Who is the Player of the Year?

Article by e-Football Correspondent Lee Beevor

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The nominations for the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year award were revealed this week. Shortlisted were Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, Eden Hazard, Luis Suarez and Yaya Toure. As always, the flawed voting procedure has resulted in bias towards those who played well at the start of the season. Having said that, it should not affect the winner, whose identity in my opinion is obvious. Nevertheless, let us examine the reasons why the other five, whilst all excellent footballers, are not worthy of the 2014 accolade.

Steven Gerrard

This nomination seems a bit of a sentimental vote to me. Judging him solely in terms of his game by game contribution, few would argue his powers have waned. He remains a good leader and directs play well, but gone are the surging runs and breathtaking strikes from distance which will be his legacy. In his absence through injury, Henderson prospered and even Joe Allen deputised ably, demonstrating that even without their captain, Liverpool would in all probability still be challenging for the title.

Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana

Beneficiaries of the pre-Christmas polling, as both made outstanding starts to their respective campaigns. Sturridge’s goals were a constant during Suarez’s suspension, keeping his club well positioned whilst their best player was unavailable. When the Uruguayan did return, they forged a fearsome partnership, with both scoring prolifically. However, perhaps due to this being his first year as a first team regular, Sturridge’s level has dipped. Lallana too caught the eye, with a series of creative displays in a phenomenal autumn run from his club. Latterly, Southampton has slid towards mid-table and young Lallana’s consistency has gone with them. A deserved place in the England World Cup squad should be his and Sturridge’s rewards for their fine body of work.

Eden Hazard

He has built upon his excellent debut season in England in style, adding end product to his range of skills. At times he has resembled Cristiano, with his direct running and powerful shooting. His time will no doubt come, as his role in Chelsea’s Premier League challenge has been immense. Having said that, he is still not the finished product, as he must learn to play the simple pass quickly, as others are free when he is surrounded by markers! In my humble view, it’s third place for Hazard this time around.

Yaya Toure

Would be a worthy winner, but for the accomplishments of the only man I have yet to mention! Despite Manchester City’s embarrassment of riches, they do not look the same side without Toure in the heart of their midfield. His surging runs, tough tackling, slide rule passes and devastating shooting and heading make him the total modern midfielder. I cannot fault him in anyway, but he is confined to second place because of the exploits of.....

Luis Suarez

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t like him for his usage of the “dark arts” of the sport. But despite this bias, I have to acknowledge a monumental year which sits up there with anything that has gone before. As I write, he has notched 29 goals in 29 appearances for Liverpool, leaving the Premier League record firmly within in his sights. For me, this is just a small part of the story, as Suarez creates opportunities by running down defenders, chasing lost causes and by straining every sinew to help his club. This sometimes manifests itself with a despicable act, as his will to win exceeds that of most in the professional game. To see the energy he exerts, skills he demonstrates and finishes he produces has been a pleasure to behold. For this reason, it is Luis Suarez who deserves to be the PFA’s player of the year for 2014.

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