Joleon Lescott heads all-star cast for player of the season
TOMORROW night sees Everton's annual end of season awards take place but we are still no nearer to knowing who will be named star man.
In the last couple of years, Mikel Arteta has been out on his own but, this time around, things are completely different and, with the greatest respect to the little Spaniard, it would be a surprise if he completed the hat-trick.
The reason that would be the case is down to there being numerous contenders from front to back. Tim Howard, for one, has been in outstanding form all year and built on the promise of his debut campaign at Goodison
In front of him, the back four have been terrific, notably Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo and a close look at our goals against column shows just how consistent they have been protecting Tim.
Then you have Phil Neville and Lee Carsley, two unsung heroes who do such a lot of hard work for the team without complaint. The fact they aren't flair players, however, will probably count against them.
Ayegbeni Yakubu, meanwhile, has scored a bundle of goals and become the powerful centre forward that Evertonians love - all being well, with a pre-season behind him, he will be better again next year.
If I had to pick one man out, though, I would choose Joleon. He has played for England, never missed a game for the Blues and chipped in with plenty of goals too. But, as I said, don't be surprised if someone else picks up the trophy.
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Lescott by a Mile ;)
Well if any player has shown what niggling injuries can do to consistancy and overall form - its poor little Mikel Arteta.
I know how he feels having personally suffered the same sort of injury. Its been obviously affecting his confidence striking the ball and I recall Moyes making reference to the newer/firmer pitches being a potential issue with it.
I back Mikel to bounce back with avengence when he gets the treatment required this summer.
As for player of the season: I voted for Lescott, who although has fallen down in form recently (particuarly due to opponent teams "doubling up" on him), he went so far out in front early on in his performances that he's certainly the one for me.
His displays of assurance, were something that all young players should get to see up close I think.
My top 3 were:
1. Lescott
2. Pienaar
3. Jagielka
Pienaar: because he has changed the style of play of the whole team. Particuarly on the other side from Mikel the whole balance of the team looked excellent, and I recall his backheel-tackle on the left wing against Fulham (H) (happened right in front of me!), he ran up field - passed to the Yak, that finished the Yak's hattrick. It was all Pienaar, he has been excellent for me and I want to see more of his good work rate and great little skills.
Jagielka because his dramatic and "Hollywood-style" re-introduction defence. He obviously lacked in confidence in his first few games. He went into centre back and his postional play have been 99.9% first rate and his confidence looked to return with his form. I was delighted for him and he's been solid pretty much all season, and I think he knows if he improves his distribution he'll have everything as a player and an international call up won't be far off.
Three good players I think most blues would agree!