Manchester City clinched the English Premier League in the most of dramatic styles, edging out city-rivals Manchester United, while Arsenal and Tottenham finished further behind, but who were the star individuals of the season.
Sports Pundit has decided to put together a series of ‘Top Fives’ throughout Europe’s top leagues to round out the season before we switch our attention the 2012 European Championships.
See Germany’s Bundesliga Top 5
5. David Silva (Manchester City) The Spanish midfielder creator may have been far less effective after the turn of the year, but that shouldn’t allow us to forget his wonderful first-half of the campaign. Silva contributed the most assists in the division, 15 for the champions. His wonderful performance in the 6-1 derby destruction of Manchester United is one which won’t be forgotten anytime soon. His nimble feet, quick movement and eye for a pass make him a huge influence for the Sky Blues.
4. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) It’s easy to forge the Red Devils striker scored a huge 27 goals this term. Rooney played a major role in United’s surge to title favourites, before their late slip allowed City to win the title. Rooney’s mix of power and skill make him one of the Premier League’s best players, but he also matured into a footballer who knows how to get the best out of himself and his team-mates around him.
3. Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) It’s fair to say, the Belgian is the best central defender in the competition. Kompany had a massive 2011-12 season, helping City have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 29 goals in 38 games. His influence was obvious when he missed games in January and March and the Sky Blues subsequently went through poor periods of form. It’s not always easy to measure a defender’s influence from the stands, but Kompany obviously has a huge vocal and physical presence for his team. He also scores timely goals too, including the winner in the late season 1-0 derby victory.
2. Yaya Toure (Manchester City) The Ivorian had an immense campaign, winning alot of admirers in the process with his mix of defensive midfield destruction and attacking threat. Toure’s two goals in the penultimate round of the season, a 2-0 win at Newcastle, eased plenty of tension on the blue side of Manchester and it’s these kind of players who prove invaluable, stepping up on the big occasion with poise and quality. He’s more than that, though, and people shouldn’t understate his influence on a side full of star players.
1. Robin van Persie (Arsenal) The Dutch striker had an amazing 2011-12 season where he finally remained injury-free. Incredibly van Persie’s contributed to more than half of Arsenal’s season goal tally, scoring 30 himself whilst assisting nine others. The Gunners striker’s clinical finishing and instinct in front of goal became a huge feature this term, but also his hunger and ability to be in the right place at the right time. He really did relish being his team’s best player and took up the responsibility like a star player should. All he needs now is an improved supporting crew and who knows where this team can go.