What do you get the modern day Premier League player who has everything? A respectable cumulative Christmas double header Player Rating. Look away, Jermain Defoe.
CHRISTMAS PLAYER RATINGS
1. Heurelho Gomes The early signs at Villa were worrying. But he kept it together (it helps enormously that he's got Dawson back to clobber most things away) and I'm sort of willing to give him the benefit of the doubt over Albrighton's freaky cross-goal. Actually, no I'm not. He should have dealt with it. 6/10
2. Alan Hutton Still baffling to see the overly-inked Glaswegian as one of the first names on the team sheet. I personally don't think he's competent enough in possession, nor committed or savvy enough without it for us to not be contemplating a replacement. He may luck out as even Harry comes round to the idea that Glen Johnson doesn't really necessitate an upgrade. He was perfectly average in both games. 6/10
20. Michael Dawson Occasionally wayward in possession against Villa and always loves dressing up his long humps forward as searching missiles that very occasionally come off, but it's brilliant to have him back. Now, just how will he and fellow right-sided centre back Billy Gallas eventually fare together? 7/10
4. Younes Kaboul Arguably Man of the Match against Villa, and had the entirely unbiased Jamie Redknapp talking him up as the Premier League's best young defender. And then nearly jeopardises everyone's Christmas mood two days later. Shame for him, as his partnership with Daws may have provided a serious roadblock to Gallas getting his place back. Instead, he'll be celebrating his 25th birthday suspended, sulking and back as a substitute. 6/10
32. Benoît Assou Ekotto I'm declaring him the league's most underrated player. Brilliantly assured on the ball, he's even showing a few signs of caring every now and again. There's no better left sided duo than he and Bale. 7/10
7. Aaron Lennon Overlook the fact that not every single one of his crosses finds its target (and name me a player who's do, actually?) How many other wingers really add more than Lennon? He always, always gives you an outlet option. The opposition full-back can never fully relax even if he's having a stinker. His tracking back abilities flies enormously under the radar. I'm delighted we've persevered with him. He should only improve as the season progresses. 7.5/10
12. Wilson Palacios Much improved at Villa Park, woeful at White Hart Lane. Quite why he's grown to be so irresponsible with the ball is a mystery, but it's now left him as a liability. Until Big Tom returns, I'll have JJ and Luka in the middle, please. 5.5/10
14. Luka Modrić Just brilliant. Enormous kudos to Harry for being brave enough to gradually integrate him into the middle. Because he's now one of the best in the league. Has carried Wilson through certain games recently, all while buzzing about the pitch looking to create. Should be develop enough power in his little legs to score a few from distance, he'd be the complete player. 9/10
3. Gareth Bale Arrested his mini-slump against Newcastle with a solid showing and a nicely taken goal to crown his fairytale year. He's now judged by an entirely unfair yardstick, but he's so very, very good that we're entitled to expect game-winning performances every week. 7.5/10
11. Rafael van der Vaart Obviously peerless against Villa, Rafa was a little more subtle against Newcastle. However, far more importantly: he didn't wheeze off the pitch clutching a hamstring at any point. We all love him, he seems to love us, and he knows it's up to him to inspire us further in 2011. 8/10
18. Jermain Defoe His season's getting a bit silly now. He's still not scored in the league and while harsh, his red card was easily avoidable. He owes us a monster second half. 4/10
9. Roman Pavlyuchenko He's still here, he's still scoring and against Newcastle, he even looked sort of interested when the ball wasn't at his feet. Roman's cultivated himself a lovely cult hero role at the Lane. Which might not be entirely deserved, in truth. 6/10
Subs
19. Sébastien Bassong The best 4th choice centre back in the league. Might become the best 6th choice centre back in the league if King and Woodgate come back. 6/10
8. Jermaine Jenas As I said earlier, I want Luka and JJ bossing the middle. Seems just as capable in the tackle as Wilson these days, plus more reliable and creative on the ball. Also, I seem to recall that Jermaine was capable of scoring? 6/10
15. Peter Crouch I hope he doesn't leave. But I hope he isn't starting too many games for us as the season enters its business end. This probably mirrors a lot of fans' thoughts. 6/10
Because he's in the slightly less glamorous position of not being the goalscorer or the one bombing down the wings, Luka gets less attention than Rafa and Bale, but he's just running the team at the moment. I remember when I first paid attention to him playing for Croatia in Euro 2008 - because we'd just bought him prior to the tournament - and thought he just pulled ALL the strings from the middle. He's now doing that consistently for us and it's a joy to watch.
ReplyDeleteMind you, considering the attention he HAS got seems to be from the direction of Stamford Bridge, he's clearly not going unnoticed.
If they were to do the members' vote for player of the season now, though, I'd still go for Rafa, as he's been the only one to actually drag us to victories single-handedly. Nice to have three contenders for the crown though.