Opta Player of the Season

Opta have announced their Player of the Season for 2005/2006.

This season's Premiership once again provided the football-loving public with high drama from the very first kick-off back in August right until the last whistle of the final day.

However, despite a number of star turns by players from teams at both ends of the table, it is three of The Premiership's elite sides that provide this season's Opta players of the season.

Topping the rankings for the second year in a row is Frank Lampard. The Chelsea schemer enjoyed another impressive season, notching 16 league goals, more than any other central midfielder in Premiership history, as he propelled The Blues to another title. The former Hammer was particularly prone to trying his luck from outside the box, netting more long-range goals (six) than any other player.

Lampard's distribution was also a cut above the rest, with the Romford-born star finding a team-mate with 1633 passes, more than any other player in the top tier.

Taking the runners-up spot for the season is Arsenal's Thierry Henry. The much-coveted attacker was once again in superb form for The Gunners, leading the North Londoners to their first-ever Champions League final and taking the Premiership Golden Boot award for the fourth time in five years after hitting 27 goals.

The former Monaco winger also netted a vital hat-trick against Wigan in the final game of the season to secure fourth place in the table and give Highbury a fitting send-off.

As well as gorging himself in front of goal, Henry was also keen to set up his team-mates, providing an impressive eight goal assists. Added to his goal tally, this means that the fleet-footed superstar had a hand in 51% of The Gunners' league goals this season.

Another high-profile star takes third place in the rankings. Liverpool dynamo Steven Gerrard was the driving force behind The Reds' excellent season, helping the Merseysiders to third place in the league and an FA Cup final while also picking up the PFA Player of the Season award.

The England midfielder ended the campaign as the Anfield club's top scorer in The Premiership with 10 goals to his name, his best-ever season haul in the top tier. Gerrard also was a potent creative force for Rafa Benitez's side, providing a massive 77 goalscoring chances for his fellow Reds.

Fourth place goes to one of the Premiership's most consistent performers, John Terry. The Chelsea captain was once again in inspirational form in the heart of the Blues' backline, making a club-high 356 clearances while also finding a team-mate with 1584 passes, the third-highest total in the top division and well ahead of any other defender.

Terry was also eager to get forward, notching four goals and firing in a total of 30 attempts on goal, more than any other centre half.

Liverpool's Spanish anchorman Xabi Alonso takes the fifth spot following a second impressive campaign on Merseyside. Although an ankle ligament strain has put his Cup final place in doubt, the former Real Sociedad star can look back on a superb league season.

Alonso provided steel in the heart of the Liverpool midfield to compliment his customary guile, winning more tackles (126) than any other player in the top tier. While he continued to pull the strings in the centre of the pitch, providing seven goal assists and launching a massive 762 long-range passes.