Danny Kelly`s Premiership team of the season, for anyone who is interested - nice to see him recognising Big Al`s outstanding season, and being honest enough to admit he slated him in the past.'The Magnificent Eleven'

Is it just me, or is this a particularly difficult season in which to pick one's traditional and much-anticipated Team Of The Year?

Short of just admitting the truth and listing Arsenal's first eleven, it has been a strange ten months in which some of the greats that occupy our Leagues have only operated in flashes (Beckham and Giggs are two who spring most readily to mind) or have fallen from the Olympian heights that they occupied in the previous twelve months (the injury-hobbled Gerrard and the Heathrow-gazing Vieira).

Still, an XI has to be picked and here (in 4-4-2 and from right to left) they are…

GOALKEEPER

Jerzy Dudek (Liverpool) It's arguable that anyone could keep goal behind that Liverpool defence, but Dudek has actually brought further solidity to the anchor provided by the much-lauded Hyypia and the much-ignored Henchoz. His error against Blackburn on Wednesday was his first of the season. If Houllier is to be consistent, then, he should bomb the Pole out of the club, Westerveld-style. But that’s not going to happen, is it? Also excellent: Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton), Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea), Shay Given (Newcastle)

DEFENDERS

Steve Finnan (Fulham) While England struggle to replace Neville G, Ireland find themselves with a potentially embarrassing surplus of riches at right back. Stephen Carr was the best player in this position last season; now, with the Spurs man laid low, his Fulham equivalent has stepped up and had a brilliant term, shaming, in the process, many of the most expensive show ponies currently preening themselves at Craven Cottage. Sami Hyppia (Liverpool) Obvious but unavoidable. How did Liverpool pull this off? While other teams prepare to spend tens of millions of pound to shore up suspect central defences, Liverpool somehow whistled up this mobile rock for pennies. As dominant as any stopper has been in this country since the booze and piss-covered jeans heyday of Tony Adams. Speaking of which… Sol Campbell (Arsenal) Where to start? Liar. Traitor. Big arse. But, after a difficult, injury-niggled start, he has gone on to prove what a great defender he is. Or rather what a great defensive defender he is. By which I mean there is no better backs-against-the–wall siege-resister than the Newham-born bastard. In games where his team is primarily on the attack, he can become slightly detached from the action; but when there is a penalty area that needs minding, there's no-one better. Arsenal’s away record is testament to his resilience. John Arne Riise (Liverpool) How did Liverpool pull this off (Part II)? From out of nowhere, Houllier suddenly produces the best left-sided player in the country. Only the magnificence of Robert Pires prevents me from picking him on the left side of midfield, where he has been fantastically energetic and skilled. 2001/02 is the first season for seven years where Paul Scholes hasn't been the best ginger player in the League. Also excellent: Wayne Bridge (Southampton), William Gallas (Chelsea), John Terry (Chelsea), Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Rio Ferdinand (Leeds)

MIDFIELD Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal) Anyone willing to dye their hair the colour of their team is certain to endear themselves to that club's fans. To then play well enough that the fans of other teams don't declare you the Prat Of The Year is truly remarkable. Most improved footballer in England. Might kick Ashley Cole's butt in the World Cup. I did say kick. Kevin Nolan (Bolton) It is almost a modern article of faith that players from the lower Divisions can't make the jump to the Premiership. It's why the transfer activity between the Prem and the Nationwide is now so sluggish. Steve Finnan, his Fulham teammate Sean Davies and Kevin Nolan prove that to be a load of tosh. Bullishly strong, determined as Cromwell and capable of getting fine goals too. That he hasn’t made it to even one England squad this season is a mystery to me. Ali Benarbia (Manchester City) There are no grey areas with Kevin Keegan. He either signs complete dogs or real treasures. Benarbia, a name most football anoraks had already consigned to the pedal bin of history, is clearly one of the latter. A throwback to the past, his dribbling and passing terrorized a Division more used to huff and puff, sweat rather than science. He was the central reason for City's triumphant return to the top. I'm not sure he’ll be able to do it in the more knowing jungle of the Premiership, but this year the Algerian has been a wonderment. Robert Pires (Arsenal) Last season he was a luxury with lady's pubic hair on his chin. This year he has shown us what England are lacking on the left side of midfield. And it isn't downstairs topiary! Speed, guile, finishing, even the odd bit of chasing back – Pires has been the most creative influence on an Arsenal team overflowing with the stuff. Also excellent: Steed Malbranque (Fulham), Nobby Solano (Newcastle), Joe Cole (West Ham), Roy Keane (Manchester United), Damien Duff (Blackburn), David Dunn (Blackburn)

STRIKERS Thierry Henry (Arsenal) People who criticise him for not getting enough tap-ins conveniently forget that he often scores his huge raft of goals while playing up front on his own. I suspect that he is going to be even more fantastic in the World Cup when, if the French are courageous, he will be twinned with David Trezeguet. My only gripe with the fellow is that strange unsmiling goal celebration; making out that even his greatest strikes are merely matter of fact is an arrogant bridge too far, even for a Frenchman. Alan Shearer (Newcastle) Over the last couple of years, I have been unstinting in my glee at the apparent decline of the dour Geordie. Imagine my surprise, then, when Bobby Robson, by kind talk and the addition of the motorized Bellamy, turn Shearer back into the goal machine we all know and don't love. He has led the Newcastle line like an old lion and has forced himself into my Team Of The Season past the likes of Van Nistelrooy and Hasselbaink. There is no higher praise. Also excellent: Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Chelsea), Craig Bellamy (Newcastle), Jermain Defoe (West Ham)

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2002

Answers

AP

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2002

Ya its really wonderful to have him back in shape. Also it must feel great for Al now when every damn report that used to hate now desperatly want him back for the WC.

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2002

Interesting that he names Newcastle players in goal, midfield and forward. Now what are we missing....hmmmm......our biggest problem area all season.....now what could that be..... ;-)

Also like how he rates players that made people go "Who?!" when they were bought. I'd love it if Bobby could find a few of those bargains for us. Just goes to show a player doesn't have to be as famous (or expensive!) as Figo to come in and get the job done.

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2002

Ah! Luis Figo. One of my all-time faves. I wanted him at Toom ever since we played Barca. What about a swap for Nobby ;-))

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2002

Don`t know what you mean Ciara - surely Robbie Elliot is good enough for anyone`s team of the season????

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

How ironic that Danny Kelly's team of the season was actually Tottenham. Great bloated windbag.

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

I actually like Danny Kelly though there is no denying that he is a great bloated windbag!

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Good to see nobby get a mention. But no Robert

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002