I am back again with my choices for the dream team of 2002/2003 season of english
premiership ... hope u like it
Goalkeeper:- Certainly one of the main members of any good football squad .. what would you
say abt Blackburn's Brad Friedel? He is big, he is tough and certainly one of the best
around. ''Worth 10-12 points alone'' was what his manager said abt him and I dont disagree. He
has been consistent throughout the year and one of the main reasons why Blackburn made it to
the last UEFA cup spot.
Left Back:- If one player really missed out on the young player of the year award .. it was
Man Utd John O Shea ( not rooney ) he has been spectacular in the left back position. He has
impressed one and all with his pace, control passing abilities and most important of all ...
composure and confidence. This young irishman will surely become one of the best defenders
around in few years.
Right Back:- Ivan Campo..... this name might be a surprise to many ... but this on loan
defender cum midfielder frm Real Madrid was one of the most important reasons why Bolton was
able to avoid relegation. He did not have a really excellent start to season with sending
off in his 3 game.... but he came back and as the season progressed, impressed with his
experience and ability.
Central Defenders - This one is tricky .... not a good season for many central defenders ...
be it Rio Ferdinand or Sol Campbell or Stephen Henchoz .....but some young stars have really
turned it on this year. And both my choices are young guns .... Chelsea's William Gallas and
John Terry. Both have really shown extreme good form this season ... William Gallas has
improved by miles and looks set to replace Marcel Desailly at both club as well as national
stage. John Terry has been excellent since coming back from off the field woes and has been
transfer target of many clubs both in the premiership as well abroad. Both stars really
augure well for Chelsea's defence in the coming seasons.
Left Winger:- Any contenstants here ? None other than the brilliant and scincillating RObert
Pires in my eyes. He has real talent ...... was out for a good part of the season due to
injury sustained last season but came back brilliantly to spearhead Arsenal's title charge
along with Henry. This frenchman was arsenal's second highest goal scorer of the season and
with his mazy runs and powerful shots is one of the most feared attacking midfielsers in the
game.
Right Winger:- Another open and shut case .... the right winger of the season for me was
Blackburn's Damien Duff. This irishman really showed his class and talent all year long. He
was the heart of the impressive Blackburn team. He is being chased by all the top clubs and
showed why this season.
Central Midefield : Central midfielders are the heart of any team and the two choices are
surely one of the most important members of their own teams. Man Utd'd Paul Scholes and
Arsenal's Patrick Viera. Both are contrasting in style but really brilliant midfielders.
Paul Scholes has a deadly shot and scores a lot of goals. He is one of the best attacking
midfielders in the world today and he scored a lot of crucial goales for Man Utd this season
especially his hatrick against Newcastle Utd. Patrick Viera on the other hand is the man who
runs the show frm the midfield itself ... not scoring goals but creating most of the goals
his team scores. He sits there in the middle of field ... tackling , passing and creating
chances for other players of his side ...
Strikers:- I dont think anybody would argue with my choices here ... they are pretty much
obvious Arsenal's Thiery Henry and Man Utd's Ruud van Nistelrooy. Both of them have had a
memorable season and have shared nearly all of the awards on the display this season .. be
it Player of the year awards or the Golden Boot award. Boths goals have been the main reason
of their teams success this season.
So the final Team is :-
Goalkeeper:- Brad Friedel ( Blackburn Rovers )
Defenders:- John O Shea ( Man Utd ), Ivan Campo ( Bolton Wanderers ), William Gallas &
John Terry ( both Chelsea )
Midfielers:- Robert Pires (Arsenal),Damien Duff ( Blackburn Rovers ), Patrick Viera (
Arsenal ), Paul Scholes ( Man Utd)
Strikers:- Thierry Henry(Arsenal), Ruud van Nistelrooy ( Man Utd.)
Substitues are :-
Carlo Cudicini ( Chelsea ) GK
Gareth Southgate ( Middlesborough ) Def
Matthew Upson ( Birmingham City ) Def
Chris Powell ( Charlton ) Def
Jermaine Jenas ( Newcastle ) Mid
Scott Parker ( Charlton ) Mid
Frank Lampard ( Chelsea ) Mid
Jay Jay Okocha ( Bolton ) Mid
Gianfranco Zola ( Chelsea ) For
James Beattie ( Southampton ) For
