adminChelsea reigned supreme from day one, clinched the title with room to spare and were the stand out team of the season — both in defence and attack.
The league has been illuminated by players such as Alexis Sanchez, arriving at Arsenal and bringing even more swagger to Arsene Wenger’s cultured side — and perhaps an FA Cup winners’ medal too — and Philippe Coutinho, who has managed the seemingly impossible feat of upstaging even the mighty Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool skipper’s last season at Anfield.
With so much talent to choose from, it has been a difficult decision — but here are the players and the manager, who I thought excelled and have earned themselves a place in my team of the season.
Goalkeeper — David De Gea (Manchester United)
United have a history of fielding great goalkeepers in the past and they seldom come better than Peter Schmeichel and Edwin Van der Sar. When they do come across a talent who can perform on the big stage with the same measure of accountability it is crucial that they keep him.
David De Gea is in that class and it is vital United retain the Spaniard in order to win trophies in the future or progress to the latter stages of the Champions League next season.
Should De Gea follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, it would suggest that the gulf between the two clubs is far bigger than United dare admit.
Defender — Branislav
Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Arguably Chelsea’s most consistent player in recent years and a vital member of their defensive line-up. Branislav Ivanovic is capable of playing in any position across the back line and the ability to engage in attack or defence with the same intensity.
I cannot recall a single campaign during his time at the club where the Serb has not played a crucial role in the big games. A real danger on attacking set plays and a warrior in defence — and a winner if ever I saw one.
Defender — John Terry
(Chelsea)
I thought this lad was past his best 18 months ago but the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge has brought a new lease of life to the former England international.
There is arguably no other manager in the game who would have built his team around John Terry and no other captain who could have lead his team to the Premier League title so effectively. Terry and Mourinho were this season’s perfect partnership.
Defender — Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
There have been some memorable names that have occupied the centre back position for Chelsea over the years but I never thought Gary Cahill would be one of them. The speed in which Cahill has developed into a top-class defender has been frightening.
Not since the likes of Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas have the Blues looked so secure in defence. Since his arrival at the Bridge he has won the Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League, League Cup and the Premier League title in a non-stop winning streak. Now that’s impressive.
Midfielder — Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Matic is the best insurance policy Chelsea have signed in years. There is no other player in the Premier League who offers the kind of protection to his two central defenders like Matic.
All credit to Jose Mourinho, who watched the Serbia international leave Chelsea as a rookie but had no hesitation in bringing him back to Stamford Bridge for the princely sum of £21m at the start of the season. For me the best defensive midfield player in the world. You certainly get what you pay for.
Midfielder — Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
I saw this lad play for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola on a number of occasions at the Nou Camp and he was impressive. Since joining Arsenal, under the direction of Arsene Wenger, he has become more accomplished.
There is no doubt in my mind that Alexis Sanchez has taken the Gunners a step closer to lifting the title but I sense he needs a little more assistance in key areas if Arsenal are serious about winning the Premier League next season. If Wenger fails to provide that assistance then Sanchez might be tempted to join a club who are not afraid to splash the cash in order to secure the title.
Midfielder — Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
This lad has had the most fabulous season for Liverpool and he is seen as a major part of the club’s future under Brendan Rodgers. So imagine what Philippe Coutinho is thinking at this moment having seen the departure of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and almost certainly Raheem Sterling in the blink of an eye.
What Rodgers must do now is put a stop on any further departures and tell Coutinho that he intends to build a team around the Brazilian. That just might save Liverpool and Rodgers from another difficult season.
Midfielder — Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Congratulations to Eden Hazard, whose 20 goals in all competitions contributed to a Premier League title and League Cup double.
The exploits of the most exciting player in the country could not have been better acknowledged than being voted the PFA Player of the Year and the Football Writers’ Association player of the year. There is no doubt he is world class but I wonder if the player now has the desire to climb on to the same stage and compete with the ageing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for ‘best player in the world’? If so, a Champions League title next season might help.
Forward — Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Even though Manchester City finished Premier League runners up, their season has been considered a disappointment. One player who has not disappointed, however, is Sergio Aguero.
The Argentina international scored 26 league goals and might have added more to his tally if not for a series of injuries that caused considerable disruption to the player and the team. Chelsea should consider themselves somewhat fortunate that Aguero and Yaya Toure were not available to assist City in their quest to retain the title due to Aguero’s injuries and Toure’s international duty. Had circumstances been different the title race would have been much more interesting.
Forward — Harry Kane
(Tottenham)
I don’t think the season could have gone any better for Harry Kane. The highlight for me was the 5-3 win against Chelsea, which I believe had a profound impact on Mourinho and the way he approached the rest of the season.
The PFA Young Player of the Year has played with such infectious enthusiasm that we have all felt the buzz of Kane mania. His inclusion in the England squad was completely justified by his prolific goalscoring efforts for Spurs.
I find it utterly incomprehensible that Kane has now been replaced by lesser mortals in the national team to play the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia and seconded to the Under-21s in order to bolster the morale of the group.
The Football Association have gone to great lengths to argue the importance of developing English players and they reward their 30-goal man and most prodigious talent with an U-21 cap? Monstrous! — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter