Defensive Awards

The P.F.A awards were held last week and Gareth Bale who was a defender until he realized he would receive more praise playing in a more advanced position, won Player of the Year for the 2010/2011 season. Jack Wilshire deservedly won Young Player of the Year, but does anyone else believe that Nemanja Vidic should have been in the top three at least?How come Ashley Cole is never mentioned for this award or Vincent Kompany for the season he just had? This is why I will be giving out my own awards to defenders due to the lack of love they receive during these award ceremonies.

Player of the Year
Nominees

Nemanja Vidic
Vicent Kompany
Leigton Baines

Winner
Nemanja Vidic- The Manchester United captain has had a tremendous year especially as he has been without his regular center back partner Rio Ferdinand for most of the year due to injury. Vidic had to mentor and guide youngsters Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling through Premier League games that are hard enough playing in without the added responsibilities. He has given Manchester United a solid base and a leader to take them to the top of the league and UEFA Champions League semi final. This feet was recognized by the P.F.A. who had Vidic on their shortlist for the overall Player of the Year and named in the Premier League Team of the Year for the 2010/2011 season


Full Back of the Year
Nominees

Leighton Baines
Ashley Cole
Seamus Coleman

Winner

Leighton Baines for me has been outstanding this year during a turbulent season for Everton F.C. I know Ashley Cole was named the left back in the 'Team of the Year' and was fantastic again this season for both Chelsea and England but Baines really took a massive step forward to fulfilling his potential. Baines is a fixture in the England squad now after being over looked for the World Cup in South Africa. His attacking play especially his crossing has risen to another level along with his defending and wouldn't be surprise to see him move to a top six club in the near future.


Newcomer of the Year
Nominees

David Luiz
Kyle Walker
Seamus Coleman

Winner
Although not a 'newcomer' for Sheffield United fans or die hard Tottenham fans, Kyle Walker emerged on the scene for Aston Villa funnily enough against his hometown team Sheffield United in the FA cup. The goal he scored really caught the eye and followed that with some stellar run outs for the Villians. So much so that a certain Fabio Capello included him in two England squads and I am sure that Harry Redknapp cannot wait to have the young lad back producing similar performances for Spurs next season.

Young Player of the Year
Nominees

Seamus Coleman
Chris Smalling
Kyle Walker

Winner
Seamus Coleman has been playing right wing for Everton F.C. but as he is a right back, played for Blackpool, and is listed as a full back I am awarding the outstanding Coleman as 'Young Player of the Year' 2010/2011.The Irishman emerged on the scene last year in the Championship helping the Seasiders gain promotion to the promise land. This year Everton didn't want to let such a talent go and fitted him in the team as a right winger. Coleman put in some unbelievable performances, chipped in with some goals, and was rewarded his first cap by Republic of Ireland Manager Giovanni Trapattoni. I hope Mr Coleman carries on progressing because the first time I ever saw him I was thoroughly impressed and wanted to know who this boy was playing for Blackpool F.C.


Worst Defender of the Year
Nominees

Joleon Lescott
Jonny Evans
Matthew Upson
James Tomkins

Winner

This was the toughest award to hand out as these four have been more than just bad. In the end I decided to award it to both Joleon Lescott and Jonny Evans as joint 'Worst Defender of the year'. Lescott who was bought for twenty four million pounds has not lived up to the price tag and is lucky he plays next to Vincent Kompany because with Lescott at the back Manchester City would be a mid table team at best. He is rash, full of mistakes, and I believe he cannot handle the pressure of playing for one of the big six teams in the league.

Jonny Evans has been beyond bad and for some reason Sir Alex Ferguson has kept playing him. He is average in the air, average on the ball, slow, and has made more mistakes this season than Laurent Blanc did in his two year stint with United. The lad shouldn't be at Manchester United and think he would struggle in the Championship where he will probably end up before he retires. So Jonny Evans and Jolean Lescott are the 'Worst Defenders of the Year 2010/2011'.