The Premier League Top Four has been dominating the league for so many years. Only four teams, Manchester United (10 times), Arsenal (3 times), Chelsea (2 times) and Blackburn (1 time) able to lift the Premier League trophy since the first Premier League kick off on 15 August 1992. Blackburn is the only non-top-four team who win in the season 1994/1995, while Liverpool is the only top-four team that never wins the Premier League title.
So, I am thinking about how if I merge all the players outside of the big four together as a team and challenge the top four. I am not going to pick the best player from each position because I have to keep the team balance. A strong team needs to attack and defend as well, right? This is my first eleven:
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)
I was struggling to make a decision between Friedel and Joe Hart. I choose the American because he has more experience than most of the goalkeeper in the Premier League. Friedel had outstanding performance when he was in Blackburn.
RB: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
Glen Johnson is a tough tackler and not afraid to bring the ball to the front. He always picks out the pass or charge downs the flank. Last season, he was helping Portsmouth to lift the FA Cup and having 36 appearances. We can how important he is for Pompey.
CB: Joleon Lescott (Everton)
Lescott can play as a full-back or centre-back. I prefer he back to his favoured centre-back position. He is 1.88m tall and very strong in the air to win a header. His goal against Newcastle United on the final day of the 2007/08 season meant he finished with 10 for the campaign. It is fantastic for a defender to reach double figure in one season.
CB: Martin Laursen (Aston Villa)
Laursen is strong in the air, athletic and very competitive. In season 2007/08, he played a major role in the Villa defence. Developing a knack for scoring goals, Villa didn’t suffer a single league defeat when he was in the side. A fully-fit Laursen is a great asset for any team.
LB: Stephen Warnock (Blackburn)
Warnock is a tough-tackling defender and has enough speed and technique to be used as attacking option down the flank. He had consistent performance in Blackburn Rovers. Warnock made 37 appearances and 3.6 tackles (average) in the 2007/08 season.
RM: Robinho (Man. City)
Right midfield is not a right position for the Brazilian. Like what Ronaldo did in Manchester United, Robinho can switch position with the left midfield, Ashley Young or move into any attacking position to create chances and score goals. Availability of Robinho can increase the flexibility for my team.
CM: Didier Zokora (Tottenham)
Didier Zokora is a tough tackling defensive midfielder. He can provide the support for the defence when Glen Johnson or Stephen Warnock is attacking on both flanks. He can use his strength and positional awareness to win the ball from the opponents.
CM: Stephen Ireland (Man. City)
Ireland is one of the most skillful players to emerge through the Manchester City Academy. His vision and passing skill are massive boost for the team. He can keep creating the chance to other player or finish himself. I can say that he can be as good as Fabregas and he is only 20 years old.
LM: Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Last season, Aston Villa score more goals from set piece than any other teams in the Premier League. Most of them are delivered by Young. His pace, delivery from set-pieces and dribbling skills are the threats to any team. He can play at the right flank since he is right-footed.
FW: Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough)
Tuncay can play as a striker, an attacking midfielder or on either wing. His skill and tireless run have caused a lot of trouble to the defenders. His versatility could be the key component for my team.
ST: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
His pace will give the problems to the defenders. Agbonlahor is scoring 9 goals in this season so far and ranked fourth in the top scorer table. He has a very highest shot accuracy, 38% among the strikers in the Premier League.
