In the final instalment of our feature focusing on the best players per division based upon WhoScored ratings over the calendar year of 2011, we analyse the Premier League that, unlike any of the other top leagues in Europe, has had no rest bite over the winter.
The winner of our award is perhaps inevitable due to the quite phenomenal year that he has had, though the remainder of the top 10, and even top 3, provides some interesting inclusions. One of the main patterns highlighted by our top 10 is the rise of Tottenham under Harry Redknapp, with 3 representatives on the leaderboard, though even the most hardened Spurs fan would struggle to deny the outright winner.
We also look at the top rated youngsters from the year gone by who, like their senior counterparts, must have featured at least 20 times for their respective clubs over the calendar. Beginning with the overall top gong, the leaderboard from 10 to 1 is as follows;
10. Luis Suarez - 7.27 (FW / 24 / Liverpool); 9. Gareth Bale - 7.32 (ML / 22 / Tottenham); 8. Mikel Arteta - 7.34 (MC / 29 / Arsenal & Everton); 7. Rafael van der Vaart - 7.39 (AMC / 28 / Tottenham); 6. Nani - (AMR / 25 / Manchester United); 5. Frank Lampard - 7.49 (MC / 33 / Chelsea); 4. David Silva - 7.49 (AMR / 25 / Manchester City)...
3. Luka Modric - 7.55 (MC / 26 / Tottenham)
Although it wasn't his decision, the fact that Luka Modric stayed at Tottenham over a proposed move to Chelsea has paid dividends for the Croatian. The 26-year-old is perhaps the most influential player for third placed Spurs and the club's refusal to be drawn into negotiations for the playmaker was perhaps the wiliest piece of business conducted over the summer.
Modric doesn't really contribute to many goals directly, with just 3 to his name along with 4 assists in 2011, but his build up play is at the heart of almost every Tottenham attack. His finishing is a little wayward having attempted 67 shots for his 3 strikes last year, while poor finishing from forwards - particularly last season - can be attributed to a meagre assist tally having created 82 chances. Passing is perhaps his key attribute, with an 88% success rate, though his defensive work is also impressive, making 2.34 tackles and 1.91 interceptions per game.
2. Wayne Rooney - 7.64 (FW / 26 / Manchester United)
England and Manchester United's key man has had another busy year both on and off the field but any distractions have been brushed aside in the most part, leading to a fantastic start to this season in particular for his club. Unfortunately for the forward, another player in his position has blown his excellent tally of 23 goals in 35 appearances out of the water.
His strikes have come having attempted 4.09 shots per game, which is down on the likes of Suarez and van Persie, while a figure of 7 assists has come from 1.89 key passes per match. A 79% pass success rate and average of 1.91 attempted dribbles a game are superb figures for a striker, though a recent disciplinary issue has led to a disrupted start to 2012, and if he is to win next years award he will need to be on his best behaviour!
1. Robin van Persie - 7.91 (FW / 28 / Arsenal)
A quite remarkable year for Robin van Persie ended, as did the majority of his appearances over 2011, with a goal against QPR. The strike was his 35th in 36 games and saw him leapfrog Thierry Henry's club record of 34 but just fall short of Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 36. His unbelievable goal tally came from a total of 185 shots having attempted a vast 5.14 shots per game, but his threat didn't end there.
From 2.11 key passes per match, van Persie proved to be a link man and worthy contributor to teammates efforts, picking up 9 assists. It is fair to say that when the Dutchman is fit and playing, Arsenal are an entirely different animal. His step up in performance level has all but compensated for the loss of the club's previous captain fantastic, Cesc Fabregas, which is a huge achievement in itself. With many players now having left, van Persie is now the past and present of the side, while the team's future fortunes rely heavily on his impending decision as to whether to stay at the club.
Young Player of the Year
The Premier League undoubtedly comprises of some of Europe's greatest young talents, and the top 5 leaderboard according to WhoScored certainly goes a long way to proving that fact. With all players at the age of 21 or younger, here's a rundown of 5 to 1;
5. Danny Welbeck - 6.73 (FW / 21 / Manchester United & Sunderland (loan)); 4. Mario Balotelli - 6.79 (FW / 21 / Manchester City); 3. Kyle Walker - 6.99 (DR / 21 / Tottenham & Aston Villa (loan)); 2. David Hoilett - 7.02 (AMR / 21 / Blackburn)...
1. Phil Jones - 7.07 (DC / 19 / Manchester United & Blackburn)
Just pipping former Blackburn teammate David Hoilett to the youngsters' top gong, it is almost unthinkable that Phil Jones is just 19. When a big-money move to Manchester United materialised over the summer, many were shocked by his price-tag but it is fair to say very few are questioning Alex Ferguson's bold decision to splash the cash now.
Having already been called up to the senior international squad, fans and pundits alike are tipping Jones to be a future captain of England, and it isn't hard to see why. Playing in a number of positions, Jones has excelled in each and made 2.56 tackles and 1.92 interceptions per game last year over 25 appearances. He also showed an attacking ability that saw him attempt 1.12 dribbles per game and complete an excellent 81% of his passes. Phil Jones is, without question, a ready-made star.
I'd like to point out that 3 out of the top 5 Young Players are English! With Euro 2012 coming up and all 3 players moving into the senior team, I'm expecting big things this summer (maybe naively!) But with the likes of Wilshire added to the mix, it's good to see an injection of much needed youth
It's genuinely uplifting to see players from outside the 'top' teams mixing it up with the likely lads. I was pleasantly surprised to see Arteta in there and, as touched upon in the article, 3 Tottenham players in there.
I totally agree with footyfanatic, keeping hold of Modric and getting van der Vaart for such a bargain, mixed with Bale's improvement over the past few seasons are the reason Tottenham are vying for top-spot this year!
I think the most inmportant player for any club this year has been Modric. For Harry to keep hold of him this summer, away from the clutches of Chelsea especially, was the best bit of business done this year!
You just can't argue with Van Persie's influence on the Arsenal team, he's managed to hold together a team that's lost so many influential players, and let's not forget the start to the season they had, But, look at them now - fighting for Chamions League and that's mainly down to him. Outstanding year.
Massiv fan of Hoilett and his contract is up in the summer. Sadly I think he'll have higher aspirations than Villa!
And let's not forget about Hoillet, definitely destined for bigger things!!
seeing phil jones as high rated piss me off,he is just to overrated like most of english players, in particular manu players,anyway i like his own goals ahahahahahahaha