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 - Premier League

PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The Professional Football Association has named their shortlist for both the Young Player of the Year, and most importantly the Player of the Year awards. Currently BBC have just solely concentrated on Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, stating his is “among” the nominees. Affectively making him the favourite, and with nothing against Wayne Rooney or Man United, but why are the BBC acting as if they other players already don’t matter... a technique used in covering the 2010 World Cup so far, as if with Rooney, and Rooney alone, England will win the biggest trophy in football, while standing no chance without him... Anyways that another argument for another day, but for now let’s look at the candidates, in which you can cast your vote of who you think should win on the right hand side:

PFA Player of the Year

Didier Drogba

Age: 31
Club: Chelsea
Nationality: Ivorian



In case you missed my special on the star striker earlier this year, then click here. The stats speak for themselves; one of the best strikers in the World, and a vital cog in the Chelsea machine seemingly charging towards their third Premiership title. Drogba has led Chelsea to the FA Cup final; facing relegated Portsmouth, while the blues are currently sitting atop of the league, 6 points clear.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 28
Scored: 25
Assists: 8

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



The Spanish midfielder has had his best season for the Gunners so far this year, and has finally progressed into the game changing player he needs in order to be considered World Class. He dragged Arsenal back from the death against Barcelona and was undoubtedly missed for the 2nd leg. He is currently the second highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League, behind Frank Lampard, and is one ahead of the Chelsea player in the Assist rankings. The Arsenal number four’s season came to an abrupt end after he fractured his leg against Barcelona, but still had a significant enough impact to lead the Gunners to a Champions League spot and a top 3 finish in the Premiership.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 27
Scored: 15
Assists: 13

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



The England striker has had his best ever season so far as a player, scoring a total of 34 goals in 41 games, with 29 coming in the league. Even though Manchester United only look to be collecting the Carling Cup this season, it’s clear he’s filled Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots since his departure to Real Madrid, and is now the key man at Old Trafford.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 29
Scored: 26
Assists: 3

Carlos Tevez

Age: 26
Club: Manchester City
Nationality: Argentinean



What can be said about the temperamental Argentinean? Sparked up rivalries between himself and Ferguson, the two sides of Manchester, himself and Gary Neville, and then his Man City “Team Bridge” against John Terry’s Chelsea! The man has been involved in everything this season. However to the most important matter regarding Tevez, his performances on the pitch. Brought in by Mark Hughes, he flourished under Roberto Mancini, scoring 22 goals in 30 games, with 7 assists; carry Man City’s charge to 4th and final Champions League place.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 30
Scored: 22
Assists: 7

PFA Young Player of the Year

Joe Hart

Age: 23
Club: Birmingham City (On loan from Manchester City)
Nationality: English



The third Englishman on the list, and currently one of the best goalkeepers in the league. According to ESPN.com Hart has played 32 Premier League games this season, making 118 saves and keeping 9 clean sheets. He already has one full international cap for England and is expected to compete for the number one spot in the near future.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 32
Clean Sheets: 9

James Milner

Age: 24
Club: Aston Villa
Nationality: English



Milner has been excellent for Aston Villa, helping his side reach the FA Cup semi final and the Carling Cup final. Also Villa were fighting a Champions league spot, but a Europa League spot looks a lot more realistic. Milner is also expected to be in the 23 man squad heading to South Africa later this year.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 31
Scored: 5
Assists: 12

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



See above for more, but the 22 year old Arsenal Captain has been excellent for the Gunners this season.

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



See above for more, but at the age of 24 can he still be considered young? Either or, he is up for both and deservedly so.

Who do you feel should win the awards? Click to vote on the right or leave a comment below

Arsenal’s Goalkeeping Crisis

With Arsenal showing record pre tax profits thanks to smart business movements, there are serious calls from Arsenal fans and many football pundits alike, for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to use the money to seriously invest in a goalkeeper. I echo these sentiments. Since many world class keepers may not be currently available at this very time, simply due to clubs holding teams more and more to ransom over transfer fees, along with Wenger’s reluctancy to "loosen the purse-strings” or “spend big” on a player, let alone a goalkeeper, means Arsenal's scouts would need to look for the most viable options.

Lets look at the options available right now

No. 1 – Manuel Almunia, Age: 32
The man signed Celta Vigo in Spain never really set the Premiership alight with his ability; however he gained respect for his shot stopping skills and penalty saving capability. However he has come under increased pressure over recent seasons due to a string of high profile errors, showing that he just cannot perform in high profile matches. Disastrous errors against Manchester United in the Champions League Semi-final, again in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premiership game where he gave away an unnecessary penalty fouling Wayne Rooney. But the final nail in the coffin which some Arsenal fans found unforgivable was that David Bentley goal in the 4-4 draw against rivals Spurs. Now I don’t want to add to the critics but it seems his is performing similar to how Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann performed before he was dropped and sold. Back then Almunia provided admirable competition for the German, but as of right now the likes of Mannone and Fabianski are surely not troubling the Spaniard for the number 1 spot.

No.2 – Lukasz Fabianksi, Age: 24
Where do we start with this guy? Wenger seems to have unbelievable faith in the Polish international. Indeed he is very young, and its no secret that goalkeepers prime is between the ages of 32 and 37 years old, and has a lot to learn, but his performances have failed to offer any other role to the Arsenal side than a Carling Cup goalkeeper. He made errors in the FA Cup Semi-final against Chelsea in the 2-1 defeat where he was at fault for both Malouda and Drogba's goals. Most recently he played terrible against FC Porto in a vital away Champion's League game, at fault again for both goals. He was also the goalkeeper in the 5-1 defeat to Tottenham in the League Cup Semi-final defeat in the 2007/2008 season. The 24 year old is struggling to instil that same belief Wenger has in him, into Arsenal fans. He cannot consider himself the Arsenal number one any time soon, unless there is a vast improvement in his ability and performances.

No. 3 – Vito Mannone, Age: 21
The young Italian was thrown into action earlier this season after both goalkeepers became injured and managed to put in some very commendable performances against the likes of Olympiacos, Fulham, Stoke and Wigan. Looks like a player for the future, but not the too distant future.



Arsenal are forever linked with players, and seemingly 90% of theses names linked are untrue. Wenger is unlikely to sign a player unless he feels it’s a must. Some of the goalkeepers linked include Rui Patricio of Sporting Lisbon, Thomas Sorenson of Stoke, Artur Boruc of Celtic and even the likes of Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus (so unlikey I cannot comprehend!) So l believe there are only a select few players Wenger could bring in. They are as follows:

No.1 – Igor Akinfeev, Age: 23
The Russian goalkeeper is an exceptional player and has represented his national team since the age of 18. He has played over 179 games for Russian superpower CSKA Moscow, and solidified his position as the number one goalkeeper and one of the best in Europe. He has one numerous trophies and has vital experience not normally associated with a player of his age. Akinfeev is a player who would suit Arsenal very well and would command a transfer fee of £15million and upwards. Wenger would have to think hard about this decision, and act before a possible bidding war begins, with the goalkeeper being continuously linked, amongst others with Premiership rivals Manchester United.




No.2 – Hugo Lloris, Age: 23
The new French number one is another excellent goalkeeper who plays for French side Lyon. The number 1 has risen up through the French Ligue 1 and showed his brilliance in the controversial win over the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup Qualifier, where he was voted man of the match. He is expected to be between the sticks for Les Bleus at the 2010 World Cup. The downside to this option is that Lyon are known for holding on the their players for as long as possible and commanding the biggest transfer fee available (Michael Essien to Chelsea and Mamadou Diarra to Real Madrid), however the fact he is French may have a positive impact on Lloris.

No.3 – Joe Hart, Age: 22
This has become a quietly growing link as the 22 year old has been outstanding for Birmingham this season, and his English nationality is something that is appealing to Premiership sides. The youngster has been in excellent form for Birmingham and has displayed some brilliant performances that helped the midlands side set a club record of going 15 games unbeaten. He has played 75 Premier League games in his career, and is currently on loan from Manchester City. With City's number one being the brilliant Shay Given it is unlikely he will be starting for Citizens any time soon. He is an excellent prospect however his lack of big match or International experience would provide an undoubted risk Wenger would be probably unwilling to take.


There are numerous goalkeepers around at the moment but if Wenger feels he needs to buy someone; Akinfeev or Lloris would be excellent decisions and the fans would probably feel a sense of Arsenal flexing their financial muscle in the transfer market.

Who do you feel Arsenal should invest in? Leave a comment or email me @ realtalkfootballblog@hotmail.co.uk