My First Xl..

The season has come to an end, with Manchester United winning their third Barclays Premier League title consecutively. So, after a highly entertaining season.. well, every season is this entertaining, I give you, MY best first Xl. Reminder again, that I'm not expert soccer pundit or whatever, so here goes.

Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

Man, you just got to give it to him. Forget the likes of Reina, Van der Sar, or Cech, this plucky Australian gets my choice for goalkeeper of the season. Ever consistent in the league, keeping 14 clean sheets and making close to 140 saves. He's also one of the reason why Fulham are pushing for a place in the inaugural Europa League, and also one of the reason why Fulham are at the top half of the table instead of the bottom. Already 36 (37 on October 6th), he still has a lot to give, and with his experience, it will surely prove valuable to Fulham, in which will be Middlesbrough's lost.

Right-back: Glen Johnson (Porstmouth)

The England fullback is becoming a permanent fixture not only in Pompey's first Xl, but also in England's. The former West Ham academy is getting the recognition he needs, which he did not get during his time at West Ham and also Chelsea. With 3 goals and 4 assists, he's the chosen right back for me. He's also quite a versatile defender, able to play in the right wing, and offer an extra attacking option. If he can keep this up, England would have found a new replacement for Gary Neville.

Centre back: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

The Serbian international defender was one of the reason why The Red Devils are champions this season. Not only is he an ever consistent performance, holding the United back line, his poweress in front of goal has also seen him being nominated as one of the players of the season, which was won by his fellow teammate Ryan Giggs, and scoring four goals as a centre back in never easy, so give him credit. His only drawback this season was being sent off twice - ironically, both against title rivals Liverpool.

Centre back: Brede Hangeland (Fulham)

He was also one of the smart buys by manager Roy Hodgson. 6ft5in tall, this Norwegian was also one of the main stays of Fulham this entire season, and will be well remembered by Aresnal fans for scoring his only goal of the season against them, which proved to be the match winner in that game. However, it's his strong andcalm authoritative performance that stood out, and has certainly attracted many suitors. Fulham will have to do well to keep him here.

Left back: Leighton Baines (Everton)

The former Wigan man gets my vote for this position not only for his strong determination in defending, but also for his ability to pick out his teammates to score goals. Getting seven assist (and also a goal) for Everton this season is quite handy, and despite getting injured during the second quarter of the season, he bounced back, and has managed to get back his left back position. Capello, look out.

Right wing midfielder: Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)

Underrated usually, this Dutchman has once again proved how valuable he is to the Reds. His high-stamina, hard work of roaming all over the pitch, and particularly this season, having the knack of scoring important goals at the right time is also one of the reason why he is my pick for this position. 12 goals and 6 assist was his credit, and despite being 29 already, he doesn't show any signs of losing stamina, or, not just yet.

Centre midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Is there anything else to say about this man? Once again, consistent performance by the Liverpool captain this season, not only in terms of scoring goals, but leading Liverpool to a title challenge this season. He has also once again saved Liverpool a couple of times this season, with the game against Middlesbrough perhaps the most memoriable one, scoring deep into injury time. His performance this season has also won him the PFA Player of the Year award, though he would be looking to add more trophies to the Liverpool cabinet instead of his own, notable, the Barclays Premier League. He's got 16 goals and 9 assist to his credit.

Centre midfield: Stephen Ireland (Manchester City)

Controversial figure before this, Ireland became one of the stars this season with a superb display of attcking football, and being the main man in City's midfield. He has also link up well with new arrival Robinho, and was one of the main reasons why City could push for a top-four place (at first), before poor away form costed them dearly. With 9 goals and an amazing 10 assist, he's one of the future prospect to look out for.

Left wing midfield: Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur)

You may think that this is a weird choice, or someone else like Ashley Young deserves it, but the Croatian gets my pick. Initially signed to play somewhere in the middle, he couldn't gell well in the PL while under Ramos. However, ever since Redknapp came, he was transformed, and even though he was assigned to the left, he played superbly well. It was also there he became more dangerous, and he contributed 3 goals, and creating 8 others.

Forwards: Nicholas Anelka (Chelsea)

A Frenchmen who has plight his trades at the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Bolton, comes to another club, this time in London. And did he so not fail in his task to deliver, scoring 18 times and creating 5 others. Despite going a little quiet after Hiddink came to replace Scolari, the fierce much-travelled striker managed to bang in more goals. He has also been a key figure to the Blues challenge this season, and although they have fallen on most fronts, the FA Cup is still up for grabs, so expect him to terrorist the Toffees defence.

Forwards: Kevin Davies (Bolton Wanderes)

At first, the departure of Anelka was hurting enough, but club captain Kevin Nolan following suit made it worse. This meant that Davies had to bear quite a lot of responsibilities for the club, including becoming the club's next captain. However, he has done exceptionally well, being in his most prolific form, scoring 11 goals and creating 3 others, and despite the Trotters not doing too well this season, at least the fans will know that there is someone who can lead the team next season.

Looking forward to season 2009/2010
-eNd-