[millwall rule]

I havn't done anything like this for a while but here is the plan. I'm going to select the 5 top players from each team and using those make a Premier League All-Star squad of 23. I then hope to do the same for the other big 4 leagues(Italy, Spain, Germany, France) as well as an others squad, and basically get peoples thoughts on what league has the overall highest quality.

 

[millwall rule]

Starting with the Gunners, a team built by the great Arsene Wenger, with so much technical quality throughout.

5. Samir Nasri

Age: 22
French: 15 Caps, 2 Goals
Position: In the Hole/behind the striker

In a squad with so much young exciting technical talent, Samir Nasri stands out. After excelling in France with Marseille, Nasri has managed to make the move across the channel with ease. Samir is a gifted technical player who through a quick pass or flick, or one of his many tricks, can get out of any tight space. Always looking to recieve a pass and very dangerous when allowed to run at players, Nasri is a dangerous midfielder who can score and create goals.


4. Alex Song

Age: 22
Cameroonian: 19 Caps
Position: Holding Midfielder

Alex Song has had his critics during his time at Arsenal, but has developed into a very important member of their first eleven. After a blistering start at Bastia, he chose Arsenal for a bargain one million pounds. Since then, he has got better and better. Song has managed to mould together, his natural strength, athleticism and work rate with tactical solidarity and a cool head on the ball. Song is a dangerous physical force often using his sheer power to usher players off the ball as well as protect it. He has improved his distribution massively, and now rarely gives up the ball, while tactically, he is brilliant. He is very important for the Arsenal defensive unit and is the main protector of the back 2, when the wingbacks rush forward.



3. Andrei Arshavin

Age: 28
Russian: 51 Caps, 16 Goals
Position: In the Hole/Behind the striker

Arshavin is a strange case, as despite all his talent, no attention was brought to him till Zenit's UEFA cup run and Russia's exploits at Euro 2008. Since then Arshavin, has wowed the crowd with 4 goals against Liverpool and with his all round brilliant attacking player. Arshavin is one of the best players one on one in the Premier League. His technical ability, low centre of gravity and range of tricks combine to produce a very dangerous player when allowed space to run at a defender one on one. Arshavin though isn't just about tricks, he is a truly smart footballer. Arshavin's movement is brilliant and he always manages to find space, and his decision making is also very good. He knows when to dribble and when to pass, which many exciting players like him, struggle with. Arshavin has already showed at Arsenal, he can create as well as score, and is very important member of Arsenal's attacking trident.


2. Robin Van Persie

Age: 26
Dutch: 41 Caps, 14 Goals
Position: Second Striker

I feel Robin Van Persie would be currently rated much higher in world football, if it wasn't for all his injuries. Despite this, he has still developed into one of the best players in the Premier League. Van Persie combines his awesome technical ability, brilliant volleys and awesome left foot perfectly. Robin Van Persie's left foot is pure magic. He can swerve it either way, dip it, hit it hard, curl it in or pretty much do whatever he wants. This awesome shot makes him so dangerous anywhere around the 18 yard box, but Van Persie also creates. Van Persie is a creative genius, and always has a trick or a simple flick, to set up another striker. He see's what others don't and him taking most of the Arsenal set pieces, also helps his assist count. What makes Van Persie the ultimate player he is though, is his ability to always be able to get the ball out of his feet and into the perfect position to hit it, with one touch. A truly gifted player with a golden left foot.


1. Cesc Fabregas

Age: 23
Spanish: 48 Caps, 5 Goals
Position: Centre Midfielder

It is hard to believe that Cesc is only 23, as he seems to have been around for ever. After breaking into the Arsenal first team at 18, Cesc has only got better and better, to the stage where he is one of the best play makers in the world. Cesc has it all, work rate, an awesome tactical brain, vision, technical ability and the heart. No other player in the Premier League can control a game from the centre of midfield like Cesc. His vision is truly amazing with him seeing passes, the spectators in the crowd don't. Cesc's understanding of the game is amazing, and he always knows where to go to recieve the ball, where he needs to go and when he needs to touch the ball in order to make the pass he wants. These little things are what make him a great footballer. That combined with the work rate, leadership and aggression really make him indispensable for Arsenal. Too bad Cesc was born in Barcelona, not Bermondsey, as England could use a player like him.

 

[Mutu]

i like lists so im excited for this thread

 

[The Green One]

Same here. I was just disappointed he'd only done one side rather than loads already

 

[Embad]

Here's my Ars-five.

I personally have decided against including 'quitters' in my list. :thumbsup:

Alex Song, Robin Van Persie, Gael Clichy, Aaron Ramsey & Thomas Vermaelen...

 

[Freddy Adu]

We all like lists, can we some more installments of the list? I'm having withdrawal symptoms already and I only just saw this thread 30 seconds ago.

 

[millwall rule]

Yep, going to post one team at a time, so guys stay in tune.

 

[millwall rule]

Secondly, we go to Villa Park, with a side built on young English talent by Martin O'Neil.

5. Ashley Young

Age: 24
English: 7 Caps
Position: Left Winger

After starting brightly at Watford, Ashley Young has developed into a top class winger despite the pressures of a high price tag. Ashley Young is the new style of winger, with him instead of hugging the byline, cutting inside to cause problems. Ashley Young is blessed with outstanding speed, technical ability and agility. This makes him so dangerous one on one, as he drops the shoulder one way, then the other, before leaving a defender for dead. Young has also mastered a lovely curling cross which despite creates so many goals for Aston Villa's tall forward line. It should be only a matter of time before Ashley Young solves England's left winger problem.

4. James Milner

Age: 24
English: 7 Caps
Position: Right Winger

It is hard to believe James Milner is only 24, as he has been playing in the Premier League for the last 8 seasons, but after breaking into the Leeds first team at 16, he has only got better and better. Now a fringe member of the England first team, Milner has slowly but surely fulfilled his early potential. What makes James Milner stand out the most is the amount of energy he possesses. Milner never stops running, closing down and he isn't scared to fly into a tackle. He is a coach's dream as he can play in a range of roles and whatever role he is in, he will do a solid job of it. He has developed this season into a dangerous midfielder capable of playing his way out of small spaces, beating a man one on one and controlling a game from the centre of the park. Expect to see this man in South Africa.

3. Gabriel Agbonlahor

Age: 23
English: 3 Caps
Position: Striker

Gabby Agbonlahor, on his day, can cause problems for any defence. Having come through the Aston Villa academy, he is now a very important member of their physical strike force. Blessed with amazing speed and strength, along with his work rate, it is almost impossible for any defender to stop him when he is in full flight. While Gabby can be very frustrating with his lack of any real technical ability and his inconsistency in front of goal, when he is on, he is on. Gabby goes through spells where he can't stop scoring, followed by long dry spells, but if he could improve on this, I can't see why he can't be part of England squads for years to come.

2. Nigel Reo-Coker

Age: 26
English
Position: Ball Winning centre midfielder

I know this is a controversial choice selecting a player, who has yet to play for England and has struggled for first team football this season, but I fully believe that Reo-Coker is one of the Premier League's best ball winning midfielders. Reo-Coker is very powerful, seems to have unlimited stamina, has the perfect amount of aggression in the tackle and is a born winner. Having captained West Ham at 21, Reo-Coker has continued that run being an important member of the Aston Villa midfield, till this season when he lost his place, after a training ground bust with Martin O'Neil. While Reo-Coker though doesn't have the technical finesse of the likes of Micheal Essien, Reo-Coker makes up for it with his bite in the tackle, work rate, consistency and all round athleticism. Could have been a member of the England team, if they were not so blessed with so much talent in the centre of the park, but still a talented very underrated player.

1. Richard Dunne

Age: 30
Irish: 57 Caps, 7 Goals
Position: Centreback

Manchester City are surely regretting trading in their captain fantastic at the start of last season, after a season where he excelled at Villa, and they struggled in defence. Richard Dunne is an old school centeback who is built like a brick house, great in the air and doesn't mind putting his body in where it hurts. After struggling to secure himself in the Everton defence, a move to Manchester City took Richard Dunne to another level as he was a mainstay in their defence for 9 seasons. A move to Villa park has continued his run of form with him dominating all strikers, he comes up against. Richard Dunne can take on all types of forwards. He is great in the air, powerful in the tackle and quick as well. While his all action style has led to the occasional mistake and injury, he is still a top player and a very important member of the Irish and Aston Villa team.

 

[millwall rule]

We stay in the Midlands for Aston Villa's biggest rival, Birmingham City.

5. James McFadden

'

Age: 27
Scottish: 45 Caps, 15 Goals
Position: Left Winger

James McFadden only seems to score brilliant goals, especially for Scotland. His winner against France and Holland will go down in history, while he has score several lovely goals for Motherwell, Birmingham and Everton. McFadden is a frustrating player as he has the talent but not the attitude. He is lazy, inconsistent, greedy and suffers from a lack of discipline on the pitch. When on form though, he is a technically gifted player who can score a goal out of nothing. Frustrating yes, but will still go down in the history books for Scotland.

4. Barry Ferguson

Age: 32
Scottish: 45 Caps, 3 Goals
Position: Centre Midfield

Would go down as a Scottish legend if it wasn't for his several cases of indiscipline. Thrown out of Rangers, despite being in their hall of fame, and the Scottish National team for an immature act last season, Ferguson has become a very important member of the Birmingham midfield coming away with the clubs player of the season in his first year at the club. Ferguson is a technically gifted centre midfielder who can control the game in midfield. Blessed with a coolness on the ball, Ferguson can play his way out of tight spaces with ease and his distribution of the ball is consistently solid. What makes Barry stand out though is that he is a pure winner who leads by example. This desire to win though has caused problems, as Ferguson is known to say too much, with him being accused of causing problems at Rangers and Scotland while in charge, but still a top player, and a missed part of the Scottish national team.

3. Kevin Phillips

Age: 36
English: 8 Caps
Position: Striker

You don't have a ratio throughout your career of about a goal every two games at the highest level with out being extremely talented. Kevin Phillips is one of best natural goalscorers England has produced in the last 15 years and its criminal, he didn't get more international recognition. Phillips is a natural finisher through and through. He can place his shot anywhere in the goal from anywhere in the final 3rd. His movement is fantastic with him always able to find space in the box while his technical ability, helps him always get the ball in the right spot so he can hit it. Kevin Phillips isn't your typical poacher, in that he isn't a greedy player at all with his vision and selflessness helping bring out the best of any striker partner he played with. Feed Kevin Phillips and he will score.

2. Liam Ridgewell

Age: 25
English
Positon: Centreback

Making a move to the your clubs biggest rival isn't a thing for the light hearted. Despite initial skepticism from Birmingham city fans, Ridgewell's committed all action performances have won them over. Ridgewell is the kind of player, fans love. He will give his all for the team, fly into tackles and stick his head where it hurts for a goal. Ridgewell is great in the air at both ends of the pitch, with him contributing several goals this season, and is a true leader, with him captaining Birmingham at several times in the last two seasons. After fighting back from a broken leg, Ridgewell now has made himself an invaluable member of the very solid Birmingham back line and a fans favourite at the same time.

1. Roger Johnson

Age: 27
English
Position: Centreback

Roger Johnson's rise to the Premier League is quite outstanding. After spending several seasons struggling in and out of the team at Wycombe, Cardiff gave him a chance in the Championship at the age of 24, and he since only got better and better. Now an established member of the Birmingham backline, there a calls from certain parts of the media, for him to be given a chance for England. Roger Johnson was born to be a defender. Johnson could possibly be the worst player technically in the Premier League, yet his power in the air, aggression, workrate, leadership and solid tackling has made him Birmingham's star player. Roger Johnson defensively is solid in every department. He is outstanding in the air, great in the tackle and the master of the last ditch block. If he continues with this form, I can't see why he shouldn't get his chance for England.

 

[Rob]

Great thread idea, kind of thing I'd start but wouldn't finish so make sure you do.

FTR so far I would have gone.

Arsenal
1. Cesc
2. RVP
3. Arshavin
4. Gallas
5. Song

Villa
1. Young
2. Milner
3. Dunne
4. Downing
5. Agbonlahor

 

[Rob]

Brum would be for me

1. Johnson
2. Bowyer
3. Ferguson
4. Jerome
5. Dann

I think Bowyer was outstanding last season.

 

[millwall rule]

Rob, I thought heavily on the Bowyer issue but in the end, I couldn't put him above McFadden, as I feel McFadden is the better player. That has though been the toughest choice thus far.

 

[Rob]

McFadden flatters to decieve for me, I've always felt he's got a decent amount of talent, he's skilled and has a great shot on him, but he doesn't deliver nearly often enough.

 

[millwall rule]

Totally agree Rob, I was seriously thinking of putting 6 in for Birmingham as I couldn't seperate the two,

Bowyer is tacticaly very good, and he is an all action allround midfielder, but doesn't have the talent to create something out of nothing of McFadden. I think in these situations, it just comes down to preference, and I also have a feeling my ill-feeling towards Bowyer as a person, had something to do with him losing it with McFadden.

 

[Ronaldwho?]

Great job so far :thumbsup:

I agree with pretty much everything. Except Reo-Choker.

 

[millwall rule]

Now to Ewood Park, with the Premier Leagues most hardworking physical team.

5. Brett Emerton

Age: 31
Australian: 72 Caps, 17 Goals
Position: Right Wing back/ Defensive right winger

Brett Emerton has been an important part of the Blackburn and Australian national team for years. Emerton is a weird player, as he is too attacking to be a natural right back, while he is too defensive to be a natural winger, thus he is kind of a wing back or defensive winger. Emerton is possibly one of the fittest players in the Premier League. He seems to be able to run forever, and this combined with his natural speed, strength, aggression and height, make him perfect for a physical side like Blackburn. Emerton won't beat players or score plenty of goals, but he is perfect for any side whose main emphasis is on keeping things solid.

4. Gael Givet

Age: 28
French: 13 Caps
Position: Centreback

Gael Givet should be at a bigger club then Blackburn? How a promising French international ends up there, I don't know but Givet is a top defender who should be playing at a higher level. On the same note though, Gael Givet, is perfect for a club with Blackburn's playing style. Gael Givet's game is based on his powerful tackling and excellent positional play. Givet isn't your typical centre back, he is poor in the air and quite slow, but his reading of the game is world class, which makes up for these deficiencies.

3. Christopher Samba

Age: 26
Congolese: 20 Caps
Position: Centreback

Christopher Samba definetly goes down as the Premier Leagues scariest looking defender. Samba is a monster in the air and ferocious in the tackle, which makes him intimidating to any Premier League forward. Samba after struggling for game time in Germany and France, has developed into a powerful defender in England. Blessed with pace, power and height, although he has his tactical failings, Samba has still become a player managers think about due to his ability at set piece situations, and Allardyce's liking to put him up front if in need of a goal.

2. Ryan Nelsen

Age: 32
New Zealander: 38 Caps, 6 Goals
Position: Centreback

Blackburns captain fantastic is a vastly underrated defender who doesn't get nearly enough recognition that he deserves. Having made it the hard way, having being brought up in a country where football is the 4th most popular sport, before making his way through the US College system, Nelsen finally made the breakthrough at Blackburn via DC United. Nelsen has it all a centreback needs. He is good in the air, tough tackling, tactically very solid, hardworking and very vocal. A total natural defender who doesn't get enough praise from the press, but hopefully we will see him standout at South Africa.

1. David Dunn

Age: 30
English: 1 Cap
Position: Attacking Centre Midfielder

Local boy David Dunn will surely go down as a Blackburn fan favourite, but also as a player who could have achieved so much more. After coming through the Blackburn academy, a England Cap, convinced Birmingham to pay 5 million pounds for him, and after a few injury plagued seasons, he returned to Ewood Park, where he become the team's star player. David Dunn is a rare English talent, in which he is blessed with pure technical ability, flair and vision. Dunn is capable of causing problems with his dangerous runs and clever through balls in the centre of the park. Dunn is a smart player whose distribution and movement is brilliant, and I honestly feel if it weren't for all his injuries, he would be a member of the England squad by now.

 

[bayernoatcake]

I'd have Robinson in the Blackburn one above Givet because I don't think he's particularly good.

 

[millwall rule]

We follow Blackburn, with a side in transition, from a pump it long side to a free flowing passing team.

5. Sean Davis

Age: 30
English
Position: Holding Midfielder

Sean Davis has had a tough season at Bolton ended after 3 games due to injury. Sean Davis is a hardworking tough tackling midfielder who kill himself for the team. After impressing at Fulham, to the point where he got called up for an England squad, Sean Davis moved to Tottenham but failed to get a solid run in the first team before a move to Portsmouth followed. His time at Portsmouth was a mixed experience with him struggling for form and fitness. Sean Davis is a solid midfielder who wins tackles and plays the game simply, always looking to play the short option. Hopefully Bolton will get to use him more, this upcoming season.

4. Fabrice Muamba

Age: 22
English
Position: Ball winning midfielder

Fabrice Muamba is a England's answer to Mohammed Sissoko. Blessed with amazing physical attributes but also prone to stupidity on the ball. Muamba is an amazing athlete. He is tall, strong, quick and hardworking. He is a player midfielders don't like competing with as he will fly in with the challenges and not give them an inch of space. His positional play in the past season has also improved. Sounds like a midfielder any club would want right? but Muamba is shocking technically. He often struggles to play a 10 metre pass and cannot shoot at all. If he worked on this side of his game, he would probably still be at Arsenal, but still a decent midfielder perfect for the long ball style of Bolton.

3. Gary Cahill

Age: 24
English
Position: Centreback

Gary Cahill is a defender who should be playing at a bigger club then Bolton. Cahill is a technically neat defender who prefers passes out of defence, instead of clearances. Cahill has been consistently brilliant for Bolton for the past two seasons. He dominates in the air, in the tackle, he is vocal in organising others and always like to play the ball out. He is a poor mans Rio Ferdinand. Technically excellent and rarely gives the ball away, Aston Villa must regret letting him go right now.

2. Jussi Jaaskelainen

Age: 35
Icelandic: 55 Caps
Position: Goalkeeper

Jussi Jaaskelainen must go down as Bolton's greatest ever goalkeeper having been at the club for over 10 years. He would be rated higher at international level, if he hadn't been part of the Golden Finnish goalkeeping generation with him competing with Anti Niemi for the number one spot. Jussi is maybe one of the Premier Leagues best shot stopper. Some of his saves, have simply been amazing and his all round consistency has seen him named Bolton player of the year several times. It is hard for me to believe a goalkeeper of Jussi's ability has failed to get attention from bigger clubs, but he will still go down proudly as one of Bolton's greatest ever players.

1. Kevin Davies

Age: 33
English
Position: Target man

Kevin Davies may not be the most prolific, but he consistently causes problems for opposition defences and is very important for Bolton. After breaking onto the scene at Chesterfield, Davies arrived at Bolton after a failed spell at Southampton. Davies is one of the Premier League's toughest players, with his conceding the most fouls in its history, although he has also been the player most fouled. Davies is brilliant in the air due to a combination of his power, vertical leap and bravery. He doesn't mind sticking his head where it hurts, and most of his goals have been tap ins after a goalmouth scramble. Davies works very hard, flies into tackles and is consistently a perfect target for Bolton set pieces, as he can hold the ball up with ease. I have called for him to get a chance at International level for years, as I feel he is a better option then the likes of Heskey, but playing for lesser known clubs has gone against him. Bolton's captain fantastic will definitely go down as a hero in their books.

 

[bayernoatcake]

Where is Chong Yong Lee?

 

[Ronaldwho?]

And Matty Taylor.