Right mid of 08/09

Skysports.com wants to hear your views on the best players from the 2008/09 campaign

Last updated: 15th May 2009  

Right mid of 08/09

Ronaldo: The 'right' choice?

With the Professional Footballers' Association having dished out their annual awards, skysports.com wants to hear your views on who you feel have been the stand-out performers in the 2008/09 campaign.

In a series of features we will be looking to compile a team made up of players voted for by you - the fans.

Logic dictates that every good team needs a skilful man on the right of midfield so we will be continuing our search for the Premier League's best XI in that slot.

The PFA voted Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo as their top choice, but do you agree with that verdict?

We have selected eight candidates we feel are worthy of gracing any side and all you have to do is choose your favourite.

Mikel Arteta - Everton

Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in February, Arteta had already sufficiently impressed with Everton to earn a nomination.

The classy Spaniard is capable of slotting into any position across midfield, but he gets our nod on the right after becoming a vital cog in the Goodison Park machine.

Since arriving in 2005, the 27-year-old has become one of the most highly-rated foreigners in the league and reached new highs in the first five months of this season.

That Arteta cannot force a place in his national side is a testament to the quality of the European champions, not a reflection of a lack of ability.

Silky and elegantly creative in possession, clinical with set-pieces, the former Real Sociedad player is a class act.

Simon Davies - Fulham

Davies' selection may surprise, but he has enjoyed an incredibly successful campaign in a Fulham side transformed from that which fought off relegation in 2008/09.

The Wales international has played a major part in helping the Cottagers to the brink of the Europa League and epitomises the continental influence of Roy Hodgson.

Former Inter Milan and Switzerland boss Hodgson has moulded his side to a classically European, counter-attacking model and Davies' efficiency combined with skill perfectly reflects those qualities.

The 29-year-old is not prolific in front of goal, but four league assists mean he is certainly appreciated on the banks of The Thames.

Dirk Kuyt - Liverpool

Kuyt is far from spectacular but is unquestionably effective and boss Rafa Benitez recently admitted the 'Duracell' Dutchman was one of the first names on his team-sheet.

The former Feyenoord star was signed as a striker in 2006 but the arrival of Fernando Torres 12 months later forced a move to the right wing.

And, after finding his feet last term, Kuyt has revelled in the role, much to the delight of Benitez.

The frequently unsung 28-year-old possesses unbelievable stamina levels and is never found wanting in terms of effort.

It would, however, be unfair to simply tag the 51-time Holland international as merely a workhorse when a return of 7 assists and 11, often vitally important, goals have provided a major boost in Liverpool's pursuit of the league title.

Aaron Lennon - Tottenham

Although Lennon struggled under ex-boss Juande Ramos at the start of the season (who didn't at White Hart Lane?), the former Leeds player has blossomed.

The arrival of manager Harry Redknapp in October has had a rejuvenating impact upon the entire Tottenham squad and Lennon is just one of the players to benefit.

Patrice Evra, the PFA's Left-back of the Year, is perhaps the best man to ask about the Spurs star's ability after the United defender was run ragged by his opponent in March's Carling Cup final and April's league game at Old Trafford.

The top-flight's shortest player, at 165 centimetres, may have little legs but he generates terrifying, electric pace to leave defenders in his vapour.

Lennon also possesses a trick or two and represents a classic wideman, which has not gone unnoticed by England boss Fabio Capello and earned a Young Player of the year nomination.

James Milner - Aston Villa

It is hard to believe that Milner is still only 23 years old, the Aston Villa man seems to have been around for years.

But it cannot be forgotten that the former Leeds ace burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old and his undoubted ability can therefore be partially attributed to having already, amazingly, racked up seven years' of top-flight experience.

The England Under 21 international - who has made a record number of appearances for his country - is tenacious and aggressive but also possesses skill and awareness.

Milner typifies the qualities of Martin O'Neill's Villa side as his youthful, attacking instincts helped the Midlands outfit become top-four contenders for the majority of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United

It is difficult to pigeonhole Ronaldo to a specific attacking position but the PFA voted the Portuguese trickster as their first choice right midfielder, do you agree?

The 2008 World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner has not lived up to the sensational heights of last season but he has still impressed in abundance.

Whether creating or scoring, the 24-year-old is a constant threat and he currently leads the league scoring charts with a tally of 18, while also supplying six assists.

If United win their potential quadruple of trophies, Ronaldo will have played a major role.

Antonio Valencia - Wigan

Ecuador international Valencia has come to the attention of a number of Europe's top clubs following a dazzling season for Wigan.

The 23-year-old, whose loan from Recreativo Huelva was made permanent in January 2008, has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United after helping his current club, arguably, over achieve.

Latics boss Steve Bruce is resigned to the fact that Valencia is set to leave the JJB Stadium in the summer but at least he will bow out on a high.

The flanker offers pace and power and has contributed three goals this season, while also providing plenty of service for Wigan's strikers.

Wherever he plays next season, Valencia looks set to become one of the continent's stars.

Theo Walcott - Arsenal

Walcott gives an insight into the characteristics - youth, athletic ability and a creative instinct - that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger searches for in a modern footballer.

Some have questioned the former Southampton player's composure in front of goal over recent weeks as the Gunners have struggled but it would be wrong to heap a team's failings on one individual.

There is room for improvement in the 20-year-old and concerns persist regarding proneness for injury.

But that must not overshadow a season in which Walcott has come of age in the top flight and has become an established England international.

The run to set up Andrey Arshavin's fourth in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Anfield at the end of April gave an example of blistering speed and a measure of ability..

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Comments (5)

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Mark Gough (Manchester City fan) says...

What have you got against city! First off all you miss out pablo zabaleta from right back of the year then worst of all you miss out Shaun Wright Phillips from right midfielder of the year! Simon Davies! 4 assists! Shaun wright has been miles better than most of them, only Kuyt, Ronaldo and possibly Lennon have been better than Shaun Wright! Same with Zabaleta, you include John Paintsil over Zabaleta, even fulham fans take the mick out of paintsil. Seriously, missing out zabaleta was bad, but Shaun Wright too, I mean come on you must seriously have something against City!!!

Posted 18:08 15th May 2009

Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool fan) says...

Dirk Kuyt has been a mean machine in the Liverpool team this season. He contributed to several goals and scored some. He deserves the award. Yusuf

Posted 17:40 15th May 2009

Ethan Pollock (Manchester United fan) says...

Its a shame that Arteta's season finished the way it did, had he been able to play on I think his name might be higher up on this list. I certainly think the likes of walcott, valencia and lennon will be in coming years. It sounds strange but in a way Ronaldo's phenomenal season last year has hindered this years, as its hard to appreciate what he's done for united when compared to last years achievements. However he is undoubtably the best player in the world right now, having come back to his sparkling best. Last summer I wanted rid of him, but this time round I really hope he doesn't go anywhere!

Posted 17:37 15th May 2009

Nick Royce (Chelsea fan) says...

I totally agree, Ronaldo is the best player in the world by a mile, he now scores in all the important games, can head a ball as good as anyone in the world also, best free kicks, scores for fun what more do u want. He's had a so called poor season, and still out scored everyone. He might end up with 30 goals still and he was injured. The most potent attacking force in the game today, brilliant player. Yes I am a Chelsea fan, but class is class.

Posted 17:23 15th May 2009

Darren Morgan (Manchester United fan) says...

Ronaldo shoudl win this hands down! the guy is a genius. Theo Walcott on the other hand is a waste of space, he is not good enough for league 2 let alone the premiership!

Posted 16:42 15th May 2009
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