Szczesny- Despite being an Arrogant cnut, there should be no denial to Szczesny’s talent. At the age of 21(which is extremely young for a GK) he has gone on to become Arsenal’s No.1 after impressing at loan to Brentford and then impressing at Arsenal in some fringe matches. Definitely one of the best young GK’s in the world
Walker- Signed by Spurs from Sheffield United(where he became the youngest Blades player to play at Wembley), he has been a revelation at Aston Villa, so much so that he broke into the English Squad at the age of 21 but had to withdraw due to an injury. Naturally attacking right back but a solid defender also, he has been a shining light in Villa’s bad season so far.
Otamendi- Anyone who becomes a regular fixture in Argentinian National Team at the age of 23 deserves a lot of credit. The centre back who can also perform adequately at the right back is a defender in the Rio Ferdinand mould but with the added bonus of scoring goals. His record for Porto(5 goals in 16 matches) is really a phenomenal return for a central defender.
Smalling- Nothing to say, you all know about him
Jordi Alba- An excellent dribbler with pace to burn, the energy to get up and down that wing all day and the ability to pick out an excellent cross. Versatile enough to play as a left back, winger or centre mid with the variety of qualities to play each to a strong level. A late developer without doubt, he got his chance in the Valencia first team following a number of injuries and he made an immediate impression with his energy, technique and willingness to get forward season. An attacking threat that any team should worry about, will not only provide terrific width but has genuine quality in that left foot.
Witsel- Blessed with an impressive physique, a very high technical level and an excellent driving mentality, he is extremely well rounded. A strong short passing game, excellent close control, good dribbling and plenty of flair. Along with this he's got a great engine (well combined with a smart pressing game), is quick across the ground, is physically imposing and strong in the air. Best used as the most adventurous in a midfield three, linking midfield and attack with his passing and intelligent movement, but very comfortable as an orthodox centre mid adding presence and composure in deep areas.
Moussa Sissoko- A midfielder in the Yaya Toure mould. His most used asset is his dribbling and strong running. His passing's extremely crisp, incisive and reliable, his stamina's excellent, his awareness is very good and his tackling is very formidable - alongside a creative holder like Banega, Carrick or Alonso he can flourish, allowing him the freedom to push forward while being able to pick him out in threatening areas with incisive passing. A feature of every France youth team, debuted for the full team last year in a friendly and will continue to establish himself further following a move to a larger European club.
Banega- The Creative hub of my team, Banega has become one of the best midfielders in Spain outside the Top two. On his top form, he is really amongst the most complete midfielders in the world, he won the League with Boca Juniors playing as a Holding Midfielder, however after coming in Spain, he has really transformed into a top creative player. Various Pundits have labelled Maradona’s decision not to include Banega in the WC as his worst decision of his controversial management.
Sanchez- The Jewel of Italian Football, the Chilean since from his teenage days has been labelled as the New Cristiano Ronaldo and for a change this label is somewhat quite accurate. Graduating from the excellent Colo-Colo football academy, he has always been a talented player but has really come into his own at Udinese this season. Moving him to the “in the hole” position by the Udinese manager has been a real masterstroke and his Partnership with Di Natale upfront has smashed all kinds of records. Amongst the finest wingers in the world today
Lucas- Need no more than a succinct description from his manager at u20 level: "Lucas gives the coach the option of changing the team during the game. He can be a second forward, a centralized playmaker, a winger, or even a deep lying midfielder. He plays in direction of the goal. Lucas uses his strength a lot and finishes well too". Added to that he has tremendous pace, a wonderfully low centre of gravity, excellent work rate and a very strong incisive short passing game. He is very impressive with his tackling, regularly winning the ball high up the pitch, and along with Sanchez, Witsel and Sissoko he will be involved in intense pressing.
Caicedo- I wouldn’t write anything about him, I would just quote what Sid Lowe wrote about him a month ago “. He has scored 11 goals this season from just 17 starts. No one else has more than four in the whole team. And it's not as if that's because he has been fed loads of chances, or because he shoots wildly and often. In fact, he has the best shots-per-goal ratio in the league. Sometimes asked to hold the ball up and bring others into play; more often asked to smash his way past defenders almost on his own. Quick, skillful, strong. And unaided.”
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