PFA Awards - Part 1

Early today, the Professional Football Association announced their nominees for the Barclays Premier League awards for both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

Real Talk Football takes a look at the nominees in each category, starting with the Player of the Year award.

Players nominated for both awards

Two players have been nominated in both categories, both of which ply their trade in North London. Arsenal’s Samir Nasri and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

All stats and information is correct as of the 8th March 2011.


Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 21
League Apps: 25 (1) League Goals: 7 goals

The Welshman has continued his development from last year, and impressed both domestically and internationally. Bale has played in 26 matches this season, and has scored a career best of 7 goals.

He has been in captivating form this season and made the Tottenham left midfield berth his own. Some notable performances this season include the 2-3 fight back win over rivals Arsenal, the two decisive winners in the 2-1 win against Stoke, as well as a hat trick against Inter Milan in a 4-3 defeat in the San Siro.

Injuries saw him miss six weeks of the Premier League campaign, while speculation regarding his future have seen his performances tail-off towards the business end of the season.


Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

Age: 23
League Apps: 24 (2) League Goals: 9

The Frenchman has had a breakthrough year at Arsenal, and internationally with France as well. He has a career record total of 9 goals, and was named France captain despite being left out of the World Cup squad.

Nasri has scored an array of goals displaying fantastic acceleration and technical ability, along with a wonderful goal against rivals Spurs, against Manchester City, and both goals in the 2-1 win over Fulham.

After much criticism for Arsenal midfielders not scoring enough goals, he has finally added this dimension to his game. Nasri, similar to Bale is another who’s performances have tailed off towards the latter stages of the season, and his anonymity in the Carling Cup final was something which disappointment many, as that was seen as a great opportunity for Nasri to showcase his ability.

PFA Player of the Year



Charlie Adam (Blackpool)

Age: 25
League Apps: 28 (1) League Goals: 9

For a player from a promoted team to be nominated for the Player of the Year Award, it is testament to how impressive both Ian Holloway and his Blackpool side have performed this season.

Charlie Adam has the same amount of goals as fellow nominee Samir Nasri this season, chipping in with vitals goals in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, 3-1 win over Tottenham and two key goals (including a sensational free-kick) in a 2-2 draw against relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers. He also has six assists to his name this season.

The only blight on his maturing career with The Seasider’s, is the persistent transfer rumours linking him with a move away to Liverpool. Adam handed in a transfer request during the January transfer window, but Blackpool rejected the request.


Scott Parker (West Ham United)

Age: 31
League Apps: 29 League Goals: 5

Captain Marvell. One of the most influential and hard working players in the Premiership, has finally received the well deserved plaudits, and has subsequently found himself back in the England squad.

With West Ham in the midst of a relegation battle, no one is writing off the Hammers chances of staying up, and that’s because of players like Scott Parker. A demonstration of his courage was playing in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham, just a few hours after his father passed away.

Finally, striker Carlton Cole led the plaudits back in February after a rousing half-time team talk which inspired the Hammers to come from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with West Brom.


Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Age: 27
League Apps: 27 League Goals: 19

The controversial Argentinean has been one of the top strikers in the Premiership, and is just 4 goals away from equalling his tally from last season. He scored the winning goal in the 1-0 win over title rivals Chelsea, as well as a hat trick against West Brom and four doubles this season (against Liverpool, Blackpool, Newcastle and Wolves).

Manchester City currently sit third in the league, and Tevez continues to outshine other big money signings Mario Balotelli and Eden Dzeko, and lead Manchester City to their first UEFA Champions League campaign.


Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Age: 29
League Apps: 29 League Goals: 4

The Manchester United captain has been the stand out performer for the Red Devils this season, and has received the plaudits for holding together a depleted back four. His no nonsense style is highly impressive, while his strong tackling and physical ability has been as impressive as ever, and is rightly regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

He has however, had a few shaky performances this season, and Manchester United have only the fourth best defensive record in the Premiership, which means Vidic should be considered a dark horse for the award.


Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 28
League Apps: 21 League Goals: 10

Signing of the season? Without a doubt. The Dutchman transfered from Real Madrid for a snippet (in terms of today’s transfer market) at just £8 million. He has featured in 21 games this season, and scored 10 goals. He is the highest scoring midfielder of all nominees.

He scored a brace in the 2-1 win of Aston Villa, important goals in draws with Everton and Sunderland as well as the all important leveller against Arsenal, which Tottenham went on to win 3-2.

These are the nominee's for the PFA Player of the Year awards, leave a comment below and let us know who you think will receive the award.

Part 2 featuring the Young Player of the Year nominee's will be up tomorrow.

Real Talk Football

Carlos Tevez Wallpapers

Carlos Alberto Tévez (born Carlos Alberto Martínez on 5 February 1984) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for English club Manchester City and is currently the team's captain. He has previously played for Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham United and Manchester United.

 He has made over 50 appearances for the Argentina national team, scoring 12 goals.

(Wikipedia Text)

TEVEZ 32

TEVEZ in style..

Carlos Tevez MANU - ARGENTINA 

Tevez Wallpaper

Carlos Tevez best Poster

Carlos Tevez Poster

Carlos Tevez Man Utd. Picture

Carlos Tevez

Real Talk Football End of Year Awards

Real Talk Football End of Year Awards

Here’s Real Talk Football’s 1st Annual Premier League Awards



Player of the Season

Winner: Didier Drogba
Runners up: Wayne Rooney
Honourable Mention: Carlos Tevez

The Ivorian has been sensational this season for Chelsea. At 32 years of age, he is still instrumental in Chelsea title win. He scored 29 goals this season, collecting the Golden Boot ahead of Wayne Rooney.

Rooney however has been sensational this season, was unlucky that injuries hampered his and United’s title campaign, but he has been the stand out performer nevertheless.

As for Tevez, since his transfer from Man United to Man City, he has been excellent also this season. Expect a strong World Cup from the Argentine.



Young Player of the Season (Under 23)

Winner: Joe Hart
Runners up: Cesc Fabregas
Honourable Mention: Gabriel Agbonlahor

Birmingham City’s on loan goalkeeper Joe Hart has been a cut above the rest this season, and at the age of 23 he is already amongst the top 5 goalkeepers in the Premiership. Will either return to Man City to compete for the number one jersey or switch to one of the top teams in the Premiership.

Arsenal’s midfield maestro had been the driving force behind the Gunners title drive, but ultimately thanks to injury he and his side fell short. An excellent display against Barcelona in the Champions League capped off his season. He scored 15 goals and 15 assists in the league this season.



Most Improved Player of the Season

Winner: Alexandre Song
Runners up: Bobby Zamora
Honourable Mention: Gareth Bale

The Arsenal holding midfielder was the most important component to the Gunners title challenge this season. He has came on leaps and bounds considering how average he had been in previous seasons, and could be considered for Arsenal’s player of the year. His role in the team, helped add some much needed bite to Wenger’s side, breaking up playing, using his strength and most impressively improving his passing. Should expect a new Centre Midfield partner next season to help his cause.

Fulham striker, Bobby Zamora gets the runners up spot, since he has laid to rest the ghosts of previous seasons, as well as the criticisms from his own fans, so much so he is expected to be named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad. He scored just 8 league goals this season, but managed 21 in all competition and was deemed as important to Fulham, as the White Pele is to Manchester Untied.

Since January, Welshman Bale significantly improved his form, becoming an option at both Left Back and Left Midfield/Winger. He scored the winner against Arsenal and was subsequently Spurs best player this season, helping them reach the Champions League.



Underachieved Player of the Season

Winner: Joleon Lescott
Runners up: Steven Gerrard
Honourable Mention: Stephen Hunt

Lescott signed to Manchester City for £22 million, and has played 18 games in all competitions. He left Everton in very unceremonious circumstances, after they subsequently helped turn him into an England International. Now he has again suffered from knee injuries, and subsequently lost his place to Vincent Kompany at Centre Back. Again, they paid £22 million... In a Recession...

Stevie G, Liverpool hero, has been below par this season. The sale of Xabi Alonso meant he has to move from Attacking Midfielder/Second Striker, into Centre Midfielder which ultimately brought down both his goal and assist tally, while Liverpool crashed out of both the Europa League and Champions League. Expect him to make a mends at the World Cup.



Team of the Season

Winner: Fulham
Runners up: Chelsea
Honourable Mention: Birmingham City

West London dominate the collective rewards, with the Premier League Champions wrestling the Premier League title from Manchester United, while Roy Hodgson’s Fulham side started playing in July and have now reached the Europa League final. Unbelievable considering they beat the likes of defending Champions; Shaktar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, Juventus and Basle to reach the final. Considering the squad and players they have, again it’s a fantastic achievement.

Honourable mention to Birmingham City who was promoted last season, and subsequently ended up finishing comfortably in 9th place. On to bigger and better things next season? Who knows, but a great achievement none the less.



Most Disappointing Team of the Season

Winner: Liverpool
Runners up: West Ham United
Honourable Mention: Portsmouth

Only one winner really. Liverpool as stated earlier, dropped out of the Europa League and UEFA Champions League without a whimper, while ending up finishing 7th in the league (the last Europa League spot). Financial failures off the pitch, still no plans for a new stadium and a manager who tactically gets it right against Manchester United, but wrong against everyone else! Torres is injury prone, Gerrard looks fed up, Carragher looks old, and Aquilani looks a waste of money. A freshen up is really needed.

West Ham United have well documented problems regarding both the manager and the owners, as well as financial difficulties, and Squad injuries meant the Hammers found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. They ended up finishing 17th, just one place above the drop zone, with Zola expecting to leave this summer.



Most Exciting Prospect of the Season

Winner: Phil Jones
Runners up: Nikola Kalinic
Honourable Mention: Landon Donavon

Forget Chris Smalling, Phil Jones of Blackburn Rovers at the age of 18 years old, has played 9 games this season and has earned him rave reviews, most noticeably from the likes of Arsene Wenger and manager Sam Alladyce. He made his debut against Chelsea this season, and signed a 5 year contract with Blackburn just last week. One to watch for the future.

Another Blackburn player, who again is highly rated and is expected to show big things next season, both for his club and country, another one for the future within the Rovers ranks.

Despites Landon Donovan being 28 years old, his spell with Everton displayed his potential and highlighted his ability for playing in the Premiership. Expect David Moyes to reignite his interest again this summer.



Comeback of the Season

Winner: Richard Dunne
Runners up: Kolo Toure
Honourable Mention: Darren Bent

On Richard Dunne’s inclusion into the PFA Team of the Year

“The Irish defender suffered heart break when the hand of Henry put the Republic of Ireland out of the World Cup, but he steadily recovered to help his side reach both the League Cup Final and Carling Cup Semi Final. He has also helped Villa challenge for the Champions League spot, while Martin O’Neill’s men are more likely to qualify for the Europa League. No failure none the less, while more of a personal achievement for Dunne himself, as he was ousted from Man City in favour of Kolo Toure, Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott. Dunne is now respected as one of the most improved and most consistent defenders in the Premiership gaining acknowledgement from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.”

Runner up Kolo Toure had a more consistent season this year, after becoming disillusioned at Arsenal. He came under scrutiny for his poor performances last year, while finally making his move up north to new found money bags, Manchester City. However the Ivorian was instilled as Club Captain and despite having up to four different centre back partners such as Joleon Lescott, Dedryck Boyata, Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards, he filled the boots of Richard Dunne amicably. At the age of 29, and with a 5 year contract, Toure will definitely be around for years to come.

Despite flopping at Tottenham, and having many a differences with Harry Redknapp, Sunderland striker Darren Bent scored 24 goals this season, and is a dark horse to be on the plane to South Africa. A great turn around.



Signing of the Season

Winner: Thomas Vermaelen
Runners up: Carlos Tevez
Honourable Mention: Sol Campbell

The Belgian centre back has received many plaudits this season, and has undoubtedly been the most consistent, reliable and best defender in the Premiership. Another relatively unknown singing by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger at a fee of £10 million from Ajax. At 24 years of old, he has already adapted well to the English game, and is definitely one for the future still. He also chipped in with 7 goals this season.

When Manchester City came into all this money in January 2009, it was seen as somewhat of a shock to everyone. The signing of Robinho got the ball rolling, signing for £32.5 millions, but it was the big money move for Carlos Tevez, prying him away from rivals Manchester United, is where you had to begin to really take them seriously. Tevez scored 23 times in 34 matches this season, driving on the Citizen’s charge for the Champions League, while ending up finishing in 5th place, and establishing himself as the key man for Manchester City.

Big Daddy Sol. When he signed for Notts County, everyone thought he must be getting a big pay check and look to wind his way down to retirement. But after just one game in League Two, he left the club by mutual consent citing “broken promises”. One month later, it was confirmed that Sol Campbell became one of the select few players Arsene Wenger has ever resigned. A lot of people laughed at the North London clubs decision, and equally criticised the signing. However the 35 year olds experience, and natural ability, shows that he hasn’t missed a step and is still capable to play at the highest level. With Gallas and Vermaelen’s injuries, it is evident that he was the best player in a somewhat poor defence. The latest speculation links him with a new one year contract, and even a trip to South Africa.



Worse Signing of the Season

Winner: Benni McCarthy
Runners up: Alberto Aquilani
Honourable Mention: Patrick Vieira

As mentioned in my West Ham post. Signed for £2.5 million, and played just four times. Scoring; Zero Goals. Terrible.

Alberto Aquilani, deemed the invisible man by the British press, signed (injured) from AS Roma for £20 million, as a direct replacement for that man again, Xabi Alonso. He didn’t really play much, 18 games in all competitions, scoring just the once. If Benitez leaves in the summer, I expect the Italian to follow him out the door as well.



Goalkeeper of the Season
Winner: Joe Hart
Runners up: Pepe Riena
Honourable Mention: Mark Schwarzer



Defender of the Season
Winner: Thomas Vermaelen
Runners up: Patrice Evra
Honourable Mention: Branislav Ivanovic



Midfielder of the Season
Winner: Frank Lampard
Runners up: Cesc Fabregas
Honourable Mention: James Milner



Striker of the Season
Winner: Didier Drogba
Runners up: Wayne Rooney
Honourable Mention: Carlos Tevez



Manager of the Season
Winner: Roy Hodgson
Runners up: Carlo Ancelotti
Honourable Mention: Harry Redknapp

The Fulham manager, again highlighted on this list, has transformed the Cottagers from relegation battlers into one of the trickiest teams to face in the Premiership.

Highlights this year include a 3-1 win over Liverpool, a 3-0 win over Manchester United, as well as the successful European campaign; Hodgson is surely the front runner for the England Job in the next few years.



The former AC Milan manager left Italy to take the reins of West London billionaires Chelsea. In his 1st season he has rejuvenated players such as Florent Malouda, Yuri Zhirkov, Alex, Paolo Ferreira, while leading Chelsea to the Premier League title in his 1st season, and an FA Cup Final, while banishing memories of the special one. Next aim for the Italian, the Champions League.



Finally Harry Redknapp. With most of his off the field problems being left, well, off the field, he managed to take Tottenham from second bottom, to a fourth place finish in the Premiership and therefore the final Champions League qualification spot.



That’s it for the 2009/10 Premier League season, which saw many ups and downs. Up next football wise, the Europa League Final, Champions League Final and then The FIFA World Cup.

That was the Real Talk Football Blog's 1st Annual awards, sign in and leave a comment below giving your opinion. Let me know who you think should be on the list and who shouldn’t.

PFA Awards - Premier League

PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The Professional Football Association has named their shortlist for both the Young Player of the Year, and most importantly the Player of the Year awards. Currently BBC have just solely concentrated on Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, stating his is “among” the nominees. Affectively making him the favourite, and with nothing against Wayne Rooney or Man United, but why are the BBC acting as if they other players already don’t matter... a technique used in covering the 2010 World Cup so far, as if with Rooney, and Rooney alone, England will win the biggest trophy in football, while standing no chance without him... Anyways that another argument for another day, but for now let’s look at the candidates, in which you can cast your vote of who you think should win on the right hand side:

PFA Player of the Year

Didier Drogba

Age: 31
Club: Chelsea
Nationality: Ivorian



In case you missed my special on the star striker earlier this year, then click here. The stats speak for themselves; one of the best strikers in the World, and a vital cog in the Chelsea machine seemingly charging towards their third Premiership title. Drogba has led Chelsea to the FA Cup final; facing relegated Portsmouth, while the blues are currently sitting atop of the league, 6 points clear.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 28
Scored: 25
Assists: 8

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



The Spanish midfielder has had his best season for the Gunners so far this year, and has finally progressed into the game changing player he needs in order to be considered World Class. He dragged Arsenal back from the death against Barcelona and was undoubtedly missed for the 2nd leg. He is currently the second highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League, behind Frank Lampard, and is one ahead of the Chelsea player in the Assist rankings. The Arsenal number four’s season came to an abrupt end after he fractured his leg against Barcelona, but still had a significant enough impact to lead the Gunners to a Champions League spot and a top 3 finish in the Premiership.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 27
Scored: 15
Assists: 13

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



The England striker has had his best ever season so far as a player, scoring a total of 34 goals in 41 games, with 29 coming in the league. Even though Manchester United only look to be collecting the Carling Cup this season, it’s clear he’s filled Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots since his departure to Real Madrid, and is now the key man at Old Trafford.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 29
Scored: 26
Assists: 3

Carlos Tevez

Age: 26
Club: Manchester City
Nationality: Argentinean



What can be said about the temperamental Argentinean? Sparked up rivalries between himself and Ferguson, the two sides of Manchester, himself and Gary Neville, and then his Man City “Team Bridge” against John Terry’s Chelsea! The man has been involved in everything this season. However to the most important matter regarding Tevez, his performances on the pitch. Brought in by Mark Hughes, he flourished under Roberto Mancini, scoring 22 goals in 30 games, with 7 assists; carry Man City’s charge to 4th and final Champions League place.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 30
Scored: 22
Assists: 7

PFA Young Player of the Year

Joe Hart

Age: 23
Club: Birmingham City (On loan from Manchester City)
Nationality: English



The third Englishman on the list, and currently one of the best goalkeepers in the league. According to ESPN.com Hart has played 32 Premier League games this season, making 118 saves and keeping 9 clean sheets. He already has one full international cap for England and is expected to compete for the number one spot in the near future.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 32
Clean Sheets: 9

James Milner

Age: 24
Club: Aston Villa
Nationality: English



Milner has been excellent for Aston Villa, helping his side reach the FA Cup semi final and the Carling Cup final. Also Villa were fighting a Champions league spot, but a Europa League spot looks a lot more realistic. Milner is also expected to be in the 23 man squad heading to South Africa later this year.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 31
Scored: 5
Assists: 12

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



See above for more, but the 22 year old Arsenal Captain has been excellent for the Gunners this season.

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



See above for more, but at the age of 24 can he still be considered young? Either or, he is up for both and deservedly so.

Who do you feel should win the awards? Click to vote on the right or leave a comment below