With the Premier League season concluded Richard Jolly explains his choices for the best of the 2015/16 campaign. Unsurprisingly, champions Leicester City comprise the bulk of the team.
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Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)
Almost joined Real Madrid in the summer, but stayed, starred and won Manchester United’s player-of-the-year award for a third successive season.
Right-back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
While others at the Emirates failed to deceive of performed in fits and starts, Bellerin kicked on. The Spaniard was consistent and dynamic.
Centre-back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
The cornerstone at the back for Mauricio Pochettino. Alderweireld transformed Tottenham’s defensive record and barely committed a foul.
Centre-back: Wes Morgan (Leicester City)
Leicester’s indomitable leader. Morgan grew in stature in a campaign when he emerged as a colossus, striking a blow for old-fashioned centre-backs everywhere.
Left-back: Christian Fuchs (Leicester City)
Edges out the more attack-minded pair of Aaron Cresswell and Danny Rose. Leicester started keeping clean sheets after Claudio Ranieri brought Fuchs in.
Right midfield: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
The PFA Player of the Year and deservedly so. Mahrez was the £450,000 (Dh2.374 million) buy who became the most skilful player in England.
Centre midfield: N’Golo Kante (Leicester City)
A revelation. Almost unknown in England when he arrived, Kante topped the tackling charts and provided the power in the Leicester midfield.
Centre midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Finished last season in League One and this as the PFA Young Player of the Year. Alli was exuberant and exciting, bringing flair and fearlessness.
Left midfield: Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
A wonderful talent. The Frenchman supplied creativity in open play and expert delivery from set pieces to inspire West Ham’s surge.
Centre forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Proved he was no one-season wonder in the most emphatic fashion imaginable. A worthy Golden Boot winner.
Centre forward: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Completed his rags-to-riches tale by scoring in a record 11 consecutive Premier League games and winning the title.