Season reflections

Skysports.com pick top players and highlights from the campaign

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 8th May 2008

The 2007-08 season is drawing to a close and the skysports.com team have been making their selections from another thrilling campaign.

Over the coming days, our journalists will be picking from a range of categories. We are also giving you the chance to comment on our choices as well as selecting your own team of the season.

To choose your own Team of the Season, click here

Our readers' choices will be revealed as part of a special Sky Sports end-of-season review entitled Premier League - Team of the Season to be broadcast at 6pm on 14th May on Sky Sports 1. To make

Football News Editor Peter O'Rourke makes his selections, together with a look at his pre-season predictions, some of which were not far off!

Team of the Season

For my team I have gone for David James in goal as the keeper has enjoyed a fine season between the sticks with a number of superb performances. His form has helped him regain his place in the England squad and also been instrumental in Portsmouth's push to the FA Cup final. At the back Arsenal's Bacary Sagna gets the right back slot after an impressive debut season and Everton's Joleon Lescott is the choice for left-back following his goalscoring exploits. Manchester United's rock at the back Rio Ferdinand starts at centre back alongside unsung Aston Villa hero Martin Laursen who has shown this season he has shaken off all his old injury problems and has popped up with some vital goals.

In midfield Cristiano Ronaldo is a certainty after his record-breaking season and I have found space in my side for Joe Cole who I believe has been Chelsea's most consistent player this term. Cesc Fabregas is rewarded for another productive season at Arsenal with a place in central midfield. His midfield partner was a hard choice, but I have had to find room for Blackburn's David Bentley who has been in terrific form for Mark Hughes's side this season.

Up front Liverpool's Spanish sensation Fernando Torres will lead the line alongside Arsenal's main attacking threat Emmanuel Adebayor.

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Football Champions League Liverpool Arsenal Fernando Torres

Torres: Fine debut season

PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS
Title winner: Man Utd
Relegated: Derby, Wigan, Birmingham
Best buy: Roque Santa Cruz
Biggest flop: Rolando Bianchi
Player of Year: Robin van Persie
Goalscorer: Wayne Rooney
Dark Horse: West Ham

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Player - Fernando Torres

I am going to be controversial and not give this to Cristian Ronaldo believing Fernando Torres should be honoured with this award. The Spaniard has enjoyed a remarkable debut season at Anfield scoring 30 goals in all competitions. Torres has been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League confounding the critics who suggested he might struggle to adapt to the rigors of English football. The former Atletico Madrid man has shown he is willing to mix it with defenders and his finishing in front of goal has been exceptional with either his feet or head. Torres has become the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler to score 20 Premier League goals to make him a darling of the Kop after less than 12 months at the club.

Manager - Walter Smith

I am looking north of the border for this award and give it to Rangers boss Walter Smith. Smith has done a remarkable job at Rangers during his second tenure at the Ibrox club. Two seasons of playing second fiddle to Old Firm rivals Celtic, Rangers have led the way in all competitions this season. Smith has guided Rangers to the top of the SPL, the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and already has the CIS Insurance Cup tucked under his arm. Arguably his greatest feat this season has been leading Rangers to the final of the Uefa Cup with some impressive performances against top European opposition. Rangers are on the brink of an unprecedented quadruple and for that alone Smith deserves the manager award.

Rising star - Freddie Sears

Another one off the famous production line at West Ham, Freddie Sears is a player with a big future ahead of him. Sears has always been highly-rated within the corridors of Upton Park as a result of his exploits in the youth team and he has carried that into the first-team. Sears announced himself to the rest of the Premier League when he scored within five minutes of his introduction as a substitute against Blackburn on his debut for The Hammers. Sears has won comparasions with Hammers legend Tony Cottee and the 18-year-old's style of play does bear similarities with free-scoring Cottee.

Best buy - Roque Santa Cruz

The signing of Roque Santa Cruz has proved to be a great piece of business by Rovers boss Mark Hughes. Question marks were raised over the signing of Santa Cruz after he struggled with a series of injuries during his time at Bayern Munich. Santa Cruz has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and since scoring on his debut as a substitute against Middlesbrough he has not looked back. The powerful forward has netted an impressive 20 goals in all competitions for Rovers and at £3.5million he looks a snip.

Biggest flop - Rolando Bianchi

Italian striker Bianchi arrived at Eastlands with high hopes after an impressive goalscoring record, but less than six months later he was packing his bags for a return to his homeland. Bianchi was brought in to solve City's goalscoring problems in a £8.8million deal from Reggina, but he failed to live up to Sven Goran Eriksson's expectations of him. Despite a bright start in scoring in his debut at West Ham, Bianchi struggled to adapt to life in England and was allowed to leave in January for a loan switch to Lazio.

The 25-year-old has struggled at Lazio and it seems highly unlikely that City will want him back for next season.

Best match - Spurs 4 Chelsea 4

There are a few candidates for this award with Portsmouth's amazing 7-4 win over Reading being a worthy contender, but I have gone for Tottenham's 4-4 draw with London rivals Chelsea at White Hart Lane. In what was a repeat of the Carling Cup final the two sides served up a treat in North London with some memorable attacking football on show.

There was little love lost between the two sides following Tottenham's Wembley success and it ensured a tremendous atmosphere at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea held the lead four times in the contest, but Tottenham managed to claw their way back into the game and got an unlikely draw with Robbie Keane's dramatic late leveller two minutes from time.

Personal highlight - Liverpool v Inter

My highlight of the season just illustrates the beauty of football and the ups and downs of a supporter.

Just three days after a demoralising FA Cup defeat at home to Barnsley, Liverpool welcomed Italian giants Internazionale to Anfield in a Champions League encounter.

The pressure was on the whole Liverpool squad and manager Rafa Benitez, but like on so many other European nights they rose to the occasions and sent Inter packing.

Late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard silenced the critics and showed Liverpool were able to mix it with the best in Europe.

To cap it all former Evertonian and Zinedine Zidane's nemesis Marco Materazzi was sent off to the approval of an unforgiving Anfield crowd.

Season lowpoint -The boardroom squabbles at Anfield

The events this season inside the Anfield boardroom would be more at home in an episode of Brookside or Dallas. The trans-Atalantic squabbles between Reds co-owner Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been nothing short of embarrassing for everyone connected with Liverpool. For a club that has prided itself on its image the American owners have traded insults in public and aired Liverpool's dirty linen in the general domain.

The saga has continued throughout the season overshadowing events on the pitch at Anfield and the in-fighting shows no sign of abating.

Best goal - Elano v Newcastle

The diminutive playmaker announced himself to Manchester City's fans with an outrageous free-kick in the win over Newcastle.

Elano inspired City to their 3-1 victory at Eastlands and he added the coupe de grace in the closing minutes with a glorious third goal.

There looked very little danger on when City won a free-kick fully 35 yards from goal, but that did not deter Elano.

The Brazilian showed no one hits a better free-kick than the South Americans as he unleased a fericous effort which flew into the top corner past a startled Shay Given. Luckily for the fans behind the goal the net held the ball as it looked like it was still rising when it hit the back of the net.

Elano's masterful display against Newcastle man not have been enough to bag him

Have your say on the selections using the form below.

Comments

Glenn Foster (Middlesbrough fan) says...

i think luke young right back not sure why joe cole is on the left he has be rubbish this season netting 6 which stewart downing has had ten 10 and has been class in the left wing postion carrying the team best buy luke young he was a steal and has been a constant performer for boro vidic should be in centre not that norwegian who can just head the ball and u do santa cruz as best buy i think he should be in the team instead of adebayor

Posted 22:15 12th May 2008

Steve Atherton (Manchester United fan) says...

Who won the Premiership this year, by the look of the team you've picked... Arsenal ??? I don't think so... a very poor 3rd, I recollect... Which team scored the most goals this season...... oh yes, Manchester United (and by a mile)... oh, and yes, and they won the league as well... my , my, seems only Ronaldo and Rio contributed.... strange as it may seem, Manchester United won the league (scoring vastly more goals than any other team) because they have the best team (and squad).... as they did last year.... (they seem to have more English and British players than the other two 'contenders' as well.......)

Posted 12:46 12th May 2008

Nick Oakes (Liverpool fan) says...

Good picks overall, but I'd make a couple of changes. In goal I'd agree with James, but only because Portsmouth aren't quite as accomplished in possession as Liverpool, because Reina's third consecutive Golden glove would normally cement this position. I'd go with the whole back line, except Brown for Sagna, because when Manchester United questioned whether his ability warranted the lucrative new contract he requested, he had all the answers. Ronaldo, Cesc and Bentley are all top of their respective piles with only Gareth Barry nipping at Bentleys heels. Young for Joe Cole, purely because he provided more assists than Cole and more overall excitement to the game. Lastly I'd pick Berbatov over Adebayor because he created his own goals as well as many of his team mates, in contrast to the big Togo international who was many times on the receiving end of spectacular Arsenal team work. And of course Torres filling the other slot for his Matador performances in a red shirt.

Posted 19:17 11th May 2008

David Adamson (Manchester United fan) says...

I would have to go for Cech in goal. James had an exceptional season, but between his injuries and the defensive problems Chelsea faced at the start of the season Cech gets the nod. Evra at left back every time. Ferdinand and Laursen are a good choice with perhaps Vidic or Carvalho the other two candidates. However, Sagna at right back is a joke! He has only played 38 games in all competitions this season, so i feel someone like Wes Brown or even Jamie Carragher are much more deserving. My midfield would be Ronaldo, Fabregas, Gerrard and Young. I don't understand how anyone could choose differently. Up front Torres, partnered with Adebayor, but only just. Santa Cruz would be just as good and didn't get half the opportunities as Adebayor. Player of the year has to be Ronaldo, hasn't it? Not saying he's better than the Torres fella, I'd actually have Roonay and Gerrard down as my overall best players. But surely he's had a better season?

Posted 11:35 9th May 2008

Sam Boulton (Arsenal fan) says...

good team this, although i have reservations about Joe Cole cos, while he's been good, there's been better in the league this year. Arsenals defence have not been bad despite what Bernie Sherry may think. Our defence has been brilliant this season, its just that from time to time, we have to make do with Senderos which is asking for trouble! Nice to see Laursen got his recognition, its a shame he's leaving for Italy, it doesn't always have to be a super star leaving in order for the Premiership to lose out, Laursen is an excellent defender.

Posted 11:07 9th May 2008

Graham Wallis (Manchester United fan) says...

I'm a big admirer of Torres and he has done fantastically well in his first season but I would question his contribution in away games - 2 league goals away from home? That's not gonna win you the league is it? Maybe its a result of how liverpool approach away games i.e. play not to lose rather than to win. It may work in the champions league but they'll never win the premier league like that.

Posted 09:32 9th May 2008

Tony Lopez (Manchester United fan) says...

I have to agree with the goalkeepers for sure in David James he has pulled off sum world class saves and is up there with casillas this season with consistency. The full back positions have to go to Glen Johnson and Jolean Lescott, these two have been in fine form this season and most definently take up them two positions.I know evra has been superb this season but lescott who has been playing in an unfavoured role at left back after announcing he is a natural centre half has been out of this world with 9 goals to add to his tally this season. Centre half positions rightfully go to vidic and ferdinand they have looked so strong this year last year they looked strong also but this year they have been rock solid conceding 22 goals this year is perfect. The right wing position shouldnt even be a discussion so i wont comment on that. Left midfielder of the year is ashley young with 14 assists all year you cant go wrong and essien and gareth barry take up the central positions. Barry has been the nationl teams best player this season and has been a revalation for villa this year with his crisp passing and spur he gives to his team. The strikers go to the rookie of the year Fernando Torres and Adebayor just for the fact he has scored 24 goals this term. Player of the Year has to go to Ronaldo without a doubt in anybodys mind. Torres has had a magnificent season but whos season has been better and whos goals are more crucial.Yes torres has scored 30+ goals this year but where has it taken liverpool they are trophyless yet again whereas Ronaldos goals has taken man utd to the peak of the table and the champions league final. Ronaldo has taken the standard of football to another level this year..Think about it. Rising star is David Wheater no question.

Posted 09:29 9th May 2008

Jak H (Liverpool fan) says...

Hahaha nice one lad for putting El Nino in ahead of that greasy rat Ronaldo. Utd fans - he isn't a winger, how many times has he played up front this season? Too many to be labelled a "winger." More like "whinger." He is class like, no doubting that, but you have short memories, like someone else said, when Ruud Van Horseface bagged 23 goals (with peno's I may add) in his debut season everyone was raving about that. Lescott has been chosen for his GOALS everyone. Defensively, Evra is twice the player Lescott is, no-one's arguing about that, however I would have went for Gael Clichy, absolutely quality he is. Ferdinand and Vidic in the middle. If you're looking at keepers, then who has kept the most clean sheets for the 3rd season running? No brainer - Reina. Where is Cech also? James has made some almighty cock-ups this season! RB no argument, quality player Sagna. Bentley RM. No Gerrard in your team? Are you joking? Joe Cole? He hasn't been their best player, or most consistent player for that matter, that award should go to Essien, unbelievable athlete and footballer. Gerrard in the middle with Fabregas, Young on the left, Adebayor up front, with Fernando Torres, of course, the guy is a legend already.

Posted 09:15 9th May 2008

Stephen Ogu (Chelsea fan) says...

Ok first of all, im going to start with the keeper. I think James has done well to be in goal, but i also reckon cech has been outstanding considering the fact he has been on and off the pitch due to injuries but still managed to produce some world-class saves. In the heart of defence, i will pair ferdinand and carvalho, left back goes to evra, while in the centre of the midfield goes to essien and fabregas. Joe cole has done well for chelsea so far, but i'll give his position to young while ronaldo maintains the right flank (no doubt) This is my verdict!

Posted 08:18 9th May 2008

Steve Elkins (manchester united fan) says...

I agree with O'Rourke with most of the positions except left back where it should be Evra, Fabregas should be partnered by Ballack in central mid field. We should have Ashley Young on the left and up front we should have Torres and Santa Cruz. As for player of the year, it goes without saying that it should be Ronaldo. It doesn't matter if he was playing as a striker in some games but we all know he was a winger in most games. I agree Torres has been amazing this season but think about it, when was the last time somebody scored 30 PL goals in one season? As for game of the season, it has to be the second leg C.L quarter final between arsenal and liverpool.

Posted 05:28 9th May 2008

Ross Wilson (Rangers fan) says...

Walter Smith deserves alot of credit as Rangers are now a formidable force in Scottish and European football once again and he Smith has achived this with a shoe string budget!

Posted 19:43 8th May 2008

Cian O'sullivan (Manchester United fan) says...

Joe Cole lm!? Disgrace! ashley young has been twice the player he has been this season and has had not missed half the season through injury either!

Posted 19:13 8th May 2008

Brian Stone (Arsenal fan) says...

Torres is 24 years old and has been playing in Spain all this time. Yes it is his first season but he came in a lot older, expierenced and Mature then Ronaldo did at age 19. Ronaldo has been here for 4 years true. Two of those seasons (this year and last year) He has been the best in the league and probably the world. 23 goals last year and 40 so far this year. While Torres has had 5 years in Spain's top flight. The fact is that Torres is doign what he shoudl be doing scoring goals as an out and out striker. Even though Ronaldo does push up a lot he still plays fromt he mid field most of the time. He does double the running Torres does and has out scored him breaking George Bests record and possibly Shearers record this weekend and maybe even Charlton's record. Torres is great but Ronaldo is better Period. To suggest anything else is ridiculous. Ronaldo has done it 2 season in a row. Lets see what Torres does next year. BUt whatever he does I bet Ronaldo will be right there or do one better. Evra for Lescott, Vidic for Laurson, Gerrad for Bently and Young for Cole. Arsenal are my team but man utd, they centre backs and Ronaldo have been outstanding. They desrve to be in the team and Ronaldo is thr best in the league and the world at this time.

Posted 16:31 8th May 2008

Kevin Kelly (Manchester United fan) says...

I would like to point out that the award is "Player of the Year" not "Player of the Year considering how many years they have played in the league"! To suggest that Torres should get it ahead of Ronaldo because he has done so well in his first season is ridiculous, there isn't Top Goalscorer considering how many years they have played in the league, it is simply who has scored the most goals. Likewise, the Player of the Year award goes to exactly that: The best player this year.

Posted 15:38 8th May 2008

Bernie Sherry (Liverpool fan) says...

How can you leave Gerrard out of the team he has had another great season. Only out shone by Torres but then who set up most of his goals. Ronaldo should win (even thou I hate that) just because of what he's done. Arsenals defence have been awful at times so how can any of their team make the back 4. rest is ok thou.

Posted 14:56 8th May 2008

Chris Harter (Manchester United fan) says...

James would be my first choice for keeper, I would have Sagna and Lescott but I would have paired Rio and Vidic together because they have both been outstanding this season. Ronaldo goes without saying, Fabregas and Chelsea's best midfielder this season Essien got my nod for centre mid with Ashley Young on the left. Torres (who just looks a different class) and adebayor. Player would have been ronaldo, doesn't matter how long he's been playing over here, you can't deny the boys record is outstanding 30 goals in the premier league alone this season. Low point would be the Logistics/cost involved in trying to get to the CL Final this season. Best buy was Santa Cruz. High point would have been 2 teams in the CL final (nothing to do with PL I know).

Posted 14:38 8th May 2008

Adam Mastro (Newcastle United fan) says...

Im a Newcastle fan and not giving young David Wheater from Boro the rising star is just criminal.

Posted 14:36 8th May 2008

Keith Murphy (Liverpool fan) says...

Ronaldo has been amazing this season but I love the fact somebody has nominated Torres for player of the season. The fact remains Ronaldo is about defensively minded as Henry so to call him a winger is a joke. Torres works back more and he's a lone striker, anyway to my piont. How many goals has Ronaldo scored from deadballs this season? I think its about 10

Posted 14:11 8th May 2008

Sas Nikkah (Manchester United fan) says...

Come on guys Evra has gotta be at left back hes been like an extra 2 players when he flys up and down that left wing. Glen johnson for me at right back with rio and laursen in cd.

Posted 14:01 8th May 2008

Kenneth Eze (Manchester United fan) says...

I can't believe he gave torres player of the season. Any winger who gets 40 goals a season should automatically win player of the season. Lescott has had a good season but evra is a better left back than he is also David Bentley at centre of midfield oh my god! Number one when bentley plays in the centre it is usually in a more advanced position Number two his best postion is right midfield gerrard should obviously be in his position. Now Joe Cole on the left is just stupid he hasnt amazed me one bit this season Ashley Young, Martin petrov and even Luis antonio Valencia have been more impressive than he has.

Posted 11:52 8th May 2008

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