Fantasy Football Time! Select your squad of the season - Part Two - Defence

18 April 2013 01:56

Did the first part of this get you thinking? As I mentioned previously at this time of the season, it’s a good opportunity to indulge in a bit of Fantasy Football and pick your own Premier League Dream Team. Last time I had the management team and subs sorted, so now I’m setting up my goalkeeper and back four.

Between the sticks, I’ve gone for the established guy. He’s probably been the top ‘keeper in the league for a while, although a few might dispute that. Whilst Joe Hart would have a shout, it’s not been a vintage season for him, and a few mistakes have been costly in terms of points for City. Equally, I’d listen to an argument for De Gea, but my nod has gone to the keeper with presence and ability to command his defence. My ‘keeper is Chelsea’s peter Cech.

In front of him, on the right I’ve gone for the outstanding defender in the champions’ team. Pablo Zabaletta has proved to be not only a valuable attacking talent, overlapping the wide player and notching a few goals as well, he has also developed into that most reliable of defenders; the guy you can rely on simply not to have a bad game. Liverpool’s England international Johnson had a shout, but I went for the Argentinian.

Across the middle, my selection was a little more difficult. Liverpool’s Agger is very much my type of defender, but he lost out to a similar player who to my mind, just appears to be a notch better. The Manchester United pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic also had a shout, but their seasons have been bunted by injuries, and neither seems the dominant force they were. The other contender was Manchester City’s young Serb defender Nastasic, but he’ll have to be content with a place on the bench, as I’ve gone with his centre back partner, and captain, Vincent Kompany. Although not the towering influence of last season, Kompany still exudes class, so he takes his place as one of my pair. Next to him, I’ve gone for Chelsea’s David Luiz. This is the guy who was battling Agger for the spot, but to my mind, the Brazilian is probably the ‘stand out’ defender of at least the second half of the season, and his pace and ability to carry the ball out of defence adds a further dimension to my team.

On the left, I’ve gone for a no-brainer selection. To my mind Ashley Cole remains the outstanding left back in the country. Sure, there are arguments for Evra – although to my mind less than there were last season, and the Everton full back Baines was also a contender, but a bit like with his role for England, he’s stuck on the bench, behind Cole.

So, there’s my defence. You may agree, but you probably won’t. The game is all about opinions, so tell me who your back five would be. It would be good to see other opinions. Next time, I’ll pick my midfield, and then with Wilshere and Mata already consigned to the bench, you’ll see who I’ve picked ahead of them – and why!

Source: DSG