Top 50 Players of the Season: 20-11 – Liverpool and Arsenal stars just miss out on top 10

At the Offside Rule Podcast, we’ve been voting for our Top 50 Players of the Premier League season since the latest campaign wrapped up just over a week ago. Over 20 people nominated 25 players, first place gaining 25 points, right down to 25th place getting a solitary 1 point and slowly the whole thing came together.

Here’s the players that just missed out on our top 10…

20. Juan MATA (Manchester United)
Points: 120

It looked at one point as if Juan Mata was inexplicably going to be moved out of another top club, despite his talent. Mata was sold by Chelsea despite winning their Player of the Year award two years running, and David Moyes seemed unsure how to get the best out of him in a 4-4-2 formation.

Even Louis van Gaal seemed to struggle to know what to do with the Spaniard, eventually finding a space for the midfielder near him on the bench. But suspension for Angel Di Maria led to Mata finding top form on the right hand side, forming a superb understanding with Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia. Two memorable goals against Liverpool and a big goal against Manchester City will long in the memories of United fans.

 

19. Olivier GIROUD (Arsenal)
Points: 125

Nobody seems to divide Arsenal fans quite like Olivier Giroud, especially this season (unless your name is Arsene). Giroud probably can’t class himself as world class, and it’s a shame for him his poor performance at home to Monaco came at the time it did, because his form around that game was probably his best in an Arsenal shirt.

Whilst it was enough for Arsenal to move up to third in the table and maintain the FA Cup, Giroud needs to hit his best form next season for the Gunners to mount a charge on Chelsea. A threat in the air and deadly with one touch finishes, the striker will be relatively pleased with his campaign.

 

18. Ashley YOUNG (Manchester United)
Points: 137

Certainly one of the most improved players of the season. Ashley Young’s poor form over the past couple of seasons was bewildering given he shone during his opening campaign at Old Trafford back in 2011. Despite a string of superb goals, even under David Moyes, Young really became a key player under Louis van Gaal.

Even in pre-season it was evident that Young was one of a few players who really benefitted from Van Gaal’s tactics. He cuts inside effortlessly and has started to consistently put in dangerous crosses that often end up on Marouane Fellaini’s head. Memphis Depay may be a threat to his first team future, but he’s nothing to suggest he deserves to be dropped.

 

17. Charlie AUSTIN (QPR)
Points: 139

Certainly an impressive opening season in the Premier League for the potentially soon-to-be England international. QPR never really had a problem scoring goals, as ever, it was keeping them out that proved to be the big problem.

But Charlie Austin certainly had a good go at keeping them up on his own, proving he has more than enough talent to flourish at this level should he move on this summer. Bizarrely, it appears Danny Ings is the man on the verge of a big move despite Austin’s superior form and statistics. Whilst QPR won’t expect to hold on to him, they won’t be complaining if they do.

 

16. Wayne ROONEY (Manchester United)
Points: 157

Manchester United’s new captain started off the season in typical Wayne Rooney fashion. An opening day goal, a few bizarre shouts at some teammates plus a red card to add to the excitement. It was trademark Rooney, but he did finally get back among the goals before being shifted back into midfield.

Whilst it proved fruitful to begin with, Rooney started to struggle and has Ander Herrera’s excellent form to thank for why he was pushed back up front again. Just 14 goals is below par for the striker, but his energy levels never dropped and he could well be the club’s top scorer ever come this time next year.

 

15. David SILVA (Manchester City)
Points: 157

Whilst he’s far from the most explosive player in the league, he’s certainly one of the (if not the) classiest players in the league. Silva manages everything with such ease; he almost goes unnoticed at times because he makes the impossible look so simple.

A crucial player due to his creativity, he regularly thrives off the pace and movement of another superstar in Sergio Aguero. Whilst the Argentine steals the headlines, the Spaniard appears content to keep a low profile and move through games with consummate ease.

 

14. Nathaniel CLYNE (Southampton)
Points: 171

Given Southampton’s superb form under Ronald Koeman, it’s a testament to Nathaniel Clyne’s quality that a right-back is highest in our rankings from St. Mary’s. Despite that, it appears as though Clyne is set to miss out on a big money move this summer, whereas at one point it seemed almost impossible that he’d stick around the south coast.

Manchester United appears to have ended their interest, and with a new agent, it’ll be interesting to see if Clyne commits his future to Southampton with his contract expiring next summer. Whilst he doesn’t get regular goals and assists, he is vital to Southampton and was one of few English stars to stick around last summer.

 

13. Thibaut COURTOIS (Chelsea)
Points: 184

Perhaps overshadowed by his more effective teammates, perhaps overshadowed by David de Gea’s stunning season at Old Trafford, or perhaps just a nod towards goalkeepers continuing not to get the attention they deserve. Courtois is one of few Chelsea stars not to make our top ten, not that he didn’t do a good job of putting himself in with a chance.

Chelsea’s team was excellent all season, and Courtois had no problems settling into life in the Premier League after several years spent on loan with Atletico Madrid. Shifting Petr Cech out of the number one slot immediately proved his quality, and whilst there were some slips towards the end of the season, the Belgian was as important as anyone for Jose Mourinho.

 

12. Philippe COUTINHO (Liverpool)
Points: 206

Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool’s Coutinho was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, but his timing was excellent. Coutinho can be frustrating, but he’s a brilliant little player on his day.

Some excellent form coincided with Liverpool’s unbeaten run after Christmas, and with the little magician scoring superb strikes against both Southampton and Manchester City, he was largely credited with being Liverpool’s key man during their period of wins. But he needs to add consistency to his game, if he does, he’ll be unstoppable.

 

11. Santi CAZORLA (Arsenal)
Points: 224

The biggest compliment you can pay to Santi Cazorla is that he’s managed to keep Aaron Ramsey out of a midfield spot despite the Welshman’s blistering form last week. Alongside the excellent Francis Coquelin, Cazorla has been able to express himself more often thanks to the stability offered by the rejuvenated Frenchman.

With Ramsey regularly stuck out on the right during the latter part of the season, the Spaniard has flourished, creating goals and showing some silky touches that match even the best in the league. A classy performance in the FA Cup final showed he has plenty more to give, and his defensive display away at Manchester City shows he’s disciplined too.

 

You can view our picks from 50 down to 41 here.

You can view our picks from 40 down to 31 here.

You can view our picks from 30 down to 21 here.