10.
Heurelho Gomes – Tottenham 31 appearances, 12 clean sheets
Gomes had a horrible start to life with Spurs back in 2008, but things turned around for him this campaign as he produced a vastly improved and exceptionally consistent season. The Brazilian shot-stopper, who was recently called up to their 2010 World Cup squad, kept 12 clean sheets for Tottenham including in the 1-0 win late in the season against Manchester City which sealed Spurs’ UEFA Champions League qualification. Tottenham coach Harry Redknapp recently said, “you don’t win a thing without a top-class goalkeeper,” and Spurs seem to now have just that.
9.
Darren Fletcher – Manchester United 30 appearances, 4 goals, 5 assists
The Scottish midfielder continued to impress in 2009/2010 after a breakthrough campaign the year before. Fletcher really seems to be a big-game player.
The combative midfielder, who is one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourites, proved his hard-work and industry for United breaking down opposition moves and beginning attacks of his own. Fletcher also scored two important goals in the memorable 4-3 Manchester derby win over City early in the campaign. He may not scored too often and he may not be flash, but he certainly makes an impact.
8.
Carlos Tevez – Manchester City 35 appearances, 22 goals, 7 assists
After his big money move next door, the Argentinian striker had something to prove and went a long way to doing just that after a bright campaign for Manchester City who fell just short of their targets.
Tevez’s combination of enthusiasm, determination and skill contrived to make him the Sky Blues’ most dangerous attacking outlet this campaign as he struck 29 goals in all competitions, with 22 coming in the EPL. His quality can not be denied and you sense Sir Alex Ferguson may actually regret letting him go.
7.
James Milner – Aston Villa 36 appearances, 7 goals, 12 assists
Reinvented this season as a creative central midfielder, PFA Young Player of the Year Milner was integral to Villa’s impressive campaign as they finished sixth in the league.
Milner, who is now being chased by big-spending Manchester City, displayed his quality of passing and shooting throughout the season with seven goals and 12 assists, while his energy in midfield can not be understated. Selected in England’s World Cup, Milner improvement this season shows he’s a player on the up.
6.
Patrice Evra – Manchester United 38 appearances, 3 assists
One of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, Frenchman Evra had a near flawless season at the back for an injury-hit United.
Evra did not miss a league match with his exceptional fitness one of his strongest facets. Up and down the left-side for the Red Devils with threat and solidity, it’s easy to see why Sir Alex Ferguson has so much faith and confidence in Evra who captained the side on numerous occasions this term.
5.
Joe Hart – Birmingham City 36 appearances, 10 clean sheets
This was a breakthrough campaign for Hart, who was at Brum on loan from big-spending Manchester City. Given the opportunity he made the most of it.
Hart kept ten clean sheets for a Birmingham side who many thought would struggle to survive in the top flight. Instead, they defied the odds and finished up ninth, never looking in threat of relegation. The young goalkeeper, who displayed his brilliant shot-stopping ability and penalty area dominance all season long, now is on his way to the 2010 World Cup with England
4.
Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal 27 appearances, 15 goals, 13 assists
Injury may have curtailed Fabregas’ campaign, but 2009/2010 really was a season he displayed his true talents with 15 goals and 13 assists in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger played Fabregas in a more advanced role this campaign and the Spaniard, who has attracted interest from FC Barcelona, flourished in the role inspiring the Gunners to an unexpected title challenge until they fell away badly when he was absent with injury late in the season. Still only 23, he came of age this term and many will fondly remember his brief matchwinning appearance against Aston Villa in December as the day he really stood up.
3.
Didier Drogba – Chelsea 32 appearances, 29 goals, 13 assists
There’s not a lot you can say to explain Drogba’s incredible season after offering up those statistics. Twenty-nine goals and 13 assists certainly adds up for the title-winning Blues.
Still, Drogba has his critics with some arguing Chelsea function better with Nicolas Anelka up front, but again those stats say a lot. The Ivorian loves to step up when its needed and adores grabbing the spotlight. His unique free-kicks add another facet to his powerful and bullish game which troubled so many defenders this term.
2.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United 32 appearances, 26 goals, 3 assists
You can not deny Rooney was brilliant in all competitions in 2009/2010, but for me he’s been pipped at the post in the Premier League, just like United were by Chelsea.
This campaign was a term when Rooney was able to fully display his brilliance, with Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Madrid, the England striker stepped up in his absence and did so incredibly well. Rooney was ruthless in front of goal and led the line with maturity and quality. If only he did get injured at the wrong time, he may have been crowned the king. An incredible season, no less.
1.
Frank Lampard – Chelsea 36 appearances, 22 goals, 17 assists
Lampard is a footballer often taken for granted and such is his unerring quality some of the brilliant things he does become rather expected.
The England midfielder made the Premier League his own in 2009/2010 with incredible effect from midfield. You can not argue against 22 goals and 17 assists for a midfielder who adds such attacking influence. His 2009/2010 goal return is unprecedented and he nonchalantly produces the goods week-in week-out. And finally he’s re-claimed the Premiership trophy with Chelsea, much to his credit.