As the end of the 21st Premier League drew nearer, we asked for your help in putting together a Team of the Season.
Well, you have spoken and the votes have been counted. Below are the 11 players that the readers of Sports Mole have selected to be in their best XI.
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The Spaniard started the season with big questions marks hanging over his head. While his shot-stopping ability was not an issue, many had pinpointed his ability to deal with high balls and his physical presence as real weaknesses. However, commanding performances away from home against the likes of Fulham and Chelsea showed that he has started to adapt to the English game, earning himself 42% of your vote in the process.
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For a number of years previously, Chelsea's Ashley Cole would have won this award. However, Baines rose to prominence last season with consistent performances virtually every week. Not only did he show that he could defend to a high standard, he also proved himself to be a real threat to the opposition in their half, having linked extremely well with Steven Pienaar. The 28-year-old received 52% of your vote, while England rival Cole collected just 10%.
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He may have back problems that need managing correctly from a medical point of view, but such is his ability that whenever United had a big match, Sir Alex Ferguson almost always included Ferdinand in his starting lineup. The 34-year-old has lost a yard of pace, but in terms of reading the game, he won't have had many better campaigns. He went on to repay his manager's faith by scoring the winning goal in the Scot's last ever match in charge of United at Old Trafford.
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While Ferdinand was a certainty to make the team with 50% of the vote, who was going to partner him in the heart of the defence was much closer. It came down to Kompany and Everton's Phil Jagielka, with the Man City skipper winning by just 3%. He may not have been at his very best for the entire season, but when the Belgian was out of the City defence because of injury at the start of 2013, it was no co-incidence that they lost major ground in the title race.
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If there was an award for the Premier League's most improved player, few would deserve it more than the Brazilian. His ability had never been doubted, but his decision-making (or lack thereof) meant that he was liable to pick up needless yellow and red cards. That was cut out of his game last season though and as a result he was a mainstay in the United defence. He also showed that he possessed an eye for goal with great strikes away at Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers. The 22-year-old saw off strong competition from Pablo Zabaleta and Branislav Ivanovic to claim the right-back slot.
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Was there a more nailed-on selection than Tottenham's Welsh attacker? 78% of your vote suggests not. He ended the campaign with 21 goals to his name and some real important ones as well. While no side is a one-man team, Bale's influence on the Spurs lineup was there for all to see when he was injured for a couple of weeks towards the end of the season. Had he remained fit, Tottenham may have edged out their North London rivals Arsenal for a Champions League place.
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Even though Robin van Persie scored a number of crucial goals as Man United won the title at a canter, the playing squad voted Carrick as the Player of the Season. The England international has had his critics, but he won a lot of them over last season with his ability to pick a pass, while also showing that he can be effective in a defensive role. It also worked on you, who rewarded the 31-year-old with 46% of the vote.
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The pint-sized Spaniard arrived on English shores with a reputation as a creative midfield player. While some may have felt the pressure, Cazorla clearly didn't with a return of 12 goals and 13 assists from his 38 outings for the Gunners. It earned him 37% of the vote, beating the likes of his compatriot Michu for place in the team.
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In what was a turbulent year for Chelsea both on and off the pitch, 25-year-old Mata kept his head while some around him had lost theirs. He scored 12 goals, including an important one away at Manchester United which went a long way to securing Champions League football for the Blues next season. He also showed that he was not greedy by laying on 17 goals for his teammates. It resulted in him winning 70% of the vote, while his nearest challenger Theo Walcott picked up just 20%.
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No matter what people think of Suarez the person, his ability as footballer makes him one of the best in world football right now - as shown by him receiving 43% of your vote. In a season that was cut short because of suspension for biting Ivanovic, the Uruguayan found the net on 23 occasions. He also showed that he could score all types of goals, with the highlight being his individual effort during the home match with Newcastle United.
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There wouldn't be many arguments with this statement: Had Man United not signed Van Persie last summer, they would have struggled to regain the Premier League title. He hit 26 goals, which saw him collect the Golden Boot - including an important strike in stoppage time away at rivals Man City back in December. He then netted a hat-trick as United sealed the title against Aston Villa in late April - all of which saw him hog 78% of your votes.
Liam Apicella
