two players have been nominated in both categories, both of which ply their trade in North London. Arsenal’s Samir Nasri and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

All stats and information is correct as of the 8th March 2011.


Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 21
League Apps: 25 (1) League Goals: 7 goals

The Welshman has continued his development from last year, and impressed both domestically and internationally. Bale has played in 26 matches this season, and has scored a career best of 7 goals.

He has been in captivating form this season and made the Tottenham left midfield berth his own. Some notable performances this season include the 2-3 fight back win over rivals Arsenal, the two decisive winners in the 2-1 win against Stoke, as well as a hat trick against Inter Milan in a 4-3 defeat in the San Siro.

Injuries saw him miss six weeks of the Premier League campaign, while speculation regarding his future have seen his performances tail-off towards the business end of the season.


Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

Age: 23
League Apps: 24 (2) League Goals: 9

The Frenchman has had a breakthrough year at Arsenal, and internationally with France as well. He has a career record total of 9 goals, and was named France captain despite being left out of the World Cup squad.

Nasri has scored an array of goals displaying fantastic acceleration and technical ability, along with a wonderful goal against rivals Spurs, against Manchester City, and both goals in the 2-1 win over Fulham.

After much criticism for Arsenal midfielders not scoring enough goals, he has finally added this dimension to his game. Nasri, similar to Bale is another who’s performances have tailed off towards the latter stages of the season, and his anonymity in the Carling Cup final was something which disappointment many, as that was seen as a great opportunity for Nasri to showcase his ability.

PFA Player of the Year



Charlie Adam (Blackpool)

Age: 25
League Apps: 28 (1) League Goals: 9

For a player from a promoted team to be nominated for the Player of the Year Award, it is testament to how impressive both Ian Holloway and his Blackpool side have performed this season.

Charlie Adam has the same amount of goals as fellow nominee Samir Nasri this season, chipping in with vitals goals in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, 3-1 win over Tottenham and two key goals (including a sensational free-kick) in a 2-2 draw against relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers. He also has six assists to his name this season.

The only blight on his maturing career with The Seasider’s, is the persistent transfer rumours linking him with a move away to Liverpool. Adam handed in a transfer request during the January transfer window, but Blackpool rejected the request.


Scott Parker (West Ham United)

Age: 31
League Apps: 29 League Goals: 5

Captain Marvell. One of the most influential and hard working players in the Premiership, has finally received the well deserved plaudits, and has subsequently found himself back in the England squad.

With West Ham in the midst of a relegation battle, no one is writing off the Hammers chances of staying up, and that’s because of players like Scott Parker. A demonstration of his courage was playing in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham, just a few hours after his father passed away.

Finally, striker Carlton Cole led the plaudits back in February after a rousing half-time team talk which inspired the Hammers to come from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with West Brom.


Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Age: 27
League Apps: 27 League Goals: 19

The controversial Argentinean has been one of the top strikers in the Premiership, and is just 4 goals away from equalling his tally from last season. He scored the winning goal in the 1-0 win over title rivals Chelsea, as well as a hat trick against West Brom and four doubles this season (against Liverpool, Blackpool, Newcastle and Wolves).

Manchester City currently sit third in the league, and Tevez continues to outshine other big money signings Mario Balotelli and Eden Dzeko, and lead Manchester City to their first UEFA Champions League campaign.


Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Age: 29
League Apps: 29 League Goals: 4

The Manchester United captain has been the stand out performer for the Red Devils this season, and has received the plaudits for holding together a depleted back four. His no nonsense style is highly impressive, while his strong tackling and physical ability has been as impressive as ever, and is rightly regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

He has however, had a few shaky performances this season, and Manchester United have only the fourth best defensive record in the Premiership, which means Vidic should be considered a dark horse for the award.


Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 28
League Apps: 21 League Goals: 10

Signing of the season? Without a doubt. The Dutchman transfered from Real Madrid for a snippet (in terms of today’s transfer market) at just £8 million. He has featured in 21 games this season, and scored 10 goals. He is the highest scoring midfielder of all nominees.

He scored a brace in the 2-1 win of Aston Villa, important goals in draws with Everton and Sunderland as well as the all important leveller against Arsenal, which Tottenham went on to win 3-2.

These are the nominee's for the PFA Player of the Year awards, leave a comment below and let us know who you think will receive the award.

Part 2 featuring the Young Player of the Year nominee's will be up tomorrow.

Real Talk Football