Premier League Team of the Season: Chelsea makes up bulk of squad
With the Premier League season coming to an end Sunday, we take a look back at the players who were the very best at their respective positions.
In honour of title-winners Chelsea, our team of the season will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Where would Manchester United be without the Spanish goalkeeper? It's a frightening thought. We'll probably find out next season, though, when he's making brilliant reaction saves for Real Madrid.
Honorable Mention: Hugo Lloris
Left-back: Cesar Azpilicueta
The man affectionately known by Chelsea fans as "Dave", who arrived at the club a right-back by trade, has made the left side of the pitch his fortress. As solid as they come, it's gotten to the point where an Azpilicueta mistake is about as common as a Mario Balotelli goal.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Cresswell
Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny
The 29-year-old Frenchman epitomizes the notion of noticing a central defender more when he isn't on the pitch, as Koscielny has quietly developed into Arsenal's most important player.
Honorable Mention: Jose Fonte
Centre-back: John Terry
Remember when we all thought the Chelsea captain was finished? We know nothing, Jo(h)n Snow Terry.
Honorable Mention: Gary Cahill
Right-back: Branislav Ivanovic
Half-human, half-tank, the hulking defender was once again a force of nature down the right side of the pitch for the Blues this season. People built like Ivanovic should have neither the lung capacity nor the offensive skill of the Serbian right-back. It's so, so unfair.
Honorable Mention: Nathaniel Clyne
Central Midfielder: Nemanja Matic
The peanut butter to teammate and midfield partner Cesc Fabregas' jelly, Matic was an absolute colossus at the heart of the team for manager Jose Mourinho, as his defensive ability, positional sense, and added offensive skill make him one of the Premier League's most complete midfielders.
Honorable Mention: Ander Herrera
Central Midfielder: Morgan Schneiderlin
The engine that powered Southampton, who were supposed to wither after a summer spent selling their best players, to within two points of a Europa League place - which they can still achieve should Arsenal retain the FA Cup. The Frenchman looks destined for a move to one of Europe's top clubs after staying put during last year's great exodus from St. Mary's.
Honorable Mention: Mile Jedinak
Attacking Midfielder: Eden Hazard
The best player in the Premier League this season. Period.
Honorable Mention: Philippe Coutinho
Attacking Midfielder: Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal would really, really, REALLY like a mulligan here.
Honorable Mention: Dusan Tadic
Attacking Midfielder: Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal's electrifying "energizer bunny" put his teammates on his back at various points this season - his first in the Premier League after making the summer move from Barcelona. Directly involved in 24 goals (16 scored, 8 assists), Sanchez was only eclipsed by Eden Hazard, Harry Kane, and Sergio Aguero. Pretty good company.
Honorable Mention: David Silva
Striker: Sergio Aguero
Manchester City ended the season without any silverware, but it's hard to be snide about the performance Sergio Aguero put together, leading the league with 26 goals, despite enduring some time on the sidelines with injury. While others disappeared for the Citizens this year, the Argentine continued to shine.
Honorable Mention: Harry Kane
Manager: Ronald Koeman
The Dutch bench boss was, it seemed, thrust into an unenviable position after the departures of many of the Saints' best players last summer and the season-long absence of Jay Rodriguez. But Koeman reinvested wisely, making some shrewd signings, and engineered a fantastic season that could very well end up with European football. Take a bow, sir.
Honorable Mention: Alan Pardew