Soccer City FC polled contributors, readers, and forum members to gather as much information as possible in naming the Premiership Best XI of 2007-2008. The list is made up of players from outside of the Big 4 clubs. The 4-4-2 format is used for the Best XI squad.
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Goalkeeper: David James (Portsmouth)
James reinvented himself this year. He guided Pompey to a top ten position in the Premiership as well as a historic victory in the FA Cup final versus Cardiff City. He also earned back his starting place with the English national team.
Right Back: Vedran Corluka (Manchester City)
Perhaps the shrewdest of Sven's summer signings, Corluka entered the Premiership as one of the lesser known summer transfer signings, but was soon recognized for his capable play. His versatility was a vital asset for City as he saw time at both centre back and holding midfield when injuries took their toll. The 22-year-old defender is year's away from his prime.
Centre Back: Martin Laursen (Aston Villa)
The 30-year-old defender was voted the Supporters Player of the Year for his outstanding play in 2007-2008. While Villa's attacking playmakers received the majority of attention throughout the season, Laursen and his backline mates where crucial to the club's success.
Centre Back: Phil Jagielka (Everton)
This past weekend, Jagielka received his first senior international cap for England against Trinidad and Tobago. His signing in the summer of 2007 helped to stabilize Everton's defense. The club now appears focused to make a run at the Big 4 with the help of the versatile Jagielka.
Left Back: Joleon Lescott (Everton)
Lescott began 2007-2008 in spectacular form providing solid coverage in the back coupled with three goals in his first eight matches. He also ended the season with the highest shot to goal ratio in the Premiership. He converted 42.1% of his shots into goals. On May 8, 2008, he was voted Everton's Player of the Year and the Players Player of the Year.
Right Midfielder: David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)
Bentley ended the 2007-2008 Premiership season with 8 goals and 13 assists. He truly excelled in his right wing position and his crossing ability did not disappoint. How will the new manager utilize him now that Mark Hughes is off to Manchester City?
Central Midfielder: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
With over 325 appearances for Villa, Barry has finally begun to garner worldwide recognition as Aston Villa returned to the upper echelon of Premiership clubs this past season. Liverpool appears ready to make an offer for the central midfielder. Will his career in the Second City come to an end?
Central Midfielder: Elano (Manchester City)
Brazilians historically have not performed well in the Premiership. Elano broke down the stereotype with his performance in 2007-2008. He ended the campaign with 8 goals and 9 assists. When he was healthy, he was nearly unstoppable. He was clearly a cut above during the first half of the season.
Left Midfielder: Martin Petrov (Manchester City)
When City was at its best, the attack ran through Petrov who ended with 5 goals and 8 assists. He would have ended with double-digit figures in assists if City's forwards could have finished off several of his sublime crosses.
Forward: Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers)
One could make a case that he was the best transfer signing of the 2007 summer period. He ended with 19 goals. The Paraguayan striker was named Barclays Premier League “Player of the Month” for December 2007.
Forward: Yakubu Aiyegbenji (Everton)
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker finished the campaign with 15 league goals and 21 goals in all competitions. His brace in the last match of the season versus Newcastle United sealed Everton's 5th place standing in the Premiership table.
Honorable Mention for the 2008 Premiership Best XI of the Year Sans the Big 4
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard (Everton), Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders: Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), and David Wheater (Middlesbrough)
Midfielders: Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth), and Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)
Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham Hotspur), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland), and Michel Owen (Newcastle United)
Who did Soccer City FC leave off of the list? Let us know in the comment section.
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