Today's issue sees my opinion of the best 11 players this season in the Premiership. I'm trying to be unbiased so their are other players from some of the less glamorous clubs to make it fair and interesting.

Goalkeeper: Tim Howard (Manchester United)

Its been a very good season for the American. Coming in from the MLS League the difference between the two levels is huge. But Howard seems to have adjusted very easily and some of his earlier performances suggested he could be the buy of the season. But recently, his confidence seems to have dropped, but I put this down to tiredness. Howard hasn't had a proper summer as the season out in America is through our summer. But I expect him to be back to his best. He has proved very reliable and has made some fantastic saves. He would have been disappointed with his side's performances this season, but I expect him to become even better next season. The only trophy left for Manchester United is the FA Cup. But it will be very interesting who Sir Alex Ferguson selects as his goalkeeper for the big game.

Right Back: Moritz Volz (Fulham)

This was probably the hardest place to choose because we haven't heard much about right back's this season. But I am going for the German full back because since signing on Arsenal, originally on-loan. He has proved to be very solid for Chris Coleman's side. He looks solid defensively and attacks the right wing very well. I expect him to be a major one for the future.

Left Back: Ashley Cole (Arsenal)

In terms of improvement by a player, Cole would be very close to the top of the list. Ashley was known as the player who could provide real width and pace as a full back but certainly wasn't the best defending. However he seems to have improved a lot this season. Cole had a brilliant game for England against Turkey back in October 2003 where he really showed the doubters he could defend. However he faces fierce competition from Gael Glichy for that left back spot at Highbury.

Kolo Toure: (Arsenal)

Just going on about his team mate Ashley Cole improving dramatically, Kolo along with Frank Lampard appear to be the best. It wasn't the best season for Toure last year as he lacked any experience and wasn't the most comfortable as a centre back. But despite being heavily criticised by many pundits Kolo has proved to be a tower of strength in that Arsenal defence forming a great partnership with Sol Campbell. But even when Campbell missed some games back earlier in the season, Toure continued his great form. A game I remember very well was the Man Utd Vs Arsenal game which end goalless and any team that can stop United from scoring at Old Trafford deserves a lot of credit. He has played a major role in keeping Arsenal unbeaten in the league this season.

John Terry: (Chelsea)

Wherever Claudio Ranieri remains in a job or not in the summer is questionable but if not then any incoming manager would be a fool not to have John Terry as probably the 1st name on the Chelsea team sheet. The new captain at Stamford Bridge, Terry has made remarkable progress as he leads the Chelsea back line and will probably partner Sol Campbell in the summer in Portugal at Euro 2004. Terry is a winner in the air, a good leader and someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. Its been a great year for him as Chelsea has proved to be a very solid defensive unit both in the Premiership and the Champions League.  

Steven Gerrard: (Liverpool)

Gerrard has really carried a poor Liverpool side this season. His desire to win games and to fire Liverpool back into the Champions League has been crucial. Despite falling further behind from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, you always feel with Gerrard around that slight glimmer of hope. That hope saw manager Gerrard Houllier hand Gerrard the captaincy at Anfield. A player who isn't scared to say what he feels, Gerrard proves to be a major player for both club and country.

Shaun Wright-Phillips: (Manchester City)

The adopted son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright, Shaun has proved to be one of the hottest prospects emerging in the Premiership and this has been recognised by England. Small but quick, Wright-Phillips has shown he has great pace and can easily get best defenders. His pace created havoc for the Manchester United defence has he scored a fantastic solo effort. He proves to be the only real English player possible of beating defenders. Perhaps Euro 2004 has come to early for him, but I expect him to be in the squad for the World Cup 2006 qualifier's.

Frank Lampard: (Chelsea)

What a summer can do to a player. Before the Roman Ambramovich era, Chelsea appeared to have paid way over the odds for midfielder Frank Lampard. He struggled to live up to the price tag paid back in the summer of 2001. But following the spending spree which saw Ranieri folk out £15,000,000 for Juan Veron, Lampard has easily made the central midfield place his. Lampard appears to be a very similar type of player to England team-mate Paul Scholes. His impressive performances has seen him start every Premiership game for Chelsea this season, a sign that he is crucial to the success Chelsea hope to achieve. His performances has put Scholes under increasing pressure in the England 11 as Scholes hasn't scored an International goal now since 2001, a remarkable stat. Lampard appears to be a certainty off to Euro 2004. But will he be able to force his way into the England team?

Thierry Henry: (Arsenal)

Chelsea appear to have the money to buy any player possible, but they won't be getting their hands on Thierry Henry despite already offering the Gunners £50,000,000 for the French striker. He is simply the best striker at the moment by a mile. Quick, strong and a player great on both feet, his performances has scared the living hell out of opposition defences both at home and in Europe. He has his collection of fantastic goals this season which include his second Vs Inter Milan in the San Siro, his wonder goal Vs Manchester United at Highbury and a fantastic 30 yard free kick Vs Blackburn Rovers only a few weeks back. His only weakness is appears to be his lack of goals scored with his head. But how England stop him in Euro 2004 is another question. 

Alan Shearer: (Newcastle United)

The question everyone asks when concerning Alan Shearer is "why doesn't he come back to England"? Well the answer is because he wouldn't be the same player playing for Newcastle. Shearer quitting International football has proved to be from his and Newcastle's view a fantastic decision. Shearer has since go on to regularly be the Newcastle top scorer and is still proving a handful for all defences at home and in Europe. Shearer has everything, he can score with his feet, his head, he still is a model professional for any wannabe footballers. His leadership skills is right up their with the best. The only question remains how the hell Sir Bobby Robson replaces him when he retires at the end of next season. 

Robert Pires: (Arsenal)

Normally when a player suffers a serious knee ligament injury you fear the player will never be the same player he was before the injury. But for Robert Pires he has proved the opposite as he has gone from strength to strength playing a major role in Arsenal's bid for trophies at home and abroad. Not a natural left footed player, Pires plays like one. His pace and link up play is phenomenal which has seen him score more goals this season than any other season. He would have been hurting after not finishing the double winning season in 2001/2002 with his injuries, and Arsenal losing the title last season would have hurt him even more. But this season it appears Pires will have his wish. Another player England should be vary worried about in the summer at Portugal.

And the players who just missed out

Carlo Cudicini: (Chelsea)

Danny Mills: (Middlesbrough)

Wayne Bridge: (Chelsea)

Gareth Southgate: (Middlesbrough)

Jonathan Woodgate: (Newcastle United)

Patrick Vieria: (Arsenal)

Gaizika Mendieta: (Middlesbrough)

Steed Malbranque: (Fulham)

Ruud van Nistelrooy: (Manchester United)

Mikael Forssell: (Birmingham City)

Cristiano Ronaldo: (Manchester United)

Got an opinion on my team? Well if so then email me at mark@1871royals.co.uk and your views will be published.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS